Bowling is a classic game that people of all ages and skill can enjoy. Many stores sell plastic, wooden and felt sets meant especially for the preschooler crowd. They are functional and enjoyable. They also cost money. Even if money is tight, kids – and the rest of the family – can enjoy an old-fashioned game on the cheap using items you probably already have.
Homemade Bowling Game Materials
10 plastic bottles
craft paint
large sheet of cardboard
any lightweight ball
broom handle or wooden measuring stick
Using Plastic Bottles as Bowling Pins
Plastic bottles make excellent stand-ins for toy bowling pins. They are inexpensive (you probably buy then at the grocery store anyway), and recycling plastic is always a good idea. While shaped bottles such as those used for small soft drinks, condiments or kids juice work great, refrigerated coffee creamer bottles are the perfect color, shape and size for little bowlers.
- Rinse out each plastic bottle, and remove the plastic label.
- If you want, number and decorate each bottle with craft paint. Let dry.
- Fill the bottles with water. If you have young children, leave the bottles empty.
Setting Up the Bowling Pins
If making this homemade bowling game with kids in mind, it helps to have something that lets them play independently. Using a sheet of cardboard or flattened box, create a game board for setting up pins.
- Draw or paint 10 circles on the cardboard in the bowling pin pattern. The first row should only have one circle, the next row two circles, then three circles and finally four circles on the top row.
- If you numbered the pins, number each painted circle. This will help younger children match up numbers as they prepare to play.
- Place one pin on each circle.
Playing a Homemade Bowling Game
The benefit of a toy bowling game is versatility. This game works with any amount of players, any number of pins and in any location. Find a long hallway indoors or a sidewalk outside to use as an impromptu bowling lane. Then, set up the game and get ready to play.
- If needed, explain that the point of the game is to knock down pins by rolling the ball toward them.
- Choose a spot in front of the pins where players will stop to roll the ball. Use a broom handle or other wooden stick as a marker.
- Give each child a turn rolling the ball. For actual game instructions, read this article about bowling.
Repurposing plastic bottles to create a homemade bowling game is a simple, inexpensive and fun activity. Whether played indoors or outside, both kids and adults enjoy playing this classic bowling game.
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