Bowling on Valentine's Day: 7 Date Ideas

Why bowling works on Valentine's Day

A bowling date on Valentine's Day is an alternative to the classic dinner for two. You play, laugh and talk between turns, there is no dress code, and neither of you needs to be good at it. If you are wondering whether bowling makes a good date at all, our article on why bowling makes a good date covers the basics. Here are seven ideas for a Valentine's bowling date on February 14.

1. Ask about cosmic bowling

Many bowling centers offer cosmic bowling, with blacklight, lighting effects and music. The dim light makes the evening feel different from a regular game. Times and offers vary from center to center, so ask your local center whether it runs cosmic bowling or a special evening on Valentine's Day.

2. Dress smart-casual

Choose clothes you can move in: jeans or chinos and a comfortable top work well. You change into bowling shoes at the lane anyway, so comfort matters more than your street shoes. Bring socks, as bowling shoes require them.

3. Order food to share

Many bowling centers serve snacks that are easy to share between turns. Order a few plates for the two of you instead of a formal meal. Ask whether the center has anything special on the menu for Valentine's Day.

4. Play a friendly competition

Agree on small stakes: the loser buys dessert, the winner chooses the next date. A little competition gives you both something to cheer about. If one of you is new to bowling, a few bonus pins per game keep the game even; our guide to the rules explains the basics.

5. Take photos

Bowling centers offer plenty of backdrops: illuminated signs, colorful lanes and score screens. Photos of your partner mid-delivery or celebrating a strike are the ones you will want to keep.

6. Plan a small surprise

A handwritten card or a small gift waiting at the lane turns the game into a Valentine's date. It does not need to be expensive; the thought is what counts. For couples who bowl together regularly, a pair of bowling shoes of their own is a gift they will use every time they play.

7. Book early

February 14 is a popular evening, especially when it falls on a Friday or Saturday. Reserve your lane in good time and ask how long the booking lasts, so you can plan dinner or dessert afterwards.

Celebrating with more people? Our bowling party checklist helps with planning.

Bowling shoes as a Valentine's gift

If you both bowl often, your own shoes replace the rental pair and give you the same slide in every game. BOWLIO bowling shoes are made of genuine leather, with a slide sole under both shoes, so they suit left- and right-handed bowlers. Sizes are listed in EU, US and JP, with women's sizes, which makes it easy to order a pair for each of you.

Make it a tradition

A Valentine's bowling date is easy to repeat. Next year you can try to beat last year's scores, visit a different bowling center or invite another couple along.