Looking for something fun to do with the kids before school starts up again? VB’s Entertainment Centre in Winkler is serving up one of the best summer deals in the Pembina Valley, and it’s just for kids.
From now until August 31, the popular local destination is offering its Kids Bowl Free program. That means children 14 and under can enjoy two free games of bowling per day, every Monday through Saturday.
“It’s been a great program for us,” says Morgan Wiebe from VB’s. “We’ve seen a lot of new faces in the building, and it’s brought a lot of people back to bowling. A lot of people tell us they haven’t bowled in years!”
“You’re almost guaranteed a spot if you just walk in the day of.” - Morgan Wiebe of VB's Entertainment
How it works: Free bowling made easy
Getting started is simple. Parents or guardians just need to:
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Visit kidsbowlfree.com or download the Kids Bowl Free app
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Register each child (must be 14 or younger)
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Show the app when you arrive at VB’s
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Pay for shoe rentals, and you're ready to bowl
Families can come back as often as they like throughout August, which makes it the perfect go-to summer activity. There is also an optional Family Pass, which lets parents, older siblings, or babysitters join in the fun too.
“You still got basically a quarter of the summer to go,” says Morgan. “There’s lots of time to get in on the fun!”
Walk in and bowl
There is no need to call ahead. VB’s has 18 lanes, and the team keeps plenty open for Kids Bowl Free participants.
“We pretty much always have lanes available,” Morgan says. “You’re almost guaranteed a spot if you just walk in the day of.”
That kind of flexibility makes it easy to plan a spontaneous outing, which is perfect for those “Mom, I’m bored” summer afternoons.
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New to bowling? No problem.
Haven’t bowled in a while? You’re not alone, and that’s completely fine.
“Bowling’s one of those things where you just have to get back out there and you remember how fun it is,” Morgan explains. “It’s almost like riding a bike. It’s very hard to forget how bowling works.”
And for anyone feeling rusty, there is no shame in using bumpers.
“If it’s been like 25 years, play your first game with bumpers,” Morgan laughs. “Just to feel what it’s like again. Then test the waters and take them off!”
More than bowling
VB’s is a full entertainment centre, so your kids don’t have to bowl to have a blast. The facility also includes:
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A colourful indoor play structure
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Mini golf
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Virtual golf simulators
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Pool tables
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And of course, King Pinz Pub & Grill, VB’s full-service restaurant and bar
“The queso tacos are my favourite right now,” Morgan says. “We’ve also got a chicken poutine that’s really good, and the kitchen’s always coming up with new weekly specials.”
What happens after August?
As fall approaches, VB’s is already preparing for the return of its bowling leagues, which include men’s, mixed, and junior leagues. For kids who discover a love of bowling through the summer program, the Junior League is a great next step.
“If your kids are really into Kids Bowl Free and want to get better at bowling, our Junior League is a fantastic opportunity,” says Morgan. “And for adults, league night can be whatever you want it to be. You can go to compete or just unwind after work.”
League sign-up details will be posted later this month on the VB’s website and social media pages, and most leagues kick off shortly after Thanksgiving.
Make the most of the rest of summer
VB’s Kids Bowl Free program is an easy way to beat the heat, keep kids active, and make memories, all without spending a fortune.
“It’s the easiest way to make summer memories without breaking the bank,” says Morgan. “And who knows? Maybe you’ll discover a new family tradition.”
VB’s Entertainment Centre is open Monday to Saturday, and Kids Bowl Free runs until August 31. The program is not available on Sundays or holidays like Terry Fox Day.
Ready to roll? Sign up today at kidsbowlfree.com, or search Kids Bowl Free in the App Store or Google Play.