Category Archives: friends

Keep your kids busy this summer

Posted on August 1, 2013 by Sharky Liu

Summer’s here and the kids are gonna be running amok taking over your life. You are going to be run ragged between summer classes, swimming at the community center, play dates and parks. A fun easy way to keep your kids busy this summer, that also entertains you, is bowling parties. Kids absolutely love to go bowling. All of the bright colors, neon lights, fun munchies, and the giant balls make for one really special day for a child.

Take them to bowling centres

When it is your chance to host a play date for your children and their friends, instead of doing it at home and worrying about all the details that go into planning for one, do it at a bowling centre. A party at home would mean providing an array of food appropriate for both parents and children, taking into account the children’s varying tastes and sensitivities. It will mean setting up and making available a range of fun activities to keep their attentions, and then supervising as all of these games are played. Finally, and most painful is the after-party mess. To avoid the dreaded after effects of large groups of children romping around your backyard spilling paint and mustard, move the festivities to a bowling center, and let them take care of the tedious details.

Children of all ages enjoy bowling. Even a two year old loves picking up the giant ball in his arms and dropping it on the lane, watching it roll slowly away making an invigorating core-shaking sound. Older kids can pretty much take care of themselves at bowling alleys being able to track their own scores and conduct their own games. The best part about having parties there is that parents can also play and end up having a good time, instead of simply running around trying to round up and entertain their children.

Food is the easiest aspect to take care of at such a party. The bowling centre will have a menu you can choose from, which include lots of children-friendly snack and drinks. You can pick a set menu, or go through the menu and order a la carte depending on the number of children or adults are attending. Pick loads of easy finger foods, or things children can grab and run such as pizzas. There are also plenty of food choices for adults. The event is therefore completely pre-catered, as well as pre-decorated, because after all what is more vibrant than a bowling centre?

If you end up with a handful of children and the long summer hours seem to stretch with endless feeding, bawling and boredom, turn those hours into fun and festivities at a bowling center. A bowling party is a great way to get all the neighborhood kids together and in a productive and fun environment. Invite the parents to come bowling as well, and you will be much celebrated in the neighborhood as the parents who gave them all a break from summer routines. This is one more way to keep your kids busy this summer!

Teach your kids how to build teamwork

Posted on July 25, 2013 by Sharky Liu

A bowling center is more than just bright colors, UV lights and giant balls hurled towards a set of pins waiting to be knocked down. It is also an opportunity to learn how to build teamwork and true sportsmanship, and it is oodles of fun. A great way to let your children discover for themselves the discipline that a sport can bring into their lives, and the ability to go through life with a team spirit is to take them bowling. It is a fun activity that all children enjoy, an adventure that they are all ready to participate in, and also an experience they will learn from. Joining a local bowling league will prepare children to face the challenges of life with a positive attitude.

Preparing for the game

The first part of bowling is to prepare for the game. The right uniform is essential in a good pair of bowling shoes that are comfortable and sturdy. Clothing that allows mobility and is still casual should be worn during the game. And the right ball should be selected according to thumb size and a manageable weight, individualized for each player. After selecting the right equipment, a team is formed and competes against another team.

This is an opportunity to instill a spirit of healthy competition in children. Learning to support their teammates not only through their triumphs, but also through their failures, to applaud the strikes and encourage them through the spares and gutter balls. This will teach children that a supportive and encouraging teammate will make for a much more productive, successful, and fun game that will leave everyone with a sense of well being. More importantly, not only one’s own teammates but also members of opposing teams should be applauded for their wins. At the end of the game children, whether on the winning team or losing, will have had fun and will understand the concept of playing the game for the sake of the game itself.

Learn bowling techniques

Another aspect of sportsmanship that will be imbibed in the young through the experience of playing a fun sport such as bowling is strategizing. If they are instructed in the nuances of bowling, and how to adjust their stance and technique to see improved results, they will remember these lessons and learn to apply them in life as well. The ability to focus, and an awareness of the body as one gets ready to let go of the ball arises from the experience. Learning bowling techniques is a fun way to learn that in life, as in a game, knowledge enhances the experience of and effectiveness of whatever endeavors they may embark upon.

