Bowlarena Lanes

A Marine and his buddies opened Bowlarena in 1955, and the Douglas family still runs it. It has 32 lanes, a game room, and Thunder Alley glow bowling on weekend nights.

• Jacksonville
• Bowling
• Rainy day
• Evening

Why families go

It’s a classic family bowling center with a long local history. It makes an easy rainy-day or evening plan, especially paired with the arcade next door. During the school year, leagues fill most lanes on weekday evenings, so call ahead.

Don’t miss

• Thunder AlleyGlow-light bowling on Friday and Saturday nights from 9 p.m.
• The game roomToken arcade games between frames.
• Kids Bowl FreeA summer program for registered kids; check the website.

Photo: Bowlarena Lanes

Before you go

• Weekday evenings from 5 to 9 p.m. are league-heavy during the school year; call or reserve a lane.
• Use NC 210 and US 17. NC 172 through Camp Lejeune is closed to civilians without base credentials, even if your GPS suggests it.

Plan your visit

• Where: 433 Western Blvd., Jacksonville, NC 28546
• From Topsail: About 40 minutes from central Surf City (35 from North Topsail Beach) via NC 210 and US 17.
• Hours: Daily from late morning; until midnight Friday and Saturday.
• Admission: Paid per game or per hour, plus shoe rental.
• Tickets: Reserve a lane
• Official site: bowlarenaofjacksonville.com
• More nearby: more family fun in Jacksonville

A short drive from the island. Browse our Topsail Island vacation rentals, all cared for by our local team.

Based on official information from the attraction and the agencies that run it; checked October 2026. Hours, seasons and schedules change, so confirm before you go.