Author: Eamonn Shinners

Sometimes you might not feel like bowling, but your friends or family want to, so you get brought along anyway. Spending time with your loved ones might trump your desire to go elsewhere, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time. Many of the bowling centres you see nowadays offer a whole lot more than pins and balls. You can have a great time even if you don’t feel up to a game of bowling. We’ll share more about what you might expect.

 

Play Some Pool

 

The Planet Galway, and other bowling centres, offer pool tables for those who want to relax and do something besides bowl. In fact, some of the bowling centres will have both championship tables and American pool tables so you can choose what resonates with you. Pool can be a fun way to spend time with friends without bowling and it happens to be in many bowling centres so give it a shot. You can play with friends or meet others at the venue and make new friends while you compete to win.

 

Virtual Reality Experience

 

You can also find great video games at some bowling centres. Planet Galway offers a 4D Oculus for a virtual reality experience that rivals any video game arcade. Other locations might have typical arcade video games, which can also be fun to play. With 360-degree motion seats and movies that use the same technology, you immerse yourself in worlds that you would never have imagined in your wildest dreams. Kids, adults, and people of all ages will love the experience and keep coming back for more.

 

Arcade Sports Games

 

Another fixture at many bowling centres are sports games like you might see at an arcade. Air hockey tables can give you another competitive game to enjoy while your friends or family are getting strikes while bowling. Another fixture of Planet Galway is the basketball machine. You can hit up the hoops and work on your free throw while the machine makes the process more complicated than a typical hoop would. There are all sorts of games available at high quality bowling centres so give them a shot and find out what you have the most fun with.

 

Enjoy the Atmosphere

 

Even if you just want to hang out with your friends and chill, the bowling centre makes that simple. You can grab some snacks and watch your friends play if you don’t want to play video games or pool. The reality is that the bowling centre is one of the best places to hang out. No matter what you decide to do, you’ll end up having an awesome time.

How to Have a Spooktastic Time Bowling on Halloween

Boo! Halloween is coming and those tricks and treats are right around the corner. If you want to host a fun Halloween party but make it a little more unique, we have a fantastic idea. Why not host your Halloween shindig at the local bowling centre? This might sound like a strange combination, but it can be a lot of fun. We have all the tips you need to ensure your party is remembered long after the spooky season is over.

Dress Up

Halloween is all about the costumes, so it only makes sense to incorporate that into your party. Set a dress code and make your guests come in masks and costumes. You could choose a theme for everyone to work with or make it anything goes. If you want to make it competitive, you could even have a costume contest and give a prize to whoever has the scariest costume at your party. Make it fun and let people know in advance so they can get prepared.

Trick or Treat

While tricks are a part of Halloween, the treats are often the most exciting part. When you visit a bowling centre like The Planet, there are all sorts of great snacks and foods to enjoy over Halloween. There are also beverages so you can hydrate in between your bowling games. You don’t even have to go knocking door to door to fill up before you head home or start another round.

Private Parties

If you’re bringing a crowd, many bowling centres offer special space for private parties. This gives you more The Planet has corporate nights where you and your peers can enjoy American pool, bowling, laser tag, and more. There’s even a bar and finger food so everyone has what they need to have a fantastic spooky Halloween night. There are even 9D movies and the chance to enjoy trying out an Oculus Rift.

The Right Venue

A bowling centre is set up to handle a group of people and with a little bit of notice, you get your own space and all the extras you want. It’s less expensive than renting out a large space and you get the entertainment at the same time. If money is a concern and you prefer to have a fun time for less, bowling is the ultimate option. Food, booze, bowling, and more are sure to make for a night everyone remembers.

The Planet is happy to help you plan the perfect Halloween party. We’ll make sure you and your friends have a night that won’t soon be forgotten. Get in touch with us to learn more about how to get your party booked and have a spooky time at the lanes.

The reality is that what makes a fantastic party for a one year old is a lot different from the ideal party for a three-year-old, five-year-old, or six-year-old. If your child has a birthday coming up soon and aren’t sure what to focus your energy on, we have the answers. We’ll share a few tips for the ultimate birthday party for your young child, no matter what their age is.

One-Year-Old Birthday

When it comes to the first birthday party, the reality is that your baby will have a fun time no matter what. They aren’t old enough to understand what a party is, although they are likely to enjoy the festivities. In many cases, parents choose to invite only other adults, but that’s up to you. In either case, you’ll want to keep the party short and get some cute pictures. Anything else is icing on the cake.

Two-Year-Old Birthday

Kids who are two can be full of surprises and a party for them can be challenging. You’ll see kids with a wide range of emotions which can change on a dime. Make sure you host the party somewhere that is child proofed so the children are safe. It’s best to leave opening gifts until after the party, as well, since other guests might not understand why they aren’t getting gifts.