When you take your kids bowling, rest assured that this is not time wasted. Let them spend their time having fun while they learn by joining the local bowling leagues in Mississauga, which will be a productive experience teaching them teambuilding skills which will continue to help them throughout their lives.

Things You Need to Know Before Joining a Bowling League

Posted on June 13, 2013 by Sharky Liu

Joining a bowling league is a sure-fire way of having fun with friends while making many new friends. It is an exciting activity which will not cost you much. However, to fully enjoy the game, there are a few things you need to know before joining the league. Knowing these things will keep you from committing some mistakes which might diminish the fun.

Know the type of league you are joining.

You need to understand that there are different types of leagues being offered in different bowling alleys. There are usually two league types—senior league and mixed league. Occasionally, special leagues may also be offered during certain times of the year. Before joining a bowling league, check to see what age group it caters to and then enlist for the right one for you.

Consider your availability.

Different bowling leagues are played at different times. Generally, senior leagues are scheduled during the day as most of the members are retirees and are thus free during daytime. Mixed leagues, on the other hand, are usually played out at night to accommodate the younger ones who are mostly working during the day. Therefore, you need to consider your own availability before choosing a bowling league.

Check your budget.

Different bowling alleys charge differently, so better ask around for prices. In considering the price differences, you also need to take note of the other facilities and amenities that may be offered in different bowling alleys. Usually, bowling alleys charge either on a weekly or monthly basis. The number of days per week that the match will be played out will also be taken into account, with 3 to 4 days a week as the usual standard. Generally, too, senior leagues cost more than mixed leagues.

Consider the bowling team you will be joining.

You need to understand that in a senior league, 4 to 5 members make up a team while in a mixed league, there are only 3 to 4 members in a team. This point is important if, for example, you want your group of 5 friends to make up a single team. On the other hand, if you do not have a team, you can join any bowling alley as most alleys randomly create teams according to the number of registrants.

Take into account the facilities and special offers.

The price differences between bowling alleys can be explained by the differences in the facilities and other privileges that each offers. One bowling alley, for instance, may be offering free shoe rents while the other may provide snacks. The best thing to do would be to try out different alleys and see what features you are willing to pay for and what features you can pass up.

Choose the right environment.

You need to choose a bowling alley which you find comfortable and relaxing to play in. Some high-priced bowling alleys, for example, may have too many lights which may be attractive alright, but will only get in the way of your playing. Only you can know the best bowling alley for you so better try some before settling on one.

These are only a few of the things you need to consider before joining a bowling league. And remember to always have FUN!

Heard of Cosmic Bowling? It’s out of this world! Read on to find out more

Posted on July 4, 2012 by Planet Bowl

What Exactly IS Cosmic Bowling?

Picture this: The lights are dimmed. Ear-splitting music rocks the room. The disco ball rolls. Neon lasers flash around the room. Welcome to cosmic bowling – The ultimate glow in the dark bowling experience that will rock your senses!
Cosmic bowling is not just regular 10-pin bowling. The cosmic bowling experience is a rock & roll bowling event for the whole family or a fun-filled evening for friends.

The cosmic bowling tour…

Imagine the pins lighting up. That’s right! In cosmic bowling the pins glow in the dark & so do some of the bowling balls, gutters & more! That is primarily why the game is played in low light conditions. This fluorescent effect gives the entire centre a “cosmic” feel – hence the name cosmic bowling. Many bowling centres offer cosmic bowling for both adults & children. Children especially love the entire glow in the dark bowling experience & are especially entertained when their clothes (whites) glow in the dark! Many bowling alleys may even offer cosmic themed bowling parties for kids birthdays so that is something worth checking out if your child’s birthday is around the corner. At Planet Bowl that offer would be on Sundays; if you book a birthday or corporate event after 4PM, you will feel the Xtreme Bowling Experience!

Cosmic bowling is most popular at night especially since a dance club atmosphere is created. Many centres offer this kind of bowling on events or special occasions like New Years or Halloween which can be extra fun & exciting.

