Image: MomJunction Design Team
Bowling is a fun and thrilling competitive activity that both children and adults generally enjoy. However, the standard bowling balls may be too big for children to grip comfortably. The best bowling balls for kids would be of an appropriate weight and size for children to safely enjoy the game. In addition, a proper grip would enable children to improve their bowling technique and thus better their game.
If you enjoy going bowling with your child and are on the lookout for the right bowling balls for them, we have got you covered. Read on as we have listed some best-selling and best child-sized bowling balls to choose from.
Top Picks
9 Best Bowling Balls For Kids
1. Best Undrilled Ball For Beginners: Pyramid Path Bowling Ball
This polyester bowling ball in a bright color is quite likely to stand out during a bowling party. These balls are available in multiple weights and colors. It is an undrilled personalized bowling ball, which means you can customize the finger holes on it for the best fit. Learn more about the beginner-friendly bowling ball in this review video.
Pros
- Suitable for all ages
- Available in 15 attractive color themes.
- Comes with a polyester coverstock (exterior) that makes the ball ideal for straight shots.
Cons
- Some buyers noticed that the ball tends to crack easily.
"After extensive use, this ball is still performing well and has improved my skills. It ensures straight throws crucial for spares. Also, the vibrant design adds aesthetic appeal. A delightful purchase indeed!"
2. Best Themed: Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Do not miss out on this product that has earned 2,235 positive reviews on Amazon.
This galaxy-themed bowling ball comes from one of the leading bowling product brands, Brunswick. This is a great ball for kids who are new to bowling and for parents who want a kid’s bowling ball that is well-made. To learn more about this bowling ball, check out this review video.
Pros
- The ball comes in ten attractive, galaxy-inspired color themes.
- The polyester surface of the ball is attractive and glittery.
- It is ideal for throwing a straight ball.
Cons
- The ball may crack when finger holes are drilled into it.
"I got this well-constructed ball for our family play sessions, as it is ideal for both beginners and seasoned players. It does not come predrilled; however, its quality and performance outweigh this minor inconvenience. So far, I'm delighted with its durability."
Do remember3. Best Pre-Drilled: Ultra Bowling Ball
This small bowling ball made of rubber is designed for tiny little bowling enthusiasts. It is a great ball to practice at home or to teach beginner bowlers.
Pros
- Comes with two sets of pre-drilled holes.
- The rubber bowling ball is heavy enough to feel like a real bowling ball.
- Since the ball is made from rubber, it may not crack or split easily.
Cons
- The ball cannot be used at a conventional bowling alley since it is made from rubber.
"My child has been showing some interest in bowling, so I got this rubber-based one, and it is a hit. Its weight is manageable for upper elementary kids, so he can easily learn new techniques without straining his arms. The material is also pretty durable, which is a plus!"
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Pyramid Path Bowling Ball
Best Undrilled Ball For Beginners
|
Brunswick Tzone Deep Space Bowling Ball
Best Themed
|
Ultra Bowling Ball
Best Pre-Drilled
| |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions LxWxH | 9 x 9 x 9 inches | - | - |
| Weight | 8 Pounds | 8 Pounds | - |
| Color | Pink/Purple/Silver | Deep Space | - |
| Dimensions | - | - | 8.5 x 8.5 x 8.63 inches |
| Weight | - | - | 5.4 Pounds. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,494 | 2,235 | 45 |
| Price | $54.99 | $68.49 | $41.49 |
4. Best Versatile: Columbia 300 White Dot Bowling Ball
If you are looking for interactive bowling balls with funky prints for your children, consider this White Dot bowling ball series from Columbia 300. This un-drilled bowling ball is suitable for expert bowlers and beginners and is a trusted choice for many.
Pros
- The ball is made of durable materials and is available in multiple fancy patterns to suit diverse personalities.
- The polyester body and crown factor finish make the ball durable and easy to roll.
- The ball’s versatile and durable body makes it compatible with different types of bowling lanes.
- It is backed by a one-year warranty.
Cons
- You may have to get the ball drilled.
- The ball may not be chip-resistant.
"I was looking for a ball for intermediate players when I found this one. Its comparatively heavier build makes it a pretty decent option. Plus, the color is true to its image. Although I have used it for some time, it doesn't show any signs of wear. I would recommend it!"
Did you know?5. Best For Intermediate To Advanced Players: Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 1,309 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
If you are looking for a novelty bowling ball with great hook potential, you may pick this reactive resin ball for your kid. This tried-and-tested product is designed to suit rookies yet performs like a professional bowling ball.
Pros
- It rolls easily over lighter to medium oil lanes thanks to its reactive resin coverstock.
- The resin allows for hook potential. This feature is ideal for intermediate to advanced players.
- The light bulb core allows for the smooth movement of the ball.
Cons
- A few buyers did not find the ball durable since it tends to chip away.
"It is a fantastic option for beginners and intermediate bowlers as it ensures a consistent performance with its limited hook potential. The ball doesn't come pre-drilled, so I could customize it based on my needs."
6. Best Ball With Symmetric Core: Pyramid Path Rising Pearl Bowling Ball
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 1,064 good reviews on Amazon.
This children’s favorite and fun bowling ball is ideal for beginner bowlers. It is undrilled so you can create finger holes to suit your child.
Pros
- The bowling ball comes with a symmetric core that makes drilling safe and easy.
- The polished coverstock gives the ball an attractive look.
- It can easily be used on medium-dry lanes.
- It comes in eight bright colors.