Three-Year-Old Birthday

Now that your child is closing in on three, the guests will be beginning to understand the purpose of a party. Group activities work well with children of this age but only for limited amounts of time. Imitation games can be a lot of fun at this age. The party still shouldn’t be super long as children will tire out. Try to keep it to under two hours for the best results.

Four-Year-Old Birthday

At the age of four, children are active and imaginative, which makes parties a lot of fun. You might want to plan for active games so they can burn off energy during the party. Play some fun music and consider doing a scavenger hunt. This party could run a bit longer than that for the three-year-olds, but you probably don’t want to push it.

Five-Year-Old Birthday

By the time a child is five, they may be old enough to help plan the party. Consider letting them choose the theme or letting them have the party at a child-friendly venue. Bowling centres are great for young children since there are active games, food, and extra hands around to keep things in hand.

This should give you an idea of what sort of party to host for your child from the ages of one to five. Don’t overthink it or feel like you have to make everything perfect. Kids will have a great time as long as you consider their ages and make the party age appropriate.

If you spend any time at the local bowling alley, you probably know that video games are often a part of the experience. Many of these venues have exciting devices that take advantage of the newest technology to give you an immersive experience you may not find at home. Playing those games can be a lot of fun, but it can also benefit you in other ways. We want to share a few of them with you today.

Better Hand Eye Coordination

Scientific studies show that playing video games can increase your fine motor skills and spatial coordination when compared to those who don’t play. These skills come into play every single day as you go about your everyday tasks. It’s also believed that these skills can help keep your eyesight from failing, make you more intelligent, and even give you the tools needed to be a better driver.

Exposure to Imagination and Creativity

When you play any video game, you’ll find that you are dropped into a situation that is full of creativity. It doesn’t matter if the videogame is highly realistic or offers a truly fantasy environment, your imagination can put you in that time and place. You get to spend time acting as a character in a world unlike your own. Anyone who wants a larger dose of creativity in their life can take this inspiration and use it in their own life.

Escape from Stress and Anxiety

Adults have all sorts of pressure from our lives. We have work, we have chores, we have bills to pay. Everyone has their own form of stress and sometimes it can be hard to push that away to have a good time and relax. When you play video games at a bowling alley, some of that stress can fall away. You get to forget regular life and enjoy something for nothing more than being fun.

More Balance Perspective on Life

Another benefit of video games and the way they can remove you from your regular life is that you aren’t completely wrapped up in any of the stresses of your life. Rather than focusing solely on work and paying bills, you know there’s something entertaining that you can use to have a good time. This can lead to a healthier balance in life for gamers when compared to those who do not play video games.

There’s nothing wrong with playing video games at a bowling alley on occasion to blow off steam and have a good time. There are tons of benefits to enjoying video games and it makes a cheap hobby that is accessible to almost anyone. Remember that the next time you put on a VR device or pick up a controller.

When it comes to choosing the right ball, bowling is like home maintenance. Nothing beats having the right tool for the job. Without a ball that’s just right, you’re going to struggle. You may be able to overcome some of the struggle well enough to have some really good games, but bowling well will actually require less skill once you get the right ball.

The Weight of the Ball

The ball should be around 10% of your body weight. The maximum weight allowed is 16 pounds, however, so there are limits. If the ball were allowed to weight much more, the advantage to bigger bowlers would be too substantial. They could manage bigger balls and would therefore be sending more momentum into the pins, all other things being equal. If you use the 10% rule, you will get a ball that’s just right for you. If it feels a little heavy at first, it will get easier to manage over time.

The Finger Holes

It’s best to have your ball specifically drilled for your particular size of finger. At first, this may feel strange. However, the only reason it feels weird is because you’re so used to using the balls that are available at the alley, and none of these is ever quite the right size for you. Having the holes drilled for you will make sure the fit is ideal.

The Covering of the Ball

You will probably want to go with a urethane and reactive-resin cover for your ball. They do a better job of reacting with the surface of the lane because they give it a nice grip. If you have a ball like this, you will be able to see more immediate results if you decide to start throwing hook shots.

While many people consider pool a casual game that can be found in pubs and bowling centres, there are several benefits to choosing this hobby. It can help keep you mentally agile while even improving your physical health. This may not be why you play pool, but it certainly adds another aspect to the next game you jump into. The next time someone asks why you spend time playing pool, you’ll have some great answers beyond it being fun and exciting.

Pool Burns Calories

Pool isn’t a strenuous activity. It isn’t like football or other sports where you end up out of breath after a few minutes of playing. However, every movement you make is burning calories, which is a plus for anyone attempting to get fit or lose weight. Just walking around the table so many times during a game can add up to a ton of walking exercise. When you compare that to sitting on the couch with the television on, pool clearly has the advantage.

