I am notoriously bad at bowling. Forget the fact that bowling was a mandatory part of my high school gym curriculum (it’s what happens when your high school is next to a bowling alley) and the fact that I went to many a bowling party during my dancing career (dance school? Also next to a bowling alley). The extra exposure wasn’t enough to resolve the main problem: 10-pound ball + slippery shoes + need for coordination + well, me = disaster.
However, these two games are so much fun that there’s no room for lack of skill to get in the way of enjoyment. The colorful daytime variety will be sure to bring a smile to your face, and the midnight version promises to be the game everyone goes home talking about. Both projects are perfect for kids: they’ll love making the pins and love playing with them even more.
That’s if the adults allow them a turn.
Colorful Daytime Bowling
Supplies: 10 plastic bottles (I used 16oz sports drink bottles) food coloring water a ball (I used a softball) decorations, optional
Instructions:
1. Start by removing the labels from the plastic bottles. Sometimes they come off easily, but if you need to bring in reinforcements, a little degreaser or solvent usually does the trick.
2. Next, fill the bottles to the top with room temperature water (to prevent sweating). For softer colors, as shown, use one drop of food coloring in each bottle. For brighter colors, use two to three drops.
3. Set the pins up in a triangle formation and bowl away!
Glow in the Dark Midnight Bowling
Supplies:
10 Plastic Bottles (I used 16oz sports drink bottles) glow sticks (in assorted colors) water almond milk a softball glow in the dark paint decorations, optional
Instructions:
1. Paint the softball with glow in the dark paint the day before to allow plenty of time to dry (I did three coats).
2. When you’re ready to assemble the pins, fill each empty plastic bottle with one tablespoon of almond milk. You can use regular milk, but almond milk is thicker and provides a better glow effect.
3. Next, crack the glow sticks so that they begin to glow and place them in the bottle (I used five skinny ones in each). Fill each bottle up to the top with water and close with the cap.
4. Set the pins up, bust out a few citronella candles to keep the bugs at bay, and watch the night fly by with every strike. The pins might even outlast your party—you’ll get six to eight hours of light out of them!
Text, Styling and Photography by Beka Watts
