Bowling has become a favorite indoor activity in Nairobi, offering the perfect mix of fun, relaxation, and a touch of competition. Whether you’re looking for a couple outing, a date idea, or simply a weekend plan with friends, the city is home to several exciting bowling alleys that blend entertainment with great food and ambiance.
Here, I will guide you through 13 of the best bowling places or areas in Nairobi where you can get a strike and enjoy an unforgettable experience.
1. Bowling at Village Market
Village Bowl, located inside Village Market in Gigiri, is one of the best bowling joints in Nairobi. It has state-of-the-art bowling lanes, neon lighting, and a lively atmosphere that also makes it a great hangout spot. Bowling at village market, favors both a pro or an amateur, the automatic scoring and lane bumpers make it possible for anyone to have a good time.
In addition to bowling, they also offer arcade games, pool tables, and virtual reality adventures, so it is a whole entertainment complex. It is a crowd favorite among families and groups of friends for celebrating birthdays, weekend get-togethers, and even company team-building exercises.
The facility also has a snack bar that offers yummy munchies, so you don’t have to leave when you feel hungry. Since it’s located in Village Market, you can also combine your game of bowling with shopping or a meal. In case you want a premium, all-round experience, Village Bowl is definitely one of the top places to bowl in Nairobi.
2. Strikez Bowling – Westgate Mall
Strikez Bowling in Westgate Mall, Westlands, is another well-known bowling area in Nairobi. The modern appearance and vibrant atmosphere of this place make it a favorite among recreational bowlers and enthusiasts as well. The lanes are well-maintained, and the equipment is new, so the game is uninterrupted.
The striking feature here is the LED lighting in various colors that provides it with a vibrant atmosphere, especially in the evenings. Strikez also features a lounge where you can relax, enjoy drinks, or grab a quick bite mid-games. It’s especially popular with young adults and couples looking for a night out.
For families, Strikez offers bumper options for kids so that everyone can join in. You can also stop by the multitude of restaurants and shops at Westgate Mall after bowling, so it’s an excellent one-stop entertainment option. If bowling with style is what you prefer, Strikez Bowling is the place to go.
3. Pins Entertainment – Sarit Center
Located at Sarit Center in Westlands, Pins Entertainment is more than just bowling, it’s a full leisure and games experience. The bowling section features well-maintained lanes and user-friendly scoring machines, ideal for beginners and frequent players alike.
What makes Pins unique is that they also offer other activities like laser tag, virtual reality, and arcade stations. This makes it a perfect venue for group outings where not everyone wants to bowl nonstop. Families love it because kids can go from one activity to another and never get bored.
The complex also has a vibrant food court offering snacks and complete meals, so you can easily spend an entire afternoon here. Centrally located at Sarit Center, it is easy to access and there is ample parking space, a real plus in Nairobi. Pins Entertainment features perfectly if you are interested in a mix of bowling and other indoor games within the same location.
4. Playland Amusement – Nextgen Mall
Nextgen Mall, located directly on Mombasa Road, houses Playland Amusement. It is a family-friendly location and offers bowling among other things. It is a suitable location for parents to visit with their kids since there are games for children of all ages, ranging from toddlers to teenagers.
The actual bowling hall is quite bland but well-equipped for those who bowl casually. Kids can enjoy the arcade games, rides, and play areas, and adults can relax and fight it out on the lanes. Playland also does birthdays and children’s parties, considering its expansive arrangement and entertainment facilities.
If you are coming from the airport or live along Mombasa Road, it’s a nice stopover for indoor entertainment. You may even take a meal at the restaurants within the mall once you’re done with your game. For a fun, family-oriented bowling outing in Nairobi, Playland Amusement is suitable.
5. Magic Planet – Two Rivers Mall
Magic Planet at Two Rivers Mall is a hip entertainment hub that incorporates a modern bowling facility within its many attractions. With its vibrant, energetic vibe, Magic Planet is a spot for kids and adults alike. The lanes are beginner-friendly, and the staff are always willing to guide first-timers through.
Apart from bowling, the center has a sizable arcade section, rides, and virtual reality games, making it quite easily one of the most well-rounded entertainment centers in Nairobi. It is especially popular with families for weekend outings, and teens and young adults like it as a social meet-up spot.
The mall itself has dozens of restaurants, making it simple to combine your bowling game with a meal. Since Two Rivers is East Africa’s largest mall, a visit to Magic Planet tends to have the atmosphere of an all-day excursion. For individuals looking for active bowling in a vibrant environment, Magic Planet is highly rated.
6. Pins Bowl – The Hub Karen
Situated in the upscale Hub Karen Mall, Pins Bowl offers upscale bowling in Nairobi. The establishment is modern, spacious, and designed for individuals who enjoy a sophisticated ambiance without sacrificing casual entertainment.
The bowling lanes are modern and suitable for kids and adults, with the option of group reservations. What distinguishes Pins Bowl is the level of attention to detail, the ambiance is classy, the equipment is top-notch, and the service is timely. Families, couples, and even corporate teams book lanes for birthdays, outings, or team-building activities.
Since The Hub Karen also contains several restaurants and cafes, you can make a day of it around your bowling session. For Karen residents and those who want to experience high-end bowling in Nairobi, Pins Bowl at The Hub is one of the best options.