Pool Helps Build Focus

When you are attempting to come up with the best move, working to perfect your break, or staring down the perfect angle for your shot, you’re also using a ton of focus. Anything you do while you try to win a game of pool helps build your ability to focus. Learning to do this makes it easier to pay attention to details and focus on other tasks in your daily life. Playing pool is a great way to strengthen these skills, which will give you an edge in your everyday tasks.

Pool Improves Critical Thinking

In the same way that, pool can offer you better focus, it can also have an effect on building up your critical thinking skills. This moves beyond the table and into your daily life and can make you a more capable person at work and beyond. When you are attempting to learn a new shot or determine the right angle for a shot, you’re doing logical and step by step thinking that can translate into other areas of your life.

Pool Can Slow Aging

It might sound crazy, but a study done recently shows that men who play pool and have drinks with each other offers them a chance to be more active than they otherwise would. The healthy socialising and cardio that comes from playing a game of pool can help you feel younger and prevent you from aging too quickly.

The next time you play a game of pool, keep these facts in mind. Hitting up the bowling centre can not only be fun, it can also make you healthier both mentally and physically. It’s just one more reason to play if you find it fun.

Book a game today at Planet Athlone

If you are looking to throw a birthday party that your daughter or son will remember for months to come, a bowling party might be just the right thing for you. Bowling parties are inexpensive but can be a lot of fun. You don’t have to do most of the planning and can instead focus on other things going on in your life. If you want to do it up right, here are a few ideas to truly capitalize on an outstanding bowling party.

Get the Supplies You Need

Think about any supplies that you will need to make the party a real hit. This might include special napkins and cups for the birthday celebration. Decorations are also a great idea to take a party from fun to out of this world. If you’re going to host your party at a bowling alley, make sure you check what items you can bring in for your party. Think about things like bowling balloons or even small trophies for those who win games.

Build Fun Invitations

Get your guests excited for the upcoming party by offering a creative invitation. You can personalize them yourself with simple things like adding a bowling sticker. If you want to go further, you could make handmade invitations in the design of a bowling ball or pins. Everyone will be excited to come when these come in the mail. Make sure you decide on a venue first so you can include it with the note.

Consider Matching T-Shirts

Something that little children enjoy is matching with their friends, which makes matching bowling shirts a great idea. This will make everyone feel like a team. You can get inexpensive bowling tees and add a pin or have the children’s names added to the shirt. This has an added benefit in that it also makes it easy to look around and see the children from your group. This is useful if the bowling alley happens to be pretty busy when you hold the party.

Think About Snacks & Beverages

If you are at a bowling alley, there will be concessions which make feeding the group a cinch. Some of them will even have special party packages that offer food along with a game of bowling and laser tag. Most bowling centres will allow you to bring in a cake, but make sure other snacks are allowed if you decide to bring them in. There’s another plus in that the adults can choose what they want to eat from the offerings at the venue.

Bowling parties can be an outstanding idea for a birthday but adding on some extras will make it even more fun. Think about some of these ideas while planning your child’s party and ensure it’s a good time for everyone who comes.

With a child who is just turning one, you might be stressing about planning the first birthday party. What you need to keep in mind is that for a child that small, there’s no need for everything to be perfect. The child isn’t going to care about a theme or which guests show up, which means you can let yourself off the hook a bit. Regardless, we have a few tips to ensure a great time for yourself and all the guests.

Keep the Guest List Short

If you want to keep your baby well-rested, a short guest list is better than one that includes everyone you know. This is a fantastic time for a relaxed birthday party that your baby can enjoy without being overwhelmed. You might want to invite only family, especially if your child is sensitive or doesn’t do well with lots of people around.

Pay Attention to Naptime

This may be a given but adult socialising times don’t always line up to the best time for baby to enjoy a party. Especially if you are inviting other young children, consider nap schedules and avoid having the party at those times. Going with something in the afternoon or brunch may work better for everyone. If the tots get tired, you’ll be dealing with that during the party.

Accommodate Everyone

While you want to have snacks that the baby and other children will love, you also want to have food and drink for adults and people of other ages. One of the best options here is to choose a venue that provides food, such as a bowling centre. You’ll likely get a party package with kid-friendly food and adults can snack on whatever they like from the main menu.

Take Photos Early

You are going to want to have keepsake photos of the birthday boy or girl, but that can be hard to do once the party has taken off. Wherever you are holding the party, get there a few minutes early and have photos of the birthday kid done then. You can also get some family photos snapped before the party begins since you’ll likely be busy once guests start showing up.

Temper Your Expectations

While you may have been photos of perfect first birthday parties on social media with all the decorations handmade, a freshly baked cake, and guests all smiles, that isn’t how a party really works. The reality is that nobody is going to mind if you pick up a cake from a bakery and your little one is not going to mind if the decorations come from a shop instead of being painstakingly made in your craft room.

What matters at your child’s first party is having fun and enjoying the experience. Do whatever works for you, take photos, and try to let the stress slide off. You’ll be surprised how much fun it can be once you let go of expectations.