Bright neon lighting, techno music & bowling in the dark may not be for you if you are a professional bowler – you might find the lights & loud music distracting. In this case it’s best to call the centre & go at a time when regular 10-pin bowling is available. However, if you want to introduce your kids to bowling, cosmic bowling is a fun way to get them to start and enjoy bowling!

If you reside in the Greater Toronto Area (Toronto, Mississauga, Etobicoke, Brampton) check out Planet Bowl for our awesome cosmic “Xtreme” bowling nights. The Xtreme glow in the dark party starts Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm & goes all the way till 2am (Also Sundays at 4-Midnight). If you want to inquire about a bowling party, corporate event or have any general questions feel free to give us a call at 416-695-2695 anytime during our business hours or you can email us at info@planetbowl.ca.

Quite simply put, Xtreme bowling at Planet Bowl is all the fun of a club but with a bowling ball. You really have to try it for yourself to see what it’s all about!

Book Your Corporate Bowling Parties Today!

Posted on June 27, 2012 by Planet Bowl

Looking to organize a company party or event? Bowling Parties are your answer!

Running out of fresh and unique ideas for that next corporate event you need to organize? Let’s face it – it’s not always easy to please everyone. You need to find something that is fun, let’s all employees participate and work together as a team irrespective of age, gender and ability and you also need to take care of finer details like food and beverages.

But company group events are more than just about having employees hang out together and have a good time. Corporate team building events serve an important purpose. They are essential to promote employee unity, strengthen interpersonal relationships and build trust within the workplace.

Training programs are a rising trend and are increasingly popular amongst companies today. Organizations realize the need for conducting regular interactive group events to inculcate team building skills. These programs DO NOT have to be formal! Agreed that seminars and discussions about team building, leadership and other important work topics have their place but a practical, interactive fun experience will no doubt deliver an unforgettable experience.

Corporate Bowling Parties

If you’re looking to organize a corporate group event for your company, look no further than bowling parties. Bowling parties are not only entertaining; they’re a great way to socialize, encourage group interaction and are made to fit your corporate budget.

With bowling parties, size does not matter! As a small company or a large corporation, you can organize bowling parties and events for your employees. It is advised to make a reservation with your local bowling centre to reserve some lanes for the party in advance. You can reserve your bowling lanes online here at Planet Bowl. You can also order food like fresh hot pizzas and cool beverages to feed your staff.

Organizing teams and randomly assigning people from different levels of the company to each team is a great idea to help co-workers to get to know each other. Inter-staff tournaments add an element of competition making them highly entertaining. One of the plus points of bowling is that it is a sport with a very small learning curve making it easy to learn and play. People of any age, skill and even physical disabilities can bowl.

At Planet Bowl we’re there to help make your next company party a success by offering you exclusive corporate and group booking packages.

Bowling parties with 16 or more people can avail money saving hourly discounts!

Group Corporate Bowling Party Rates:

Here are the discounted rates for corporate group events with 16 or more people:
Monday to Friday:
Daytime (till 6PM) – $22.95 per lane per hour
Saturday & Sunday (till 6pm) – $24.95 per lane per hour
Sunday to Thursday Night – $25.95 per lane per hour
Friday & Saturday Night – $27.95 per lane per hour
Some additional details to be aware of include: Shoe rental rate is an added $2.62 per head and corporate bookings after 7pm on Friday and Saturday are not available. You can make reservations up to 72 hours in advance. Taxes will be extra. You can also choose to have an optional corporate room booked or staff can eat at the bowling lanes.

Want to make a reservation? See available dates and times and book online on our website today!

Summer Special! 3 free bowling games a day all summer long

Posted on June 4, 2012 by Sharky Liu

Summer Special at Planet Bowl. Purchase a summer pass and bowl 3 games a day every day all summer long.

Adults: $59.95
Juniors under 18 $39.95
Senior 55+ $39.95

Call 416-695-2695 or come in to get your pass.

Non-transferable and valid for purchaser only. Price do not include tax- Valid until August 31st 2012.

Two Sure-Fire Ways to Beat the Blues with Bowling

Posted on March 28, 2012 by Sharky Liu

If you’re down with the winter blues, stressed out at work or just need a break, bowling might just be the thing for you. You might think, “Bowling…really?” Yes, bowling – really! Rolling a ball at 10 pins and knocking them down might seem funny (or even nerdy to you) but you can’t really deny its ability to make you laugh, can you? Young or old, bowling is a sure-fire entertainer for everyone.

