Palo Alto Bowl is one of three participating bowling centers (please don't call them bowling alleys) in the Peninsula area. The other two are in San Mateo and Daly City. It might be a bit far for those in the South Bay, but kids can bowl for free, including rental shoes, every day from May through September. It's part of the Say No To Drugs, Say Yes To Bowling program supported by a dozen Bay Area police departments and 300 Bay Area schools. It keeps kids out of trouble, provides fun and exercise, and builds self-esteem.

From a Mercury News article by Kristina Peterson:
"It costs us a lot of money," said Rex Golobic, owner of the three bowling alleys. "But we think it's really important, and the kids do too."

I say amen to that.

More details in this Mercury News article by Patty Fisher.

Kids and parents can go to here to sign up.

Bowling centers are part of a dying breed. Developers are snatching them up as land grows scarce. If you're in the South Bay, support local bowling centers like 300 San Jose (I remember when it was plain old Oakridge Lanes; my brothers bowled there for years during adolescence, some 25 years ago), Cambrian Bowl, Fourth Street Bowl, and these others before they're all gone.]]>

Kepler's Books RIP 1955-2005.

SJ Mercury: Kepler's abruptly shuts its doors
SJ Mercury: Closing the Book on Kepler's]]>