Photo: Spare Lanes
Photo: Spare Lanes
Photo: Spare Lanes
Spare Lanes
★3.8(53 reviews)$Bowling
🕑 2-3 hours👶 Best for ages 5 and up. The bumpers make bowling accessible for elementary-age kids who are still developing their skills, while tweens and teens love the arcade games and cool retro atmosphere. Younger kids (3-4) can participate but may need help with the heavier balls.🧡 Saved by 13 families
About
Spare Lanes brings retro bowling fun to downtown Buffalo with a modern twist that's perfect for family game nights. With bumpers available for younger bowlers, arcade games to keep everyone entertained between frames, and on-site food options so you don't have to leave when hunger strikes, it's a complete entertainment package under one roof.
Highlights
- ✓Bumpers available for young bowlers to ensure strikes and spares
- ✓Arcade games for entertainment between bowling frames
- ✓Cool retro atmosphere that makes family game night feel special
- ✓On-site food options so families can make it a complete outing
- ✓Modern scoring system that's easy for kids to follow
Pro Tips
- 1.Request bumpers when you arrive - they make bowling much more fun and less frustrating for kids under 10
- 2.Visit on Thursday evenings (4-10 PM) for a shorter wait and quieter atmosphere compared to busy Friday and Saturday nights
- 3.Bring socks for everyone - bowling shoes are required and proper socks make them more comfortable
- 4.Grab some arcade tokens early so kids have something to do while waiting for lanes or between turns
- 5.Limited weekend hours (opens at 4 PM) mean lanes fill up fast - consider calling ahead to reserve
Best Time to Visit
Thursday evenings are ideal for families seeking a more relaxed experience with shorter waits. Arrive right at 4 PM on Fridays or Saturdays if you prefer weekend visits, as lanes fill quickly and it's their busiest time.
What to Know
The venue is only open select evenings (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) with limited hours, so plan accordingly. Food is available on-site, and they're located in downtown Buffalo with street or garage parking nearby.
Seasonal Notes
Year-round indoor venue, perfect for winter entertainment in Buffalo when outdoor activities are limited. Great rainy day backup plan regardless of season.
Nearby Eats
Check out Pearl Street Grill & Brewery (family-friendly with a kids menu) just a short walk away, or Dinosaur Bar-B-Que for fun casual dining that kids enjoy.
More Activities Near Buffalo
Restaurant
The Saloon
$
The Saloon offers families a relaxed sports bar atmosphere where parents can actually enjoy the game while kids stay happily entertained. With a dedicated kids menu featuring hearty favorites and activities to keep little ones busy, this Buffalo staple welcomes families with open arms in a casual setting where everyone can feel comfortable.
Farm
Niagara County Farm Bureau
Free
The Niagara County Farm Bureau offers families a delightful seasonal farmers market experience where kids can connect with local agriculture while enjoying fresh produce and family-friendly activities. This educational farm destination provides hands-on learning opportunities about where food comes from, making it an ideal outing for families who want to combine shopping for healthy local foods with entertaining and enriching activities for children.
Park
Delaware Park
Free❤️5
Delaware Park is Buffalo's premier urban oasis, offering 350 acres of beautiful green space perfect for family adventures. Kids can explore multiple playgrounds, feed ducks at Hoyt Lake, enjoy scenic bike rides along paved paths, and burn energy with endless room to run, play sports, and picnic under mature trees.
Park
Wendell Castle Workshop
★5.0Free❤️9
This one-of-a-kind art-themed playground in Scottsville transforms outdoor play into a creative adventure with its sculptural climbing structures inspired by renowned furniture designer Wendell Castle. Kids can explore whimsical, artistic play equipment that looks like it belongs in a modern art museum while getting plenty of physical activity in a visually stunning setting.