Youths get two daily complimentary games

It’s the time of year every kid looks forward to: summer vacation. No more getting up early, spending the day in a classroom or homework. Soon the newness of their freedom begins to wear off and kids start to look for activities to occupy their time. And, in Spokane and the surrounding areas, summer activities, especially for elementary and middle school students, are limited and can be expensive.

But, with the help of Lilac Lanes, North Bowl and Valley Bowl, local kids have an opportunity to bowl in a clean, safe environment with the Kids Bowl Free program. Kids up to age 15 can bowl two games for free every day through their summer break. Parents can also bowl with their kids when they purchase a family pack for a one-time $25.95 fee. Fifty percent of the proceeds from the family pack benefits the program.

Eddie Williams, general manager of Lilac Lanes, heard about Kids Bowl when he was visiting his family in Van Nuys, Calif.

“This program is just awesome. And, for parents, anything to get the kids out of the house that doesn’t cost a lot is a good thing … the bottom line is giving (the kids) something to do,” he said.

Williams said it’s also an important tool because it re-energizes bowling programs in the area, and his goal as the program grows is to have a clinic to ultimately rebuild junior bowling in the community.

Shelby Snyder, a student at Shadle Park High School, bowls on the Shadle team, along with other teams in the winter and summer. She spends approximately four to five hours a day practicing at Lilac Lanes. She sees a number of kids taking advantage of the Kids Bowl program.

“I love bowling, and I think it’s a really good chance for kids to bowl. It’s something to do in the summer,” she said.

Snyder’s mom, Cindie, spends a lot of her time at the bowling center, too. “If (Shelby’s) here, I’m here,” she said. Cindie Snyder said the program is a good idea and that it’s neat to see little kids participate. “It doesn’t matter what age you are; if you can push the ball, then you can bowl,” she said.

Williams said that he has a steady base of regulars with Kids Bowl, including the Degenhart family. Tiffany Degenhart said her whole family bowls. “Our goal is to go (bowling) at least once a week. I think it’s good, quality family time,” she said. “And, I just bought new bowling shoes.”

Kelly Lafferty, another “regular” whose family is part of the program, agrees. “I think it encourages families to get together,” she said. She also recently bought tie-dyed bowling shoes.

To participate in the Kids Bowl Free program, visit www.kidsbowlfree .com and register to receive weekly email vouchers valid for two free games per day.