Is there anything more nostalgic than a bowling alley? The sounds, the smells, the shoes. Bowling really is a timeless game (or some would argue- a sport) that can be enjoyed by multiple generations of family and friends alike. Bowling can bring together people of varying abilities, ages and skill for the one common goal of good clean fun, and maybe a little competition. There are several great bowling alleys in Austin but here are a few of our favorites:
Our Fave Bowling Alleys in Austin (proper):
Highland Lanes | 8909 Burnet Rd Austin, TX 78757
We’re starting out strong with our favorite spot for bowling in Austin, Highland Lanes! It’s been an Austin staple for the last 48 years and is unique in that it offers both nostalgia in decor and pricing to ensure you can have a great time and at prices that won’t break your family’s budget! We also appreciate the cleanliness of this spot! If you haven’t bowled at Highland yet make some time to go before the Fall of 2025, as they will be closing their doors after almost 5 decades. But for now, they host parties, offer food/drinks with an in-house grill (that’s delicious) and have daily specials too! More can be found on their website or give them a call!
Pinstack | 500 W Canyon Ridge Dr, Austin, TX 78753
Now, as much as we love and appreciate an older retro bowling alley, we can also enjoy the perks of the beautiful Pinstack bowling alley. It is quite the experience and provides a range of engaging activities for a fun night out. Is on of your kiddos not into bowling? Well, maybe the 24 foot rock wall can keep them entertained while the family battles it out on the lanes. Pinstack also offers laser tag, bumper cars, virtual reality games, and classic arcade games to boot! Or if you’re looking for a way to bring the family together try out the ropes course which sits 20 foot high over the game room. They offer great food, private dining spaces, and even large event spaces for work events or larger groups! Don’t sleep on this alley, it’s quickly become a local favorite since opening the doors in 2015.
Punch Bowl Social | 11310 Domain Dr. Suite 100 Austin, TX 78758
Are you looking for a little bit of everything? Need a place to appease the teenagers and the littles? Punch Bowl Social has got you covered. During the day they even offer a Kids Bowl Free Program from 11am – 2pm which is such a great deal! If bowling isn’t your favorite activity they also offer an array of games including arcades, table games, darts, cornhole, shuffleboard and pool! Hungry? Their in-house restaurant and bar is top notch offering a little bit of everything even the kids will enjoy! Punch Bowl also makes for a great date night spot and has two locations one downtown and one in the Domain!
Austin’s (or as some of us know it Austin’s Park and Pizza) is an excellent choice for a day or night of bowling. Warning – this place has it all and your kiddos will want to do it all! So prepare to spend several hours in this 23 acre entertainment park. Bowling is just one of the many games they offer and the ambiance is in a league of it’s own. It’s hard not to enjoy every game they offer from a Las Vegas themed putt putt course, to go-carts and bumper boats, it’s really fun for the whole gang. They offer daily specials too which makes it more affordable, we highly recommend!
High 5 Austin | 2700 W Anderson Ln #101 Austin, TX 78757
This location features 8 vintage bowling lanes with touchscreen automatic scoring, interactive axe throwing, Topgolf Swing Suite, virtual reality, pool, darts, karaoke, and more, paired with a full bar and a handcrafted, specialty men!
Our Faves just outside of Austin:
Spare Time Texas | 1724 FM 685 Pflugerville, TX 78660
If you’re a North Austin or Pflugerville Mama you’ve got to check our Spare Times Texas! I personally love this alley because it’s not a huge overwhelming event center. Instead, Spare Times Texas offers an inviting atmosphere for all ages. Do your little enjoy an arcade? This one is the perfect size! Do your bigs love laser tag? STT has a two store arena for the most fun! The bowling alleys are modern, clean and spacious for the whole family. In the center they have a full service bar and restaurant that I find surprisingly affordable. Are you looking for something more private? Reserve a lane in their smaller exclusive private alley Pin House! I think this is our second favorite behind Highland Lanes! *Free bowling for kids during the day every summer also!
Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill | 200 Bass Pro Dr, Round Rock, TX 78665
This unique alley is attached to Bass Pro Shop in Round Rock! This one is the most unique of all our options listed here. Many of the lanes offer an underwater theme and even the bowling balls are in on the fun, many of which are decorated with octopus, mermaids and some are even camouflage! This will for sure be a hit with the kiddos. The scenery in Uncle Buck’s submerges you in underwater scenes including sea turtles, stingrays and hand painted murals. You really have to experience it to grasp how fun and inviting this place can be.
Kalahari Round Rock | 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665
Okay, we know what you’re thinking… not Kalahari AGAIN but…it really is THAT good. B-Lux Bowling is located inside the Tom Foolery theme park indoors at Kalahari in Round Rock. This would have to be the pricier of our options listed but if you’e going for experience this one is IT! Full service bar and restaurant, clean and fun atmosphere and beautiful booths and lanes, we really enjoy B-Lux and think it’s worth a splurge occasionally! You’ve got to make reservations if you plan to go on the weekends because this place fills up!
