5 Best Kids' Bowling Sets - June 2023

Updated April 2022

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Bottom line

Pros

Cons

Best of the Best

Melissa & Doug

Kids Bowling Friends Play Set

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Customer Favorite

Bottom Line

A soft, squeezable plastic set ideal for toddlers and preschoolers, although you may have to let it sit to get rid of the odor.

Pros

Constructed from soft, squeezable plastic. Colorful and durable. Set includes 6 pins, a ball, and a carrying case. Good for years 2 and up. Sturdy.

Cons

Reports that some of these come with a strong chemical smell that takes a while to wear off.

Best Bang for the Buck

Little Tikes

Clearly Sports Bowling

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Unique Style

Bottom Line

Bowling set for kids that features clear pins filled with balls.

Pros

Comes with 6 bowling pins and a kid-sized plastic bowling ball with 3 finger holes. Pins are see-through, have 3 colorful balls inside, and stand on a sturdy base. Recommended for ages 2 and up.

Cons

The ball is hard and makes noise when it hits the floor.

A set that comes with 2 differently colored balls and a set of traditional style pins.

Pros

Sturdy plastic bowling set with 10 9.5-inch bowling pins and 2 green and yellow bowling balls with 3 finger holes. Wipes clean. For indoor and outdoor use by kids age 1 and older. Includes a storage bag.

Cons

Pins are lightweight and may not stay standing easily.

A brightly multicolored bowling set featuring numbers 1 to 10 and unique designs.

Pros

Made of gentle foam and makes less noise. Each bowling pin is numbered. Comes with 2 orange and green bowling balls with facial expressions and a drawstring storage bag. Recommended for use by kids ages 1 and older.

Cons

Soft texture may be more prone to damage.

Melissa & Doug

Happy Giddy Bowling Set

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Simple Yet Solid

Bottom Line

Colorful bowling set for kids with pins designed as smiling bugs.

Pros

Comes with 6 bowling pins made of durable plastic and a yellow bowling ball with 3 finger holes. Includes a clear carrying case with sturdy fabric handles. Can be used inside or outside. Recommended for ages 2-4 years.

Cons

May be lacking in durability.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Models
Considered

102

Consumers
Consulted

Hours
Researched

Teach kids the basics of bowling in the comfort of your own home (or just let them make up the rules as they try to knock the pins down) with a kids’ bowling set. Some are large, almost full-sized pins and ball(s), while others are miniature versions that are ideal to give as party favors. Made of plastic, wood, foam, or even an inflatable material, there is a set for any preference. Most are good for indoor use, and some can be used outdoors, too. You can opt for a classic design like the pins and balls you’d find at your local bowling alley, or more novel designs. A kids’ bowling set will cost you $10 to $30.

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