Entertainment options are plentiful in South County, as the area is full of fantastic ways to spend your time. Most locals have their favorites beaches, restaurants, fishing holes, hiking areas, and parks, but indoor activities are abundant, too.
For example, South County has a decent bowling scene, as there are four major centers where you can head for an evening of family fun. The alley you select will likely depend on your location, and it’s worth noting that nearby Warwick and Newport also have some lanes you can try.
Here’s a look at the four bowling alleys you’ll find in South County, Rhode Island, with some information on what to expect after walking through their doors.
1) Alley Katz Bowling Center
Alley Katz Bowling Center is a large ten-pin facility on Granite Street near downtown Westerly that’s a popular spot for locals to hang out. It’s also easy to find because it’s part of the Granite Street Shopping Center.
This venue hosts multiple bowling leagues, so something is going on almost every night of the week. You don’t have to be a competitive player to participate in a league, though, because there are recreational options if that’s more your speed.
Of course, Alley Katz is open to the public, and they provide bowling lessons for those who have never tried the sport before. You can hold your next party at the facility, and they’ll work with you to develop a menu and plan for your special night.
There’s an on-site restaurant and pub at Alley Katz, too. This establishment offers the opportunity to have some dinner and drinks before, after, or during your bowling games, making it a great stop on your next date night.
2) Old Mountain Lanes
Downtown Wakefield is home to Old Mountain Lanes, a facility offering a similar ten-pin experience to what you’d find at Alley Katz.
Old Mountain Lanes has leagues for competitive adults, beginners, and children so that you can get involved at any age or skill level. You can also book a party or enter a tournament at this facility.
When visiting with your kids, you’ll be happy to know that there’s an on-site arcade, making it easier to keep everyone occupied while you bowl. They have a great restaurant, too, if you’re looking for somewhere to spend an entire evening.
As a bonus, you can sign up for a timed bowling experience at Old Mountain Lanes. This option gives you a full hour of bowling on a particular lane at a pre-determined price. You can play as many games as you can fit into that hour without having to pay anything extra.
Overall, Old Mountain Lanes is an outstanding option if you live in the Wakefield area.
3) Wickford Lanes
You’ll come across a different experience when bowling at Wickford Lanes for multiple reasons.
First, this venue is very basic, as it doesn’t have a restaurant or pub. They serve snacks and a limited selection of drinks, so this is a bowling alley first and foremost rather than a place to spend an evening.
In addition, Wickford Lanes offers duckpin bowling instead of traditional ten-pin. The gist is that duckpin bowling utilizes a smaller ball, much like you’d see in five-pin bowling. It still has ten pins, but they’re shorter and wider to make up for the smaller ball.
Finally, Wickford Lanes, perhaps because it only offers bowling, is less expensive than the other centers in town. You can sign up for leagues or show up to play a couple of quick games with friends and family, but you’ll pay less for the experience.
Wickford Lanes is located on Post Road, just north of downtown Wickford Village, making it a convenient spot for North Kingstown residents to visit.
4) Kingstown Bowl
Also located on Post Road in North Kingstown is Kingstown Bowl, a full-service facility with an on-site pub and restaurant. This ten-pin venue hosts league games throughout the week but remains open to the public. They make it easy to book a private party or gathering, as well.
Kingstown Bowl is particularly popular with college students looking for a night out, and they offer specials for those with college IDs on various nights of the week. O’Connor’s Pub is likely one reason for the young crowd because it has live music, pool tables, and DJs and stays open late on weekends. It’s also a sports bar, so you can head there to watch the big game.
Making the Most of South County
It’s never dull living in South County because the area has recreational experiences that are sure to appeal to everyone. Of course, Rhode Island’s coastline is one of the most scenic oceanfront regions in the country, but there’s more to this part of the state than meets the eye.
South Country’s bowling scene is just another bonus you’ll find after buying a home in the area. Whether you’re looking to join a league or only want to play a few occasional games with your family, you’ll find a facility that meets your needs near your new home.