Kings Dining & Entertainment
About
Kings Dining & Entertainment offers the perfect all-in-one destination for families looking to combine dining with active fun. This upscale-yet-welcoming entertainment complex features bowling lanes, an extensive arcade, billiards, ping pong tables, and a full-service restaurant all under one roof, making it ideal for birthdays, rainy days, or just a memorable family outing in Boston's Back Bay.
Highlights
- ✓State-of-the-art bowling lanes with bumpers and lightweight balls for kids
- ✓Large arcade with classic and modern video games plus redemption prizes
- ✓Full-service restaurant with kid-friendly menu options and shareable appetizers
- ✓Ping pong and billiards tables for variety beyond bowling
- ✓Private party rooms available for birthdays and special celebrations
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit during weekday afternoons (3-6 PM) for a more family-friendly atmosphere before the evening crowd arrives
- 2.Book bowling lanes in advance online, especially on weekends, as walk-in wait times can exceed an hour
- 3.Load arcade cards with bonus deals available at the front desk to save money on game play
- 4.Request bumpers and lightweight bowling balls for younger children when checking in at the lanes
- 5.Valet parking is available, but self-parking in the nearby Prudential Center garage often saves time with kids in tow
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons from 3-6 PM or weekend mornings (11:30 AM-1 PM on Saturday/Sunday) offer the most family-friendly environment. Avoid Friday and Saturday evenings after 8 PM when the venue shifts to a more adult-oriented sports bar atmosphere.
What to Know
Bowling lane rentals are priced per hour (typically $50-75 depending on day/time) rather than per game. The restaurant offers a full kids' menu with burgers, chicken tenders, and pizza. Parking is available in the adjacent Prudential Center complex.
Seasonal Notes
Indoor venue makes this a perfect year-round destination, especially popular on rainy or cold winter days. Gets busier during school vacation weeks and holidays, so reservations are essential. Summer weekday afternoons tend to be quieter.
Nearby Eats
The Prudential Center food court (2-minute walk) offers quick kid favorites like Shake Shack and Eataly, while Legal Sea Foods in the same building provides table service with an excellent kids' menu.
More Activities Near Boston
Public Garden
Boston's Public Garden is a storybook come to life, featuring the famous Make Way for Ducklings bronze statues that kids can climb on and the iconic Swan Boats gliding across the lagoon. With wide pathways perfect for strollers, squirrels to chase, and gorgeous seasonal blooms, this Victorian garden offers a peaceful urban oasis where families can enjoy picnics, spot turtles, and let little ones burn energy in a safe, beautiful setting.
Citizens Opera House
The Citizens Opera House is a stunning historic theater in Boston's Theater District that brings Broadway magic to families. With its ornate architecture and world-class productions ranging from beloved Disney musicals to classic shows, it offers an unforgettable theatrical experience that introduces children to the magic of live performance in a grand, awe-inspiring setting.
Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
The Arnold Arboretum offers 281 acres of wide-open spaces where kids can run free while exploring one of North America's most diverse tree collections. With gently rolling hills perfect for sledding in winter, winding paths for family bike rides, and meadows ideal for picnicking, this Harvard-managed botanical garden provides a perfect blend of education and outdoor adventure without the admission fee.
Piers Park
Piers Park is an East Boston waterfront gem that combines active play with stunning harbor views. This well-maintained park offers multiple ways for kids to burn energy,from its modern playground to the popular splash pad,all while parents enjoy Instagram-worthy vistas of Boston's downtown skyline across the water.