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Round1 Bowling & Arcade Gateway Mall amusement center in Lincoln, NE
Photo: Jonathan Amaya-Batres
View of Round1 Bowling & Arcade Gateway Mall in Lincoln, NE
Photo: Vu Dinh
View of Round1 Bowling & Arcade Gateway Mall in Lincoln, NE
Photo: Benjamin Ferguson

Round1 Bowling & Arcade Gateway Mall

3.9(1,331 reviews)$Bowling
🕑 3-4 hours👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Younger kids (4-8) love the arcade games, prize redemption, and bumper bowling, while tweens and teens enjoy the karaoke rooms, competitive arcade games, and more challenging bowling. Toddlers can participate with help but may get overwhelmed by the busy atmosphere.

About

Round1 Bowling & Arcade at Gateway Mall is a one-stop entertainment destination that combines bowling, an extensive video arcade, karaoke rooms, and even Japanese dining options under one roof. With bumper bowling for little ones, hundreds of arcade games with prize redemption, and late hours for weekend family fun, it's perfect for birthday parties, rainy day entertainment, or just letting the kids burn energy while parents grab a bite at the ramen restaurant.

Highlights

  • Massive arcade with hundreds of games including classic and modern video games, prize claw machines, and ticket redemption
  • Family-friendly bowling with bumper lanes and lightweight balls for young children
  • Private karaoke rooms available for rent,fun for families who want to sing together
  • On-site ramen restaurant and ice cream shop so you can make it a full meal-and-entertainment outing
  • Late hours (open until 2-3 AM) making it one of the few family entertainment options for night owl families

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Arrive right when they open at 10 AM on weekdays to avoid crowds and snag bowling lanes without a wait,it gets significantly busier after 2 PM and on weekends
  2. 2.Purchase a play card package instead of pay-per-game; the combo deals offer better value if you're planning to spend 2+ hours in the arcade
  3. 3.Request bumper bowling and lightweight balls for younger children,staff can set this up quickly to avoid gutter ball frustration
  4. 4.The facility stays open until 2-3 AM, making it a unique option for late-night family fun on weekends with older kids who don't have early bedtimes
  5. 5.Birthday party packages include bowling, arcade credits, and food,book at least 2 weeks ahead for weekend slots as they fill up quickly

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings (10 AM-12 PM) offer the quietest experience with easy lane availability and shorter arcade game lines. Avoid Friday and Saturday evenings when it's packed with teens and party groups. Sunday afternoons can be busy but have a more family-friendly crowd.

What to Know

Pricing includes pay-per-game bowling (around $5-7 per person per game) or hourly lane rentals, plus arcade games on a rechargeable play card system. The venue has its own ramen restaurant, ice cream shop, and snack bar on-site, and there's ample free parking at Gateway Mall.

Seasonal Notes

Open year-round with consistent hours. A great indoor option during Nebraska's cold winters and hot summers. Check their website for special holiday promotions and themed events during spring break and summer vacation.

Nearby Eats

Gateway Mall has numerous dining options including Chick-fil-A, Panda Express, and other food court favorites within walking distance. For sit-down meals, try Runza (a Nebraska staple) or Buffalo Wild Wings nearby for kid-friendly menus.

More Activities Near Lincoln

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Frames Bowling Lounge

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Frames Bowling Lounge offers classic bowling fun combined with arcade games and on-site dining, making it a perfect one-stop entertainment destination for families in Lincoln. While it operates as a lounge and nightclub in evening hours, earlier time slots provide a family-friendly atmosphere where kids can enjoy bowling on well-maintained lanes, challenge each other at arcade games, and refuel with casual food options.

Activity

Lincoln City Library Hdqs

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Lincoln City Library Headquarters is a fantastic free resource for families, offering an extensive children's section filled with books, educational materials, and interactive spaces. The library system regularly hosts engaging story times, seasonal programs, and year-round activities designed to spark young imaginations and foster a love of reading.

Restaurant

Buzzard Billy's

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Buzzard Billy's brings the vibrant energy of the bayou to Lincoln with its whimsical decor, fun games, and kid-friendly Cajun-inspired menu. The restaurant's quirky atmosphere,complete with colorful artwork and themed dining spaces,keeps children entertained while parents enjoy flavorful casual fare ranging from gator bites to classic burgers.

Museum

Morrill Hall

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Morrill Hall brings science to life through captivating planetarium shows, immersive OMNIMAX films on a giant screen, and hands-on exhibits that encourage curious minds to explore. Located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus, this interactive science museum offers families an engaging blend of natural history, astronomy, and educational entertainment that makes learning an adventure.