Atomic Bowl Duckpin

Atomic Bowl Duckpin is located in the Indianapolis neighborhood of Fountain Square, and it is probably the most unusual -- and perhaps one of the oldest -- bowling alleys you'll find in the Midwest. It's family-friendly and fun for all ages. Duckpin bowling uses smaller, lighter balls, so it's perfect for the smallest bowlers in your bunch.We visited on a rainy day when we were looking for something to do that was indoors. Duckpin bowling it is. Reservations are suggested, so we made a reservation over the phone on our way there.When we arrived, I was amazed at all of the vintage bowling memorabilia. As we made our way to our lane, it was like stepping back in time to 50 years ago, when telephone booths were still a thing. Duckpin bowling is fun, especially fun for kids, because the bowling balls are smaller (about the size of a small coconut), so they are easier to hold and throw. Not only are duckpin bowling balls smaller, but the bowling pins are smaller, too. So this means that it's a little more difficult to get a strike or a spare. It's helpful to keep your expectations in check! When we played, we tried to focus on just having fun. In duckpin bowling, each player gets three chances to hit the pins (as opposed to two chances with typical 10-pin bowling), so you get more tries to knock them down.There is a small cafe inside the bowling alley, so we snagged some snacks in between games. They have pizza, pretzels, wings, nachos, fries and lots of other foods to share. You can order your food and take it to your lane to eat. We spent about an hour and a half duckpin bowling, and it was time well spent. It's definitely worth visiting this historic bowling alley in Indianapolis if you're in the downtown area.

A great place to go with family or a group. The duck pins was a challenge for a three year old but manageable for a six year old. Each individual is allowed 3 attempts before the pins clear for the next person in line. Depending on the dynamics of your group an hour was sufficient for the attention span for a few children.

We were visiting for thanksgiving and had such a wonderful time here. Hattie was working the counter upstairs and she was so helpful, kind and patient with us and all the guests. We were surprised to find out she was new! The ambiance is great and customer service top notch! If we are ever in Indy again will will be back!

We had the most fun here!!The downstairs is where it's at. It's so cool. No one is coming here for, like, competition. The lanes are buckled and crazy. For the record, I totally sucked at this and had the most fun.

This is a great place to try, but not much else outside of that once. I think it's the only duckpin bowling in the Midwest. The lanes are poorly maintained (there's uneven spots that affect how the ball rolls). The machine frequently resets the pins wrong. There's spots on the approach to the lanes that can trip your feet up. All of that makes this a terrible place for a real game. It's a shame it's in this condition. However to try once and have fun, it's very cool. Also this is mad expensive. It's $40/hr per lane. That's wild for how poorly maintained it was. The owners need to invest money into improving the conditions badly.Food and drink is available and the staff was very nice when I was there. Overall this is a neat thing to try once. But the lanes and bowling machines are in DIRE need of repairs. For $40/hr/lane it's pretty bad. There is another set of lanes called "action duck pin bowling" upstairs in this building. Maybe they are better? Try for those or be ready for the problems with these.

Super cool and fun place. A super neat slice of American history. Very nice staff and worth a visit if you like bowling.

This is not your average bowling. Duckpin bowling uses a small ball and the pins are on a cable. Parking here is OK. There is free street parking available and they have an agreement with the Goodwill Store for bowlers to use the North side of their parking lot anytime and the entire parking lot after 7pm.If you are on a time crunch then I highly recommend making reservations, as their are only 8 lanes. You rent the lanes at a rate of $40/hour (no matter how many people you have bowling). I took my little one and an hour was good enough for us. Shoe rental is free, but they let you use your own tennis shoes that you wore in to bowl.This place is very nostalgic and you feel like you have stepped back into time when you walk in. There are artifacts and what looks to be original signage from when the place opened up back in 1928. Atomic Bowling is located on the 4th floor and Cosmic Bowling is in the basement. You have to take the elevator to get to both, if they are open. Cosmic bowling was closed when I was there.With most old bowling alleys, you have to keep your own score. We were not about that. I came to bowl, not do math, so with just rolled balls down the lane and hopefully hit some pins. Duck pin bowling is not easy because the balls have a lot of nicks, the lane does not seem flat, and you do not get as much help with the pins because they are on a wire and can't bounce and knock down other pins for you very well.They have a decent snack bar that serves drinks, beer and bar food like chicken tenders, pizza, fries, wings, onion rings, salad and burgers. They have a relatively large dining/waiting are that you can sit and eat. The food and drinks are reasonably priced. The gentleman working there was very friendly, helpful, welcoming and accommodating. I must be honest, I was not a big fan of duckpin bowling and neither was my little one. I did however enjoy the atmosphere and the time with the little one. I think this may be more fun after a few cocktails. I think everyone should give this a try and I recommend checking this place out.

Great fun for couples or groups. Even more fun if you go with someone who is good at bowling. Since the pins and balls (both smaller) even the playing field. We were entertaining a guest from Germany, they truly enjoyed this American experience. 40 bucks for the 5 adults for an hour. No special shoes necessary and just real casual fun.Beer and pizza is also served along with snacks. Several local craft beers.Highly recommend for locals and tourists alike. Let's also keep this piece of history. I was glad to see it survived COVID. We were in the basement. There seems to be another set of alleys on the fourth floor. Both are suitable for parties also and are setup as such.

One of the things I always bring guests to do while visiting Indianapolis. I've brought friends, family and more family. It's an easy activity and you can show off the artsy side of fountain square. I wish they had online reservations but you have to call to set up a spot. 1.5-2 hours is plenty of time for 3-4 people. The spot brings old times vibes as it should. They play music from the 20s(upstairs) but it's just so low you can really barely hear it. I wish they served food, but it seems like you can bring your own in and eat at the tables. A variety of domestic & local beers and non alcoholic options as well. Bowling is slightly different from the bowling you're used to- a smaller ball and 3 tries but it's easy to catch on.

Unique. Personable. Great food & customer service like you rarely receive these days. Had a friend's bday celebration there for 8 adults and the service was great. Experience very unique & just an all around great Sunday late afternoon get together in late September. Have been sharing info & encouraging many other friends to go check it out!