This is the most commonly offered type of rate.

Each game is 10 frames of bowling; for context, that's between 12-21 times of rolling the ball down the lane in one game.

It is very common for bowlers to play 3 games in one visit. With an example price of $4 per game, this would mean: 

• $12 for 1 bowler 

• $24 for 2 bowlers

• $36 for 3 bowlers

Rent a lane by the hour.

With one game of bowling (for one person) taking an average of 10 minutes, one hour of bowling would get you about 6 games. So that can be split up all sorts of ways for various party sizes, for example:

• 6 games for one person

• 3 games each for 2 people

• 2 games each for 3 people

• 1 game each for 6 people

The time limit usually starts after you get settled in -- change your shoes, get your balls ready, enter in your names into the automatic scorekeeper and start bowling!

Per hour per person

This is a rare bowling rate type.

The pricing structure doesn't seem to encourage bowling with others since you'd get fewer games for the price. 

With an example price of $25 per hour per person, this would mean for one hour (assuming bowling only on one lane and an average of 10 mins per game):

• Bowling by yourself would be $25, allowing yourself to play 6 games

• Bowling with a friend would be $50 total, each person being able to play 3 games

• Bowling with two friends would be $75 total, each only getting to bowl 2 games 

The nice thing about this rate type is that it is very simple and straight forward. This could be good for bowling date nights. 

Unlimited bowling during certain hours

This is usually the best bowling rate type -- simple pricing structure and typically a great deal.

Unlimited bowling may be available, as an example, from 7pm-midnight. You can show up anytime during those hours and bowl as many games as you'd like before the end of the timeframe. 

Unlimited bowling is great for bowlers who want to get in as many games as possible for a low price. This is also great for groups of friends to bowl together as there's leniency on time -- you can bowl while you wait for others to show up. 

X-hrs unlimited bowling 

This is similar to the above, with a limitation on how many hours you can bowl. 

For example, 2-hr unlimited bowling may be available from 7pm-midnight, so if you start bowling at 8:45pm, you have until 10:45pm to bowl as many games as you want.

This is a nice balance for bowling centers to keep lanes available for more bowlers during popular bowling times and still allow bowlers to get a great deal on bowling.

Check your local bowling center's website for their open bowl rates (look for "specials" or "prices") or call to ask. Many bowling centers offer different rates depending on the day and time. Typically, they'll have per game rates and may sometimes offer hourly and unlimited rates.

Also keep an eye out for other specials your bowling center may offer, such as senior discounts, family packages, food and drink deals, complimentary games for first responders, and summer passes.

Bowling shoes are required and can be rented for your visit. Some bowling centers may have special disposable shoe covers as an alternative if you prefer to wear your own shoes. Bowling shoe rentals are typically a flat fee for around $5 or may be included in the price as a special.

If you happen to forget socks, some bowling centers (or the independent shops inside) sell them for a few bucks a pair.