Photo: Anna Sargsyan
Photo: Innovative Constructions
Photo: Gabriel Ratliff
Back Alley Bowling - Glendale
★4.3(917 reviews)$Bowling
🕑 2-3 hours👶 Best for ages 4-14. Younger kids thrive with the bumper lanes and lighter bowling balls, while tweens and teens love the arcade games and the independence of bowling with friends. Toddlers under 4 may struggle with the weight of even kid-sized bowling balls.🧡 Saved by 14 families
About
Back Alley Bowling in Glendale is a classic bowling alley that hits all the right notes for family fun. With bumper lanes that keep the ball out of the gutters, an arcade packed with games, and a full snack bar to refuel hungry bowlers, it's a one-stop entertainment destination that keeps kids engaged for hours while parents can actually enjoy themselves too.
Highlights
- ✓Bumper lanes that guarantee gutter-free fun for young bowlers
- ✓Video arcade with classic and modern games
- ✓Full-service snack bar with kid favorites like pizza and chicken tenders
- ✓Lightweight bowling balls specifically sized for children
- ✓Late hours on weekends for special family nights out
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on weekday mornings or early afternoons to avoid the evening league bowlers and weekend crowds when lanes can be hard to snag
- 2.Bring socks for everyone - bowling shoes are required and you'll need socks to wear them comfortably
- 3.Load up an arcade card with extra credits since individual game prices add up quickly, and kids will definitely want multiple rounds
- 4.Request bumpers for the whole family - even adults find it more fun when everyone can actually hit some pins
- 5.Arrive during the Sunday 9 AM opening for the quietest, most relaxed family bowling experience
Best Time to Visit
Sunday or weekday mornings between 9-11 AM offer the calmest atmosphere before afternoon crowds arrive. Avoid Friday and Saturday evenings when the alley fills with teens and adults, and steer clear of weekday evenings when bowling leagues take over most lanes.
What to Know
The venue serves food and drinks from their bar and grill, so you can easily grab pizza, burgers, and fries without leaving. Street parking is available on Glendale Avenue, and there's typically additional parking in nearby lots.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours. This is an ideal rainy day or hot summer afternoon activity when outdoor play isn't appealing. Check their website for holiday hours during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Nearby Eats
Porto's Bakery & Cafe (about 1 mile away) is a Glendale institution with amazing pastries and Cuban sandwiches that kids love. For sit-down dining, try Damon's Steakhouse nearby which has a surprisingly good kids' menu beyond typical steakhouse fare.
More Activities Near Glendale
Park
Brand Park
★4.8Free❤️87
Brand Park is a spacious Glendale gem offering families a perfect blend of open green spaces, cultural attractions, and seasonal events. With its historic Brand Library, Japanese Tea House, playground areas, and wide-open lawns ideal for picnicking and running around, this park provides something for every family member to enjoy in a beautiful hillside setting.
Nature
Deukmejian Wilderness Park
★4.8Free❤️166
Deukmejian Wilderness Park offers families an accessible escape into nature right in Glendale, with well-maintained hiking trails that range from easy stroller-friendly paths to more challenging climbs for adventurous kids. The park's scenic mountain views, shaded picnic areas, and seasonal creek make it perfect for families looking to introduce children to hiking without venturing far from the city.
Playground
City of Glendale Community Services & Parks
★4.8Free
This well-maintained community park in Glendale offers the perfect combination of active play and relaxation for families. The modern playground equipment caters to various ages, while the seasonal splash pad provides refreshing fun during hot California summers. Parents appreciate the ample shaded picnic areas that make it easy to spend several hours here comfortably.
Sports
Dodger Stadium
★4.7$$❤️78
Dodger Stadium offers guided tours that take families behind the scenes of one of baseball's most iconic venues. Kids can walk through the dugout, visit the press box, and explore areas usually off-limits during games while learning about the legendary Dodgers' rich history spanning over 60 years in Los Angeles.