Let’s talk for a minute about something that everybody enjoys, saving money. I’m sure you will agree with me that everything seems to be getting more expensive. When enjoying a quality night out, you can make bowling a pretty cheap option, whether its a first date, family outing, birthday party, etc. However, it can also be quite costly if not done correctly.

Here are a few things to look out for when trying to determine a good time to hit the lanes. The evenings are always going to be more expensive than the daytime, and the weekends and holidays will always be more expensive than the weekdays.

Depending on how many games you want to bowl or how many are in your group, renting a lane by the hour might be a good option. Some bowling centers also have blocks of time set up where you can bowl as much as you want for a set price.

You might think I’m crazy, but if you bowl with any sort of regularity, go to one of the big box store or a sporting goods store and buy bowling shoes! Think about it, every time you go bowling, you have to rent shoes and that costs around $3-4 per visit. I have been in the big box stores or the larger sporting goods stores and seen bowling shoes on sale for $20. You can also find great deals on bowling shoes all over the internet. Plus, you don’t have to wear rental shoes that have been worn by many other people.

Companies like Groupon and LivingSocial have allowed bargain hunters to feel good about their purchases. This is no different when it comes to finding great deals on bowling. I live in Chicago and I recent found a deal for an hour of bowling and shoe rental for $15. Lane rental during peak times at the bowling alley can be upwards of $30 just for the lane, then you add another $6-8 for shoe rental, so this is a significant savings.

Joining a bowling league has proven to be a good way to save some money as well. Often times, bowling centers will have special rates for their league bowlers. I have also bowled in a couple places where they may have free open bowling for all league bowlers during their slower times during the week.

For the kingpins out there, part of your membership in the Professional Bowlers Association will allow you discounted rates at PBA practice centers.

With the rising cost of everything these days, I hope you will find these tips helpful when hitting the lanes.