Bowling remains one of the nation's most-loved recreational sports. Grab the family, spouse or your group of best buds for some laid back fun.

1. Palace Lanes

Palace Lanes in Bellaire is perfect for when you want the old charm of a traditional family bowling alley. If you live in the area, you've no doubt attended a birthday party, school field trip or just a family night out at this neighborhood staple.

Leagues and tournaments are available for the more serious bowler.

4191 Bellaire Blvd.
Houston, TX 77025
713.667.6554

2. Bowlmor Lanes

925 Bunker Hill
Houston, TX 77024
713.461.1207

Bowlmor (formerly 300 Bowl) puts a swanky twist on your typical Houston bowling alley. With a full-service bar, glow-in-the-dark lanes, and an amped up sound system, Bowlmor makes a pretty perfect spot for anything from a double date to a corporate team-building event. Bolwmor is open 7 days a week until midnight (until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays). After 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, guests under 21 will have to be in a group accompanied by a parent.

3. Lucky Strike

1201 San Jacinto St.
Houston, TX 77002
713.343.3300

This Downtown Houston bowling alley offers much more in the way of entertainment than knocking down pins. Big screen televisions, billiards and a full service bar will keep any group smiling for hours on end. Ask about Luxe: a private VIP bowling experience exclusive to Lucky Strike Lanes. Guests must be at least 21 to enter Lucky Strike after 8 p.m.

4. Fun Plex

Funplex is best known as a longstanding venue to hold a Houston birthday party for young people. But what some folks don't know is that within the walls of this giant megaplex is a full 40-lane bowling alley. Stretch your dollars and bowl Monday through Wednesday when each game is only $1.99 per person ($.99 shoe rental). Or bowl all night (11 p.m. to 2 a.m.) on Friday and Saturday for $15 per person.

5. Emerald Bowl

9307 Boone Rd.
Houston, TX 77099
281.933.6180

Emerald Bowl in Alief is all about the leagues. Kids, adults, novices and pros can all find an age and skill-appropriate league to be a part of. Sundays are $1.99/game from open to close and bumpers are always free. Emerald Bowl is also a great spot to host an affordable children's birthday party.

6. Armadillo Lanes

3210 Preston Ave.
Pasadena, TX 77089
713.941.2343

10055 Fuqua St.
Houston, TX 77089
713.944.7100

Armadilla Lanes bowling alleys are located in Pasadena and the Hobby Airport area (southeast Houston). Birthday parties, corporate events and a pretty hefty food and drink menu are just a few things that make this place a Houston staple for years. Armadillo Lanes's 32 hardwood lanes are open Sunday to Monday and has morning hours available for bowling.

7. Max Bowl North and East

2390 Wilson Rd.
Humble, TX 77396
281.540.2800

720 Ward Rd.
Baytown, TX 77520
281.427.4771

With two locations to choose from, Max Bowl offers 32 lanes, a game room, full service bar and several flat screen TV's. Be sure to make plans to participate in COOL Cosmic Bowling - house lights off, special effect lighting on, and music cranked up. And ask about the fundraising opportunities and youth programs.