


AMF Southtown Lanes
About
AMF Southtown Lanes offers classic family bowling fun with kid-friendly amenities that make it easy for even the youngest bowlers to enjoy the game. With bumper lanes to keep balls out of the gutters, an arcade packed with games, and a full bar and grill serving comfort food, parents can relax knowing there's entertainment and food all under one roof for a complete family outing.
Highlights
- ✓Bumper bowling lanes that help young kids experience success and keep the game fun
- ✓Video arcade with modern and classic games for between-frame entertainment
- ✓Full bar and grill with kid-friendly menu items delivered to your lane
- ✓Cosmic bowling sessions with black lights and music on weekend evenings
- ✓Birthday party packages with dedicated party hosts and private lanes
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on weekends (right at noon opening) to snag lanes before the birthday party rush hits around 2-3 PM
- 2.Ask about bumpers when you check in,staff can turn them on for just the kids while adults bowl without them on the same lane
- 3.Bring socks for everyone as bowling shoes are required, and purchasing socks on-site adds to the cost
- 4.Load up an arcade card with extra credits on Tuesdays when they often run game specials and bonus deals
- 5.Request a ramp for very young bowlers (ages 4-6) to help them roll the ball down the lane without dropping it
Best Time to Visit
Tuesday through Thursday afternoons (after the noon opening) offer the lightest crowds and best lane availability. Avoid Friday and Saturday evenings when cosmic bowling events and teen groups fill the venue. Sunday afternoons right after opening are surprisingly calm for families.
What to Know
Expect to pay per game per person plus shoe rentals (typically $5-7 per person for shoes). The on-site bar and grill serves pizza, burgers, and chicken fingers that can be delivered right to your lane. Parking is plentiful in the Southtown Center lot.
Seasonal Notes
Year-round indoor facility with no seasonal closures. Summer weekday mornings sometimes feature special kids bowl free programs. Holiday weeks (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break) tend to be busier than usual, so book lanes in advance.
Nearby Eats
The Mall of America is just minutes away with an enormous food court and restaurants like Bubba Gump Shrimp or Rainforest Cafe. For a quick family meal closer by, Southtown Center has several casual dining options within walking distance.
More Activities Near Bloomington
SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium
SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium offers an immersive underwater adventure where kids can walk through a 300-foot ocean tunnel surrounded by sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays. The interactive touch pools let children get hands-on with sea stars and anemones, while engaging displays teach families about marine conservation in a fun, accessible way.
Chick-fil-A Play Areas
Chick-fil-A Play Areas in Bloomington offer the perfect combination of a quick family meal and active playtime for energetic kids. The spotlessly clean indoor play structures provide a safe, climate-controlled environment where children can climb, slide, and burn off energy while parents enjoy their meal or catch a breath. It's an ideal pit stop during shopping trips or a convenient lunch destination when you need both food and entertainment under one roof.
The Jungle
The Jungle is a vibrant indoor play paradise in Bloomington where toddlers and young children can climb, slide, and explore to their hearts' content. With colorful climbing structures, exciting slides, bouncy ball pits, and age-appropriate activities, this climate-controlled facility offers the perfect energy outlet for little ones regardless of Minnesota's weather outside.
SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium - Touch Pool
The SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium Touch Pool offers an unforgettable hands-on marine experience where kids can actually touch and interact with starfish, rays, and other fascinating sea creatures under expert supervision. Located in the heart of Bloomington's Mall of America, this interactive exhibit transforms children from passive observers into active marine explorers, creating memorable moments that spark curiosity about ocean life.