Sparetimes
What people are saying
Friday night fun!
5.0 of 5 bubblesJul 2018
A visiting 11 yr old grandson and a rainy Friday night is what brought us to Sparetimes. I had tried unsuccessfully to call the amf here in norfolk to check on lane availability, if there were leagues playing etc and finally gave up and got on the Google and found Sparetimes. I was a little apprehensive as it was a Friday night and wasn't sure how kid or family friendly this centre was. Rest assured, my apprehension was gone as soon as we walked in. The owner has really achieved a greatly balanced atmosphere for young kids, pre teens, teens, and grown folks. The staff is welcoming and very friendly from the minute you walk in and the security staff is just as friendly and professional. They have a snack bar which is very reasonable and a small arcade area which is located a good distance from the bar which is enclosed so the kids can be kids and grown folks can be grown. Price wise it's 20 an hour to bowl and 2 dollar shoe rentals. They have Top of the line electronic scoring systems which are all touchscreen and very simple to use. They also have little ramps designed specifically for the little ones to help them bowl so everyone can get in on the fun. There was a very loud group of teen agers next to us that started to really let loose and security was on top of it immediately. They were very firm with the kids but very friendly and after that no more issues.They also have glow in the dark bowling after 9 and it was awesome! Music videos fill the flat screens, music thumping, lights flashing, just a blast! If you are looking for a great place to spend time with the kids and family this place is pretty spectacular. They truly have achieved a great balance with keeping it geared towards families and yet providing a wonderful atmosphere for grown folks too. The only negative I can say is about the driveway into this bowling center. Although a very short drive around this weird little alley, it's a bit dark and if you come in from pine chapel road, you can see the sign for Sparetimes, you just have to make a quick turn into the feeder road to get into it. Other than that, I would highly recommend this place and from now on this will be out spot. It hasn't been taken over by leagues, thank goodness and it truly is an all around great time!

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles3 reviews
Excellent
2
Very good
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Average
1
Poor
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Jamie B
Norfolk, Virginia, United States17 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2018 • Family
A visiting 11 yr old grandson and a rainy Friday night is what brought us to Sparetimes. I had tried unsuccessfully to call the amf here in norfolk to check on lane availability, if there were leagues playing etc and finally gave up and got on the Google and found Sparetimes. I was a little apprehensive as it was a Friday night and wasn't sure how kid or family friendly this centre was. Rest assured, my apprehension was gone as soon as we walked in. The owner has really achieved a greatly balanced atmosphere for young kids, pre teens, teens, and grown folks. The staff is welcoming and very friendly from the minute you walk in and the security staff is just as friendly and professional. They have a snack bar which is very reasonable and a small arcade area which is located a good distance from the bar which is enclosed so the kids can be kids and grown folks can be grown. Price wise it's 20 an hour to bowl and 2 dollar shoe rentals. They have Top of the line electronic scoring systems which are all touchscreen and very simple to use. They also have little ramps designed specifically for the little ones to help them bowl so everyone can get in on the fun. There was a very loud group of teen agers next to us that started to really let loose and security was on top of it immediately. They were very firm with the kids but very friendly and after that no more issues.They also have glow in the dark bowling after 9 and it was awesome! Music videos fill the flat screens, music thumping, lights flashing, just a blast! If you are looking for a great place to spend time with the kids and family this place is pretty spectacular. They truly have achieved a great balance with keeping it geared towards families and yet providing a wonderful atmosphere for grown folks too. The only negative I can say is about the driveway into this bowling center. Although a very short drive around this weird little alley, it's a bit dark and if you come in from pine chapel road, you can see the sign for Sparetimes, you just have to make a quick turn into the feeder road to get into it. Other than that, I would highly recommend this place and from now on this will be out spot. It hasn't been taken over by leagues, thank goodness and it truly is an all around great time!
Written July 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DisplacedTexanVA
Richmond, VA5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2016 • Family
This bowling center is INCREDIBLY hard to find - it's set way back from the road behind another building. But it is well worth finding! The center is modern, clean, the people are friendly, the snack bar is excellent, and the lane areas are more than comfortable. The spectator seating is plentiful and the tables can seat 6 - great for groups. I would highly recommend bowling at Sparetimes!
Written July 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MrBry
southern new England Usa69 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2014 • Friends
We had to stop by after the 30 for 30 sports doc!

Area seems nice n it's tucked away!

Plenty to do n see nearby! (Food, fuel, shop)
Written December 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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