Cons
- Some buyers found the color to be dull and not as expected.
"This bowling ball exhibits impressive versatility and is suitable for bowlers of varying skill levels. I think it caters well to those who prefer classic techniques. The material is quite impressive as well. A worthwhile buy overall."
7. Best For Straight Ball Throwing Style: Ebonite Maxim Bowling Ball
This entry-level or beginner bowling ball comes in a three-color blend that makes it attractive. Its polyester coverstock makes it an ideal choice for dry lane conditions; hence, it can be used as a league bowling ball or tournament bowling ball as well.
Pros
- The design is attractive.
- The polyester construction makes it a bit more affordable than resin bowling balls.
- It is great for a straight ball throwing style.
Cons
- Buyers felt that the ball could have been durable since it tends to crack easily.
- It comes in only one color option.
"I found this ball ideal for newcomers and occasional bowlers. While it may not meet one's glow bowling expectations, the overall aesthetics are pleasing. And even though it can be less suitable for long-term use, the performance seems satisfactory."
8. Best For Smooth Rolling: Brunswick Lizard Eye Glow Viz-a-Ball
If your child wants their bowling ball to stand out from the rest, consider this youth bowling ball that features a striking illustration of a lizard eye. This lizard eyeball has a glow to it. It is a good ball for new bowlers and for those who throw straight at spares.
Pros
- It comes with a highly-detailed imprint of an orange lizard’s eye along with green scales around it.
- The design is a limited edition, thus creating the potential of being a collectible.
- It rolls smoothly on most lanes.
Cons
- Some buyers noticed that the surface tends to crack and flake off.
"The striking lizard eye design has been an instant hit with my budding bowlers. I've found it great for throwing straight or picking up spares. It has served me well so far."
9. Best Lightweight: Champion Sports Plastic Bowling Ball
This rubberized plastic bowling ball is what you can buy when your kids want to try bowling at home. This lightweight, miniature, bright orange ball can give your children a competitive edge in ball control and bowling techniques.
Pros
- It comes with three drilled holes.
- The rubberized texture of the ball makes it easy to grip and throw.
- The ball only weighs 3lb (1.3kg), which makes it easy to manage for a child.
- It is suitable for most hand sizes.
Cons
- Since it is made from rubberized plastic, it is not ideal for bowling alleys.
- It comes in one color option only.
"This ball impressed me with its comfortable weight and easy-to-clean material and proved a solid choice for home practice. Although it had a peculiar smell initially, its pleasing roll makes it worth the investment. The grip is also pretty comfortable for my hands."
How To Choose The Right Bowling Ball For Kids?
Buying a good bowling ball can be challenging when you do not know what to look for. Here are some pointers that can help you make a good choice.
- Weight: The weight of the ball plays a significant role when bowling. The weight of bowling balls can range from 6lb (2.7kg) to 16lb (7.2kg). For kids, begin with the lightest weight that you think the child can handle easily. Later, increase the weight gradually according to your child’s weight and ability to handle it. You can do a weight test of the ball to see if it is handy for your child.
- Finger holes: Bowling balls may not come with finger holes. You need to visit a professional bowling shop, have the child’s hand measured, and get the holes drilled. Some bowling balls do come with finger holes, and some have multiple sets of holes to accommodate different hand sizes. You can pick a bowling ball with or without finger holes, depending on what is convenient for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What size bowling ball should a kid use?
Most bowling balls meant for children have a diameter of about nine inches. However, the exact size may vary from one brand or model to another.
2. What weight is a kid’s bowling ball?
Most kids could use a bowling ball ranging from six to 12lb. Irrespective of the weight, the priority should be the child’s comfort.
3. Is a 14lb bowling ball too light?
It depends on who is using the ball. It may be light for an intermediate-level adult player, but it may be heavy for children, especially beginners.
4. Is a heavier bowling ball better?
In general, seasoned players prefer a heavier bowling ball as it produces a big impact even with the slightest swing of the arm. However, when it comes to children, factoring in their comfort level is crucial.
5. Can a six-year-old go bowling?
If the six-year-old has good motor skills for their age, it’s okay to get them started with a six-pound bowling ball. However, keep the child’s weight in mind and make sure they are not stretching their hand while gripping the ball.
6. What do the numbers on bowling balls mean?
The long trial of numbers following specific letters refers to the ball’s manufacturing serial number.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Our skilled writers, editors, and reviewers have curated a list of the best bowling balls that are known for their exclusive features. After going through multiple product ratings and user reviews available on several trusted online portals, we have picked the best-selling products and presented them with their specifications. Also, we have created a buying guide section to help you understand what to look for when buying bowling balls for children.
The Bottom Line
With the best bowling ball for kids at your disposal, you can introduce your kid to this exciting activity at a young age. Since standard bowling balls are bigger and heavier for children, those exclusively made for kids are generally 6 to 16 lbs. While bowling balls feature finger holes of different sizes to accommodate fingers of multiple sizes, you can also settle for a ball without finger holes and seek expert help in drilling holes of size specific to your child’s fingers. We recommend the Pyramid Path Bowling Ball, which is undrilled and beginner-friendly, and the Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball, featuring hook potential that offers control over the ball trajectory.
Infographic: Points To Consider To Have A Safe Bowling Experience
Besides procuring the right bowling ball, following basic safety rules is necessary to ensure a safe and fun-filled bowling experience for your child. So, check out the following infographic to learn about the factors you need to keep in mind when bowling with your child.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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