Transit delivers skating and bowling fun in Snohomish County
Pictured above: Community Transit Route 114 stops right down the road from the Lynnwood Bowl & Skate on Hwy 99.
Come rain or shine, two timeless activities remain popular: roller skating and bowling. You don’t need your own equipment – skates, bowling shoes, and bowling balls are part of the rental, so traveling there by transit is easy to do.
While you can do these activities any time of the year, there’s something about warmer weather that makes you want to get out of the house and have some fun. Who can resist the bright digital scoreboards of a bowling alley, especially the modern techno-themed centers with shiny balls lined up on racks trimmed in bright fluorescent lights? And the popularity of roller derby is getting people inspired to lace up those skates and roll!
Snohomish County specializes in great venues for bowling and skating entertainment – sometimes both under one roof. Check out these centers conveniently accessible via a comfortable transit ride; and if you haven’t heard, transit is free to youth 18 and younger.
Bowlero Lynnwood
1222 164th St. SW, Lynnwood
Two bus routes, including the Swift Orange Line, drop off steps away from Bowlero Lynnwood. This “entertainment center” offers a full-sense experience with food, arcade, and a celebration of lights and sound at that magic moment when you release the ball and all ten pins fall in one great throw – either by skill or an awesome fluke. Also, great photo ops for sharing with friends!
Lynnwood Bowl & Skate
6210 200th St. SW, Lynnwood
If your social group is all about options, Lynnwood Bowl & Skate is also steps away from multiple Community Transit routes, including the Swift Blue Line. Whether you’re looking to skate the night away or try your hand at a strike, double (two strikes in a row), or turkey (three strikes in a row), you’ll have options at this 1950s-style venue. On-site you’ll find a café-restaurant with smash burgers and a pound of fries. The establishment has kids programs and summer day camp sessions.
Evergreen Lanes
5111 Claremont Way, Everett
This bowling and entertainment destination offers a full-service restaurant with daily specials steps from the Swift Blue Line and Everett Transit service. It’s fun and welcoming to all ages. You don’t need to bowl a perfect game (12 strikes in a row for 300 points, sometimes called a Dinosaur) to have a relaxing time out with family and friends. This laid-back venue is just as fun for those new to the sport as it is for league players. They stay open until midnight for special bowling fun but be sure to check that bus schedule to catch the last bus home.
Marysville Skate Center and Strawberry Lanes
Skate Center: 7313 44th Ave NE, Marysville
Strawberry Lanes: 1067 Columbia Ave., Marysville
Conveniently served by three bus routes and located a couple of blocks away from each other, these two venues offer good family fun. At the Skate Center, there are different music styles offered on different nights – check the website for details. Skate rentals included with admission.
Strawberry Lanes also has daily specials, food, and birthday party packages. If you plan your day right, you can bowl and skate at both of these locations in the same trip. Message your friends or family and take the bus to Marysville for a day or evening of exercise and good vibes.
The Alley Bar & Grill (formerly Rocket Alley Bar & Grill)
420 N. Olympic Ave, Arlington
The best of small-town Snohomish County… this quaint little lane in Arlington started out as an old school cafeteria with a bowling alley attached. The bowling alley is still functioning today. Now they offer screens to catch a sporting event, and casual happy house food (try the cheese fries!). Best of all, two Community Transit bus routes stop directly across the street.
Angel of the Winds Community Ice Rink
2000 Hewitt Ave., Everett
Photo courtesy of the Angel of the Winds Community Ice Rink.
Want to mix things up a little? Try ice skating! The Angel of the Winds Community Ice Rink in Everett is a great place to rent some skates and hit the ice year-round. Perfect for beating the heat on a warm day. If you end up with a newfound love of ice skating, the rink offers figure skating lessons and local ice hockey leagues. The rink is just a couple blocks away from the Swift Blue Line in downtown Everett.
So, invite your friends to meet you on Swift – or whatever is close to your starting point – and plan to relax with friends and some finger-licking food at a skate, bowl, or skate & bowl location near you. And if you bowl a turkey or join a roller derby team, we want to hear about it.
