5900 Oak Forest Dr, Raleigh, NC 27616
Who doesn’t love bowling?! The first Buffaloe Lanes Family Bowling Center opened in Garner in March of 1978 and is still open today! This makes Buffaloe Lanes the longest-running bowling alley in the area, and currently, there are 5 different locations for you to enjoy across the triangle. However, this review is specifically about Buffaloe Lanes North in North Raleigh, conveniently located near Triangle Town Center Mall.
Bowling Alley
With over 25 bowling lanes available, you’re sure to be able to snag a lane even on a crowded Saturday night! Smaller bowling allies like Strike & Barrel in Wake Forest may run out of lanes and have a waiting list, but at Buffaloe North we’ve never had issues getting a lane even when the leagues are competing!
Each bowling lane is fully digital and ball ramps are available for kids who might need a little extra help. Various balls are spaced throughout the lanes, so you can easily find the right size and weight for you and your kids. Bumpers can be programmed to go up for some bowlers and down for others, which is convenient when kids and adults are bowling in the same lane.
The bowling alley is very clean and family-friendly. No alcohol is served onsite, which could be a perk for some and a downfall for others. 😂 I felt very safe in both the parking lot and inside the facility. We’ve visited quite a few times now and I’ve never seen any unruly guests. Most of the staff are teenagers and were very helpful and responsive.
Get the most up-to-date hours and pricing information on their website!
Arcade
The arcade at Buffaloe Lanes is huge, especially if you consider that this is just an add-on activity to bowling. Whenever you tire of bowling, head over to the arcade to extend the indoor fun! They have everything from skeeball to racing and shooting games, and most games earn tickets to redeem for prizes. The arcade is fully digital so all you have to do is hold onto your card and show it to the prize counter at the end. We usually end up with some pieces of candy and small trinkets to take home at the end of our day.
Birthday Parties
We have hosted my son’s birthday party at Buffaloe Lanes and have attended a couple of parties here as well. They do a great job in decorating, and provide everything you need for the party – including the cake! It’s one of the more affordable party locations in Raleigh, in my opinion! The top party package is currently $180 and provides a cake, decorations, paper products, pizza, drinks, a party attendant, and a $5 arcade card for each guest. I love that you can easily add more guests and there isn’t a strict party capacity. We were very pleased with our party and were able to spend lots of time with our guests!
My only complaint is that there are no party rooms available. They used to have one many years ago, but that room has been turned into a staff room. Parties are now set up with tables in the walkway behind the lanes. As you can see in the picture below, when two parties are happening at the same time it can be a little confusing to see which table is yours. It would have been nice to have the option to pay extra for a private party room.
Kids Bowl Free all Summer
One of the best parts is that Buffaloe Lanes North participates in Kids Bowl Free, so you can bring your child ages 15 and under to bowl two free games every day this summer! It’s a cheap way to beat the heat and entertain the kids while they’re out of school.
Remember that shoe rental is not included and costs $3.99 for kids and $4.99 for adults. If mom and dad want to get in on the action, you can purchase a family pass for $39.95 that gives two adults free games all summer too. Registration for the summer usually opens in March, so add your email address to get notified when it opens!
Northhouse Grill
We can’t forget the food! The Northhouse Grill is a full-service snack bar inside Buffaloe Lanes North. They have many options for lunch or snacks to feed your hungry crowd. The cheese pizza is always a winner with my kids!
Please note that no alcohol is available for purchase.
Multiple Locations
If Buffaloe Lanes North isn’t in a convenient location for you, there are multiple locations under the same owner! With locations in South Raleigh, Cary, Erwin, and Mebane, this bowling alley serves much of Wake County and the surrounding area.
Be sure to stop in for some good, clean, indoor family fun!