F.A.Q.
(Frequently Asked Questions)

How long does it take to bowl a game?
It usually takes 10 to 15 minutes per person per game.
With very young children (6 or younger) it usually takes longer. Example 4 people bowling
one game would take 40 minutes to an hour. There are several other factors that affect how much time it takes to bowl a game. Are you socializing and taking your time? Are you throwing lots of strikes? Are you eating and drinking while bowling?

What is a game?
10 frames.
A frame is two deliveries (throws) unless you got a strike on your first delivery.
I don't know how to keep score; do you have help for this?
McHenry Bowl has automatic scoring systems on all our lanes.
Our staff would be happy to get your names in and help you get started. Then the automatic system records your score.

When you state a price like $3.50 for a game, is that price for all the people who bowl the first game?
Game pricing is for each person for each game?
We do have hourly pricing for lanes, which would be the price for any number of people bowling on the lane for the hour.

Do we have to use bowling shoes when we bowl?
Yes, street shoes are not safe for adults and all but the youngest children.
Bowling shoes have a sole designed to facilitate a safer approach and delivery. Additionally bowling shoes do not leave a residue, as street shoes often do,that would affect people that follow you.

When is the best time to bowl for casual and novice bowlers?
Weekdays before 5 are usually no problem except during holidays. Weekend daytime is usually good also. However on weekends we book parties, groups and tournaments that do impact lane availability.

What is the black line for which is between the approach and the bowling lane?
This is the FOUL LINE. It is the "out of bounds" for bowlers. You are NEVER to cross this line.
We keep our foul warning detectors on at all time which give a zero score when you cross the line. The lane is coated with a film of oil and it is dangerous to cross the foul line.

What is the youngest age a child can be to bowl?
We have many two and three year olds that bowl.
We have bumpers on every lane which keeps the ball on the lane. Our youngest bowlers usually use two hands/arms to roll the ball.

Does it cost extra to have bumpers up?
There is additional NO CHARGE for the use of the bumpers.

We have both adult and small children in our group. Can we have the bumpers up only during the children's turn?
The bumpers cannot be raised and lowered for each person.
You have the bumpers up even when the adults are taking their turn. Also, depending on the availability of lanes, adults can be on one lane and children on another lane.

Can we make a reservation?
Yes, we take reservations for up to 4 hours before your desired time to bowl.

How many people can bowl together?
Each lane can accommodate up to 6 people.
If your group is larger than 6 you would need more than one lane.

Why are the hours of La Pizza Café different than the bowling center?
La Pizza Café
is a leased business.
Therefore they are able to set their own hours of service.

How do I contact La Pizza Café?
Their phone number is 523-1439
Also you may click on this link to go to their information page, La Pizza Café

What weight are your bowling balls?
Our weights on our racks are from 10 to 16 pounds.
All our balls are marked with their weight and finger size from XS (extra small) to XXL (double extra large). We have 6 and 8 pound balls available to be checked out for children under 10.

What weight bowling ball should I use?
We recommend you start at about 10% of your body weight.
Example, a 120 pound person should try a 12 pound bowling ball. All our balls are marked with their weight and finger size from XS (extra small) to XXL (double extra large).

How can I join a league?
You may call 571-2695 and for adult leagues ask for Pam. For senior leagues ask for Terry or Teresa, and for youth leagues ask for June or Kim. If any of these people are not available, any employee would be glad to help

On your glow events do you take advance sign-ups?
Yes, we will take reservations but they are not required.
However with groups larger than 12 people, we recommend you reserve in advance to ensure you a spot.

How many people can bowl on a lane during the specialty events?
Up to 6 people per lane. Due to the popularity of our glow events, we reserve the right to combine individuals or pairs to make a minimum of 4 on a lane.

Why do you limit drinks on the lanes during glow events?
To better ensure no underage individuals are served by their friends while our lighting is reduced, we usually restrict alcohol to the lounge area.


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Contact Us

3700 McHenry Ave. Modesto, CA Ph: (209) 571-2695
© Copyright 2004, McHenry Bowl