Since 2020, we've made significant improvements to help drive more traffic to your center with less effort—and more importantly, we've developed tools to help you generate more revenue per visit from the families we send your way.
Here are seven reasons why your center should strongly consider participating in the Kids Bowl Free marketing movement this summer:
1. Free Participation For Centers Through Storm and Kegel Partnership
Centers that did not participate in 2025 are eligible to participate in Kids Bowl Free 2026 at no charge, compliments of Storm and Kegel. As part of the Bowling Industry Growth Movement, these industry leaders understand the importance of introducing more kids and families to bowling. There's no financial barrier to joining—just the opportunity to grow your summer business.
Storm Bowling and Kegel will sponsor participation fees for new or re-joining centers who did not participate last year.
2. FREE Professional Bowling Lessons with Verity Crawley for every kid!
Inside the Kids Bowl Free app, every family now has access to video-based bowling lessons featuring Verity Crawley, one of bowling's best ambassadors. These beginner-focused lessons cover essential topics, including:
- Safety tips (keeping faces away from the ball return, staying behind the foul line)
- Selecting the right weight bowling ball
- Understanding why bowling shoes matter
- Basic fundamentals for new bowlers
These professional lessons help families feel more confident and comfortable at your center from their very first visit.
3. Weekly Prize Giveaways From Storm Bowling to Keep Kids Engaged
Last summer, more than 250,000 kids created their first bowling average through Kids Bowl Free. Every time kids bowl, they can log their scores in the app, track their progress, earn digital badges, and see their averages improve.
But here's the exciting part: every single week, we give away multiple bowling balls and bags from Storm. Kids simply need to log their scores to be eligible—you don't have to do anything. Winners are notified and receive their prizes directly from Storm.
This feature keeps kids engaged, encourages repeat visits, and puts them on the path to becoming lifelong bowlers.
4. Digital Ad Match Program (Less Work, Better Results)
Remember when we printed and mailed over 15 million postcards in 2019?
Those days are gone. The digital ad match program is easier for you and delivers superior results. Previously, your center had to order cards, then divide them for schools and classrooms, deliver them to the schools, hope the schools got them to the classrooms, and finally have the kids give them to the parents.
It worked, but our Digital Ad Match Program works even better, MUCH faster, and delivers MORE registrations and visits to participating centers.
The numbers speak for themselves:
- 2019 (peak postcard year): Average center registered ~2,140 kids
- 2025 (digital ad program): The Average center registered almost 2,900 kids
- Record-breaking: 3,638,301 kids registered in 2025
Here's how it works: You invest in digital ads, and we match (or exceed) your investment:
- Invest $250 → We add $250
- Invest $500 → We add $750
- Invest $1,000 → We add $1,500
Best of all: You never write a check. The investment is simply deducted from your first family pass payment in July. Zero upfront cost to you.
5. Network of 6,000+ Influencers Creating Authentic Bowling Content
We've built a network of over 6,000 influencers who create authentic content about bowling. These range from major personalities to local community voices—and sometimes the smaller, localized influencers perform even better because they have dedicated audiences in specific markets.
This user-generated content powers both nationwide campaigns and location-specific digital ads. When local families see familiar places and faces in Kids Bowl Free promotions, conversion rates soar.
6. Custom In-App Ads for Your Center
This is a game-changer. Inside the Kids Bowl Free app, you can now create custom ads specific to your bowling center. Whether you want to promote:
- Kids Bowl Free meal deals
- Summer shoe rental passes
- Arcade card packages
- Food and entertainment bundles
Your offers appear directly in the app when families are planning their visits. Last year's test at Spare Time locations proved the concept—they sold tons of their $14.99 meal deal (which included food, a $10 game card, a cup, and a Frisbee).
If you don't want to create custom offers, we'll provide generic templates to showcase your additional amenities.
7. Instant Bonus Offer SMS After Redemption
Here's a revolutionary new tool: When a family redeems their Kids Bowl Free coupons at your front desk, we can instantly send them a custom text message with a special offer—right while they're at your center.
For example: "Hey! While you're here today, ask about our Kids Bowl Free meal deal!"
This helps in several ways:
- Captures impulse purchases while families are already at your location
- Doesn't rely solely on front desk staff to upsell
- Works even when your front desk is overwhelmed
- Reminds families of special offers for their next visit
The goal is simple: increase revenue per visit from the traffic Kids Bowl Free drives to your center.
8. Kids Bowl Free Kickoff Events
Last year we tested kickoff events at four locations, and this year we're rolling out a complete module so you can host your own event. Hold a kickoff day in May to:
- Get registered families excited before summer starts
- Generate word-of-mouth as kids talk about it at school
- Attract local media coverage (we secured TV coverage at multiple events last year)
- Capture content for future digital marketing
Early Bird Bonus: Register by March 1st
If you commit early and have your registration page open by March 1st, here's what you get:
When you participate in the ad match program with a minimum $250 investment:
- $250 match from us (standard program)
- PLUS an additional $250 bonus for early registration
- Total: $500 in digital ads for your $250 investment
Additionally, if you have a Neoverse wall or similar video wall, we'll create a custom-sized Kids Bowl Free video display for your location at no charge.
The Results Speak for Themselves
At the recent MUBIG Meeting, one center shared that they never imagined generating $1 million in revenue in July—but they achieved it last summer. While Kids Bowl Free wasn't solely responsible, the center nearly doubled its registrations by implementing the tips and tools we provide.
Remember: Every year, 25% of people move in and out of your marketplace.
Every year, new kids grow into the program while others age out. Staying engaged with Kids Bowl Free ensures a steady stream of new customers discovering your center.
Critical Timing
We start marketing nationwide on March 1st every year. Here's why early registration matters:
- By May 1: ~60% of annual registrations are complete
- By May 31: ~80% of annual registrations are complete
Don't wait until the end of the league season. Don't wait to see if summer looks uncertain. The data shows that early participation leads to better results.
Ready to Rejoin?
Call us today at 877-841-4590 or email Andy.Vasko@kidsbowlfree.com to take advantage of the free Storm and Kegel offer and set your center up for the best summer ever.
Kids Bowl Free has sent more people bowling than any program in the history of the sport—over 50 million kids to date. Let's make 2026 your most successful summer yet.