Half a decade ago, no one was talking about bowling in Nairobi. If anything, there were only a handful of bowling places in Nairobi. Over the years, this recreational sport has taken over the city’s urban culture and even crossed into the dating pool.
If you’ve been in the dating scene for some time, you understand breaking the ice over a meal can be a difficult task – especially if you are meeting your date for the first time. But here’s the truth, ladies and gentlemen: recreational activities make the perfect icebreakers, and bowling, in my experience, takes the top spot.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve only seen the recreational sport in American movies. The more clueless you are, the better. Bowling is actually more fun when you get to learn it with a partner. Other than a fun date idea, it’s also a perfect pass time, especially when looking for fun things to do in a city like Nairobi.
I’ve had the privilege of visiting some of the best bowling places in Nairobi. I’ll share these exciting establishments with you, and hopefully, you’ll enjoy your experiences and even share them with your loved ones.
The following are the best bowling places in Nairobi, Kenya.
Village Bowl
You’ll love Village Bowl if you are looking to have fun and memorable times with friends and family. It’s located in Village Market, Nairobi, and features an ultra-modern 11-lane Brunswick bowling facility.
That’s not all. The establishment has invested in special lighting, attractive murals, artistic themes, and music to keep you entertained, pumping your excitement as you enjoy this recreational sport.
If you want to visit and watch your friends and loved ones enjoy bowling at Village Bowl, you can relax and hang out at their Cadillac-themed lounges, enjoy drinks, and take in the urban vibes.
The facility also offers private party rooms (for hire) where visitors can host special events like birthdays. The facility serves a wide range of fast foods, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
PS: Forgive me for being blunt, but remember to carry a clean pair of socks (especially if you are on a date). In the event you clumsily wear different pairs and feel a little embarrassed, Village Bowl sells them at the establishment. Also, it could get a little crowded over the weekend; weekdays make the perfect experience.
Working Hours: Monday to Wednesday: 10 am—9:30 pm; Thursday: 10 am—10:30 pm; Friday – Sunday: 10 am to 11:30 pm.
Charges: KES 800 on weekends and KES 600 on Weekdays. Offpeak (on Thursdays) KES 350.
Location: Village Market, Limuru Road, Nairobi.
Contact: (+254) 20 7122476. Email: fun@villagemarket-kenya.com.
Pins Entertainment (Sarit Centre)
Pins Entertainment is a recreational arcade in Sarit Center, Westlands, with a wide variety of fun activities. The main attraction and gaming arcade is Bowling. However, the establishment also features pool tables, virtual golf, a kids’ area (with Sony Playstations), and private spaces for small events like birthdays.
You’ll definitely love the ambiance at Pins Entertainment (Sarit Centre). The establishment took some time to decorate the facility with humongous artsy pins all over the walls and ceilings. It’s quite a spectacle with the different hues that greet your eyes once you walk into the arcade.
I love the relaxed vibe at Pins Entertainment. The decorations (glow lights) make for an awesome experience. The location is also convenient and accessible to most Nairobi residents and guests around and within the Westlands.
PS: If you want to get French fries with your games, don’t order the loaded fries. Instead, head to the poutine. Most visitors felt the fries there were crispier and had better extras.
Pins Entertainment in Sarit Centre is very popular, especially on the weekends. It can get super crowded, too – which says a lot about the value of the money you get.
Working Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10 am to 11 pm.
Charges: KES 600 (Weekends/ Peak) and KES 350 (Weekdays/Offpeak).
Location: 1st Floor, Sarit Center, Lower Kabete Road, Westlands, Nairobi.
Contact: (+254) 780 1010 010; (+254) 740 101 010. Email: info@saritcentre.com.
Strikez Bowling
If you want to enjoy a fun bowling experience and a party mashup in Nairobi, I’d advise you to check out Strikez Bowling. This establishment offers the perfect balance between the two experiences.
That’s not all. The bowling facility in Nairobi features a 10-lane bowling alley, which places it close to the top when it comes to the best bowling places in Nairobi and Kenya. If you are feeling the cool urban Nairobi culture, I’d advise you to experience Strikez Bowling.
The establishment also features a DJ playing cool tunes and a variety of fast foods and drinks that visitors can enjoy while they enjoy their favorite recreational sport.
In addition to bowling, Strikez Bowling has nine pool tables, air hockey, and foosball. This establishment also has one of the most affordable bowling rates in the city. Also, this establishment has the most charismatic, organized, and friendly staff—their spaces are always very tidy and neat.
Working Hours: Daily 10 am to 11 pm.
Charges: KES 600 (Weekends/Peak) and KES 350 (Weekdays/Offpeak).
Location: Westgate Mall, Mwanzi Road, Westlands, Nairobi.
Contact: (+254) 716 274 798. Email: info@strikez.co.ke.
Playland Amusement Park (Nextgen Mall)
If you have kids and want to enjoy some bowling, I’d recommend trying out Playland Amusement Park at Nextgen Mall along Mombasa Road. It’s one of the best bowling places in Nairobi for adults with children. The arcade is divided into two sections – the top floor caters to adults, while the lower level is dedicated to children’s games (trampoline, ropes course, etc.).
Therefore, if you are visiting with kids (1 – 10 years old), you could book them into the Unlimited Child package, which gives them access to all kids’ activities for one fee. The upper floor is mature and features a bowling alley and pool tables, where adults can have some fun while their kids scream their lungs out with excitement upstairs.
The Playland Amusement Park bowling facility has 6 lanes – but you are still guaranteed to have an amazing time. The establishment also features a bar and restaurant where you can grab some fast food or drinks to accompany your experience bowling.
Working Hours: Daily 10 am to 10 pm.
Charges: Childcare package (unlimited games) KES 1,500, Bowling KES 850 (per game).
Location: Nextgen Mall, Along Mombasa Road, Nairobi.
Contact: (+254) 736 549 284.
Strike Arcade
Strike Arcade is one of the best bowling places in Nairobi. It’s located at the Waterfront Karen, in the swanky neighborhood of Karen. It’s a favorite of expatriates, tourists, and local residents living within the region.
Like the other facilities we’ve discussed, Strike Arcade is more than just a bowling arena. The establishment also offers other recreational sporting activities, including pool tables.
Visitors can also book dedicated private spaces for small events like birthdays and corporate events. The facility also features lounges where you can hang out and enjoy the urban vibes it offers. It also has a bar and restaurant where you can enjoy food and drinks. To add to the vibe, the music at this establishment receives a lot of acclaim.
PS: This facility gets a lot of praise for its cocktails. But on the downside, there have been concerns that this magnificent facility might have issues with the gaming machines’ maintenance. We hope that by the time you read this candid review, they are fully operational and up to standard.
Working Hours: Daily, 11 am to 9 pm.
Charges: KES 350 (Weekdays/Offpeak), KES 500 (Weekends/Peak).
Location: The Waterfront Karen, Karen, Nairobi.
Contact: (+254) 705 331 116. Email: strikearcade@gmail.com.