BOWLING: A GREAT FAMILY ACTIVITY

There are a lot of different places to bowl in the Kitsap/North Mason area. Here's a list with some of our own experiences at each of them. Yours, of course, may be different.

Bremerton: Bay Bowl, 2313 Wheaton Way, (360) 377-2103

Bremerton/PSNS: The Strike Zone, (360) 476-2790. Must have military ID card, or ride in with someone who has a base sticker. Clean and courteous. It's usually pretty empty. Call first for hours. There's also a pool and arcade room attached, and a pizza parlor next to it.

Port Orchard: Hi Joy Bowl. 1011 Bethel, (360) 876-8111. Nice, clean, but their customer service was less than wonderful the last time we were there.

Sequim: Olympic Lanes, Highway 101 E, (360) 683-3500

Silverdale: All Star Lanes & Casino, 10710 Silverdale Way, (360) 692-5760. Near Costco. This is a nice, older alley that still has that hometown feel. There's a casino attached to it, so it can be noisy.

SUBASE Bangor: Olympic Lanes, (360) 535-5917. Must have military ID card, or ride in with someone who has a base sticker. Clean and accommodating. Every time we've been there, the music decibel level is deafening; the staff WILL turn it down if the alley isn't full and you don't mind asking. Other than the music, this is a great experience, especially their fireball. It's wonderful staff and excellent accommodations make up for its small size. There's a Taco Bell attached which is a great way to stretch your money -- buy a drink and get free refills (please don't share refills with others.) A buck a game, plus another for the shoes. Or rent the alley for $6/hr.

Do you have experience or insight to share about a Kitsap or Mason bowling alley? Email us.