Lewis HiceSometimes after running errands on weekends, whether it’s dropping by the machine shop or swinging by the car wash, I head out for strikes with friends.
It’s the perfect activity to unwind after a long week, and you just can’t beat the rush of friendly competition — especially when the loser has to treat everyone to dinner.
Check out my go-to bowling spots in Jacksonville for an enjoyable game session, each offering a wide variety of amenities for the whole gang!
1. Jax Lanes Bowling Center
Media credit: Jax Bowling Center
Website: https://jaxlanes.com/
Address: 8720 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville
Contact Details: +19046412222
Operating Hours:
- Mon–Thurs: 12:00pm – 12:00am
- Fri–Sat: 11:00am – 1:00am
- Sun: 11:00am – 11:00pm
Admission Costs:
- Starts at $5 per person per game
- Starts $30 per lane per hour
- Offers a $3 promo on weekdays
I’ve been looking for a place where I can bring my family for a quick hangout, and Jax Lanes Bowling Center is great for friend group hangouts, and family get-togethers because there’s surely an activity for every age.
Apart from their bowling lanes, they also have an arcade center that’s perfect for younger cousins or siblings — and yes, even karaoke!
Finding a family-friendly place can be a bit tricky nowadays, so we greatly appreciate that Jax Lanes restricts underage drinking on the premises.
Jax Lanes is pretty accessible, too. My family and I got excited about their $3 promo because, to be honest, we’re still cheapskates.
Pro tip:
They close late on weekdays through Saturdays, so if you want to get the most out of their $3 promo, consider coming in late at night. My friends and I follow this plan most days!
2. Batt Family Fun Center
Media credit: keepingupwiththecantins
Website: https://battfamilyfuncenter.com/
Address: 1838 Cassat Ave, Jacksonville
Contact details: +19043892360
Operating Hours:
- Mon–Thurs: 10:00am – 11:00pm
- Fri–Sat: 10:00am – 1:00am
- Sun: 11:00am – 11:00pm
Admission Costs: Starts at $6.99 with shoes on Wednesdays
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I always want to have plenty of options when I’m just chilling out during my free time, so Batt Family Fun Center is perfect for those days. They have a wide variety of activities apart from bowling — from laser tag and the arcade to billiards and mini golf.
You’re sure to be entertained one way or another.
What’s exciting is that they’re also open to holding parties. Whether it’s a company party, a grown-up party, or even a kid’s party, they’re open to being booked for these occasions.
I love that they’re also open until late at night on Fridays and Saturdays because these are the days that make up most of my free time. I get to enjoy the place as much as I want.
Pro tip:
Their mini golf area involves blacklight, so if you’re bothered by such lighting, opt for a different feature instead. Their arcade and billiards are good alternatives.
3. Bowlero Southside
Media credit: Bowlero Southside
Website: https://www.bowlero.com/
Address: 11141 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville
Contact Details: +19042713226 ; [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Mon–Wed: 5:00pm – 10:00pm
- Thurs: 1:00pm – 10:00pm
- Fri: 5:00pm – 12:00am
- Sat: 12:00pm – 12:00am
- Sun: 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Admission Costs: Starts at $20.99 for their unlimited bowling special
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It’s a welcome treat if a bowling center has great food, and Bowlero provides great quality. We always come back for more, not just for bowling, but even just for the pizza.
My friend Kate once held her bachelorette party at the center, and seeing their photos got me jealous of their celebration. Their food’s not just delicious; it’s also very Instagrammable, which is what I’m usually drawn to.
You wouldn’t want to miss their Power Tower, too, especially if you’re a big beer fan. It’s a must-have when it comes to bowling celebrations, but just make sure minors aren’t around.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to try their Dunk Tank, too. It’s a colorful drink in a big fish bowl, served with multiple straws, so you can share it with your friends.
4. Main Event Jacksonville
Media credit: Media Event
Website: https://www.mainevent.com/locations/florida/jacksonville/
Address: 10370 Philips Hwy, Jacksonville
Contact Details: +19042607500
Operating Hours:
- Mon: 11:00am – 1:00am
- Tues–Thurs and Sun: 11:00am – 12:00am
- Fri: 11:00am – 2:00am
- Sat: 9:00am – 2:00am
Admission Costs: Starts at $19.99
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I went to Main Event on a weekend, so it was a busy day, but the staff were incredibly patient, friendly, and helpful — yes, even for first-timers. The place was clean, vibrant and welcoming, so it’s great for those who haven’t bowled before.
While their bowling alleys are a bit outdated, I’d like to think of it as old school. It’s perfect for fuss-free games without any distractions.
They have a diverse lineup of activities like laser tag, billiards, arcade, and mini golf. I was surprised that they even have had a Star Wars experience in virtual reality. My friend Nate is a huge geek, and he had so much fun with it.
They also have unique offerings like escape rooms and a human crane, which was interesting to see in a bowling center.
Pro tip:
The place can get overwhelming because of all the available activities, especially if you decide to go on a packed day. It’s best to explore the space before grabbing a bite to eat, so you know where to start.
5. Beach Bowl
Media credit: Beach Bowl
Website: https://www.beachbowljax.com/
Address: 818 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach
Contact Details: +19049002695
Operating Hours:
- Mon–Thurs: 11:00am – 1:00am
- Fri: 11:00am – 2:00am
- Sat: 10:00am – 2:00am
- Sun: 10:00am – 12:00am
Beach Bowl has a relaxed yet energetic vibe. Their automated scoring is convenient, especially when you lose track of your scores because you’re having too much fun.
Their lanes are well-maintained, and you can get rental shoes in good condition.
They’re not just your average bowling alley, though, because they host various parties for everyone, like a Taylor Swift listening party and even a Love Island watch party. They sure do know how to keep things fresh for their customers!
They also have a jam-packed arcade with 30 games, and the food is delish. I love going for their Pablo Patty burger because it’s juicy, and I can upgrade the sides to tots or a salad for just an additional $2.
Pro tip:
Beach Bowl has limited parking slots, but they do have a bike rack, so consider taking yours for a ride. You could also opt for an Uber or a Lyft, especially if you’ll be staying late for a party.