7. Arcade Bowling – Garden City Mall
At Garden City Mall on Thika Road is Arcade Bowling, an entertainment complex that combines bowling with arcade gaming. Bowling is in a small alley here, so it’s a nice spot for small groups or casual games. It is not as crowded as some of the other big bowling centers in Nairobi, so you can unwind and have a good game.
The arcade part provides additional entertainment, more so for children who can catch their breath in between rounds of bowling. Families, teenagers, and adults seeking something new on Thika Road tend to like Arcade Bowling for its accessibility and casual atmosphere.
You can simply dine at one of the many Garden City Mall restaurants or catch a film at the cinema after your game. Arcade Bowling is also a close and entertaining spot to bowl a few pins for residents living along Thika Road.
8. Bowling at Funscapes – Nextgen Mall
Another good spot for bowlers in Nairobi is Funscapes at Nextgen Mall. Although Funscapes is better known for its long list of children’s activities, it also boasts a small but well-organized bowling facility.
The alley is perfect for families, especially those with younger children who are bowling for the first time. Funscapes staff members are always available to help children set up and enjoy themselves. Other than bowling, the complex has a trampoline park, rides, and video games, making it a great place for children’s birthday parties or family outings.
Since it is situated inside Nextgen Mall, accessibility is not an issue for people coming from the city center or along Mombasa Road. Parents generally appreciate that while the kids engage in play, they can relax in nearby restaurants. If you want a mix of bowling and kids’ entertainment, Funscapes is a great place to go.
9. Bowling Arena – Diamond Plaza II
Diamond Plaza II in Parklands is home to a Bowling Arena that is a hidden gem for many. Although the Bowling Arena here is not as large as in some of the malls, it nonetheless offers a genuine and engaging bowling experience.
The setup is cozy, so it is ideal for small groups, families, or even couples looking to do something different for a date. The atmosphere is lively but relaxed, and the rates are generally cheaper than at bigger complexes. Besides the bowling, the complex has plenty of restaurants, so you can easily make a day of it.
It is in Parklands, making it easy to access from Westlands, Ngara, and even the CBD. Most people enjoy that it’s not as crowded, thus you get to enjoy your game without waiting too long for a lane. In case you are searching for an underrated yet enjoyable bowling spot in Nairobi, Bowling Arena at Diamond Plaza II is an establishment you should consider checking out.
10. Bowlspot – Imaara Mall
Bowlspot at Imaara Mall along Mombasa Road is a new, trendy bowling center attracting young crowds and families as well. Its modern look, vibrant colors, and upbeat music create the perfect atmosphere for nights out. The alleys are also modern and feature state-of-the-art scoring mechanisms, which render them suitable for beginners and pros.
Bowlspot also integrates dining and entertainment, meaning you can grab a bite to eat or a drink between rounds. It’s becoming increasingly popular for group events, birthday parties, and date nights because of its lively environment.
Its advantage is that it is located at Imaara Mall, making it easily accessible to those along Mombasa Road. You may also shop, eat, or relax within the mall after your bowling game. If you need a young, trendy, and vibrant Nairobi bowling experience, Bowlspot at Imaara Mall is a very good choice.
11. Bowling Fun Center – Capital Centre
Mombasa Road’s Capital Centre houses Bowling Fun Center, a veteran bowling center in Nairobi that still hasn’t lost its charm. It boasts a classic setup with neat and well-maintained lanes and a family-friendly environment.
It has remained a steady spot for casual bowlers who require a no-frills good game over the years. It is affordably priced, and the atmosphere is relaxed, making it a great spot for kids, adults, and groups. While it may not have as much to offer in terms of additional games as some of the newer fun centers, it remains a local favorite because of the ease and simplicity.
Families love it especially for weekend outings since there’s plenty of parking and dining options nearby. For that old-fashioned bowling alley experience without too many frills, Bowling Fun Center at Capital Centre is an excellent option.
13. Play Planet Bowling – Greenspan Mall
Play Planet at Greenspan Mall in Donholm is yet another bowler’s haven for those based in Nairobi. The bowling lanes within this complex are designed for both beginner and experienced bowlers, with features like bumpers for kids. Play Planet is particularly loved for its affordability and for its family-friendly atmosphere, making it a big hit among residents of Eastlands.
Along with bowling, it features arcade games and other children’s activities, which makes it a good choice for family outings. The fact that it is inside Greenspan Mall also means that restaurants and shopping are easily within reach, so you can make it part of a day outing.
Many people appreciate that it is not as crowded as some of the larger entertainment complexes, which makes for a more relaxed experience. If you are at Eastlands and looking for a recreational facility where you can go bowling, Play Planet at Greenspan Mall is a suitable option.
14. Bowling Galaxy – Signature Mall
One of the newest and trendiest bowling spots in Nairobi is Bowling Galaxy at Signature Mall along Mombasa Road. The facility is modern, trendy, and designed to offer you the best entertainment. The lanes are good quality for bowling, and the environment is lively with music and LED lights.
It’s good for groups of friends, couples, and even corporate events. The mall itself is big and has a variety of restaurants, so it’s easy to combine bowling with dinner or shopping. Bowling Galaxy also offers party and event packages, so it’s a good option if you’re planning a special event.
Being comparatively new, it’s not as crowded as the older centers, and it provides a new experience for visitors. For people who prefer a trendy, lively, and high-end bowling center, Bowling Galaxy in Signature Mall is a must-visit.