If you’re looking for cheap bowling in or around the Mississauga area, then Planet Bowl is the place to go. The best part of bowling at Planet Bowl is that it’s NOT just bowling. Prepare to be surrounded by the full experience here – loud music, delicious food and daily deals to put money back in your pocket. Here are two sure-fire ways to beat the blues with bowling.

Sure Fire ways to Beat the Blues with Bowling

Cheap Bowling Makes the Sport Affordable: Let’s face it – work can get pretty hectic and like the majority of us, you too are looking forward to having some fun on the weekends. Most places, like amusement parks are packed on Saturday and Sunday. If crowds are not your thing then head over to your local bowling alley. Bowling is a hugely popular sport today. Why? Well, mainly because it’s so universal. With a low learning curve anyone can practice, learn and excel at bowling. Plus, compared to other sports, it’s affordable.Many bowling alleys like Planet Bowl offer cheap bowling discounts to give you the best value for your dollar. Also, what other sport allows you to eat and play at the same time?! However, calling bowling just an ‘entertainment’ sport is not doing it justice. There are a huge number of people who love the sport and play in bowling leagues on both a national and international level.
Join a Bowling League of our Own: If you’re looking to join one or more bowling leagues in Mississauga, contact Planet Bowl and they’ll support you with the information you need to get started. Playing in one of the bowling leagues in Mississauga can be a lot more fun if you’ve got your own bowling team. Usually bowling leagues in Mississauga or anywhere else consist of 4 members.You can plan to meet once or twice a week, practice together and develop an action plan or work on strategies. Plus if you’ve been feeling down lately this is a great way to get out, forget your worries and just have a good time. Play for fun or join a league – Either way you’re sure to raise your spirits and have a good time.

When life gets too busy or you find you’re not getting any time to yourself joining one of the bowling leagues in Mississauga will allow you to spend quality time with friends, loved ones or even make new friends. If you’d like to start slow, with Planet Bowl’s cheap bowling on the weekdays you can plan to get together with your friends any night of the week and save some money which will put a smile on your face.

Don’t let yourself get bogged down and depressed when life hits you in the face. Empower yourself to get out with friends or join a bowling league to beat those blues. With Planet Bowl’s cheap bowling rates you can’t go wrong.

3 Tips for Hosting Striking Bowling Birthday Parties

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Sharky Liu

Planning a bowling party in Toronto? The key to hosting bowling birthday parties in any of the bowling centres in Toronto or anywhere else for that matter is to try and keep it enjoyable for everyone.

Tip #1: Making Every Person Feel at Ease

The bowling itself must be kept laid back, relaxed and entertaining, even though you may be having an intense rivalry. Use side gutters or bumpers, especially for bowling birthday parties for kids. These are big safeguard pads which fit in the bowling lane’s gutters and stop the bowling ball from sliding into the side ditch. This way the kids will knock down pins with every roll and really have the best fun possible. For bowling birthday parties for adults a good idea is to come up with creative ideas to make things more entertaining. Get the guests to bowl granny style (bowling with both hands, between your legs), or bowl with your other hand or bowl backwards! Another good idea is to form a team of two or more partners who bowl alternately for the same position.

Tip #2: Keeping the Energy Level High

It doesn’t matter in which of the many of the bowling centres in Toronto you’re at, you’ve got to cheer – win or lose. Help make bowling birthday parties fun for every one of your guests by rooting and cheering for everyone, good shot or not! Give high fives, pats on the back, clap and verbally encourage – all these are great ways in getting everyone involved and having a good time.

You’ve got to understand that the purpose of bowling birthday parties is to rejoice in someone’s birthday celebration, not to acquire a bowling trophy. For younger kids you’re least likely to face this problem as with the side gutters and any bit of cheering young kids are sure to have a great time. For older kids or adults, keep your eye open for bowlers in the group who could possibly become too competitive – you’ll find at least 1 in most groups. That individual may just need a bit of extra cheering, a diverting joke or conversation or a quick trip with you to run an errand.

