Photo: J Dodson
Photo: J Dodson
Photo: Jess
Plaza Bowl
★4.4(627 reviews)$Bowling
🕑 2-3 hours👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Younger children can safely bowl with bumpers and lightweight balls, while tweens and teens enjoy the arcade games and competitive bowling. Toddlers may struggle with the heavy balls but can still have fun with parental assistance.🧡 Saved by 90+ families
About
Plaza Bowl is a classic family entertainment destination in Prescott that combines old-school bowling fun with modern amenities. With bumper lanes perfect for little ones, an exciting arcade area, and on-site pizza dining, it's an ideal spot for birthday parties, rainy day activities, or just quality family time under one roof.
Highlights
- ✓Bumper bowling lanes designed specifically for young children
- ✓Family-friendly arcade with classic and modern games
- ✓On-site pizza restaurant so you can eat without leaving
- ✓Lightweight bowling balls available for smaller kids
- ✓Birthday party packages with dedicated lanes and food options
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on weekday mornings or early afternoons (especially Tuesday-Thursday) for quieter lanes and more attentive staff help with kids
- 2.Request bumpers and lighter bowling balls when you check in,the staff is very accommodating for young bowlers
- 3.Bring socks for everyone as they're required for bowling shoes; buying them on-site adds extra cost
- 4.Grab a booth near your lane if possible so you can enjoy pizza without leaving the action
- 5.Load up an arcade card with extra credits,the deals are better than paying per-game
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons (Tuesday-Thursday, 10 AM-3 PM) offer the best experience with fewer crowds and shorter wait times. Avoid Friday and Saturday evenings when league play and date nights create long waits.
What to Know
Plaza Bowl accepts walk-ins but calling ahead is recommended on weekends and evenings to reserve lanes. Bowling shoes are provided with lane rental, and the full-service restaurant offers kid-friendly menu options including pizza, making it easy to spend several hours here.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours. This is an excellent rainy day or hot summer afternoon option when outdoor activities aren't comfortable. Check their website for holiday hours around Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Follow Plaza Bowl
Nearby Eats
Prescott's downtown square is just a few minutes away, offering family favorites like The Palace Restaurant & Saloon (historic atmosphere, kid menu) and Bill's Pizza (another great option if you skip the bowling alley food).
More Activities Near Prescott
Restaurant
Goro Ramen & Izakaya
$$❤️6
Goro Ramen & Izakaya brings authentic Japanese comfort food to Prescott with a family-friendly twist. The warm, casual atmosphere makes it easy to dine with kids, while the menu features slurp-worthy ramen bowls and kid-approved noodle dishes that even picky eaters enjoy. It's a refreshing alternative to typical family dining chains, introducing children to new flavors in a welcoming, unpretentious setting.
Adventure
Bean Peak Mountain Bike Gravity Flow Trails
★4.9$❤️137
Bean Peak Mountain Bike Gravity Flow Trails offers an exciting outdoor adventure for families with aspiring young mountain bikers. Located in the scenic Prescott National Forest, this mountain biking destination features trails designed for all skill levels, making it perfect for introducing kids to the sport or letting experienced riders challenge themselves on more technical terrain.
Park
Watson Lake Park
★4.8Free❤️386
Watson Lake Park is a stunning natural playground in Prescott featuring a picturesque lake surrounded by unique granite boulders that kids love to explore and climb. With easy walking trails perfect for little legs, abundant wildlife including ducks and birds to spot, and plenty of open space for picnics and play, it's an ideal destination for families seeking outdoor adventure without strenuous hiking.
Museum
Sharlot Hall Museum
★4.8$❤️40
Step back into Arizona's territorial past at this award-winning outdoor museum complex featuring historic buildings, hands-on exhibits, and expansive gardens that make history tangible for young learners. Kids can explore authentic pioneer cabins, a historic schoolhouse, and interactive exhibits that bring the Old West to life through artifacts, period furnishings, and engaging family programs throughout the year.