Tip #3: Don’t Lose Your Bowling Shoes

Remember, bowling birthday parties actually need bowling shoes! This is true for all bowling centres in Toronto, so come prepared. You’ll need to change from your current pair to a rented pair provided by the alley. Prepare for this by wearing comfortable socks (decent ones you can show off to your friends). For kids bowling birthday parties you really have to be careful as to where kids leave their shoes, especially if you have a large group. One simple tip is to carry paper bags for each child. Write each child’s name on a bag and have kids place their shoes in their respective bag.

At Planet Bowl you have access to a large party room if you decide to choose one of our fun and affordable bowling birthday parties’ packages – simply place all of these paper bags in the party room or keep them near your bowling lanes.

Being one of the top bowling centres in Toronto; bowling birthday parties are a definite hit at Planet Bowl!

March Break in Mississauga: Top 5 things to do

Posted on March 7, 2012 by Sharky Liu

Are you looking to keep your kids busy during March break in Mississauga? You’ve landed on the right article! We’ll tell you everything you need to know to not only keep your children occupied, but you won’t have to venture out too far away from home either. From dining out to kids bowling in one of the best bowling centers in Toronto – we cover it all!

Here are 5 top things for your kids to do in March Break in Mississauga:

Whether it’s going mall-hopping with your little princess or sharing a fun yet competitive game of kids bowling at Planet Bowl; Mississauga offers you many child-friendly options making this the most enjoyable March Break yet for you and your kids!

Top 3 Kids Birthday Party Ideas for Every Budget

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Sharky Liu

Kids birthday parties are becoming more unique every year, with parents looking to make their little ones birthday celebration even more special than the last. Regardless of whether you have elaborate resources or you need to have a party on a budget, we have the 3 top kids birthday party ideas which guarantee to make any kids birthday bash a fun-filled celebration!

1) Fancy Dress or Themed Parties on a Shoestring

The most common dress-up party themes are princesses for young girls and pirates for young boys. But nearly anything goes. How about dressing up your little princess as a fairy or ballerina and a super heroes theme for your young man? All the little guests can come dressed up too and you can give away prizes for the best fancy dress. The cake can also follow the fancy dress theme. If you choose a favorite cartoon character as your theme (Dora, Thomas the Tank or Tinkerbell, for example) you can find everything from matching table cloths, paper cups, bowls, plates, party hats, balloons, party bags and more to kids birthday cakes designs based on that theme – Just head over to your local party store!

Need a party on a budget? Your child’s fancy dress or themed party does not have to be extravagant. You can spend as much or as little as you like. Take coloured print outs of the theme characters from your home printer or get them bulk photocopied to stick on party bag favors, banners, party hats and more. The kids don’t care – as long as there’s cake the kids will have a great time!

2) Hire an Entertainer to Save Time

Choosing a skilled performer or entertainer (like a clown or magician) is definitely a favorite birthday party option for many parents – and rightly so. Great entertainers are worth every penny, as they not only make entertaining the kids less work for you but they give you the peace of mind that your young guests had a good time and the celebration was a success.

No doubt you still need to arrange the decorations, cake and more, but one more bonus is that the performer gives you some free time to prepare the birthday party food while the kids are entertained!

3) Interactive Bowling Birthday Parties

If you’ve got some cash to spare or really want to do something extra special for your child this birthday, look no further than a bowling birthday parties outing for your child and his/her friends. You might be surprised that you’re getting real value for your money, now that you don’t have to worry about ordering or cooking the food or even paying extra for the entertainment.

If you’re looking to host kids’ birthday parties in Etobicoke then Planet Bowl is the ideal place to organize children’s bowling birthday parties. Your child will have an unforgettable experience! We organize the best kids birthday parties in Etobicoke, Mississaga and Brampton giving you everything you need under one roof – great entertainment, your own party room, kid-friendly bowling, delicious pizzas and nachos, a jug of pop and more. All you need to do is bring the cake!

If you’d like to find out more about bowling birthday parties don’t hesitate to give us a call at 416-695-2695. We’re here to make sure your kids birthday party in Etobicoke experience is the best he or she’s had yet!