The family came here on a Wednesday morning right when they opened and there was already a group bowling nearby. The staff here were helpful in getting us shoes (we didn't have to turn in ours to get theirs) and setting up the score machines (the buttons just flat out don't work). They also set it up so the gutter guards automatically came up whenever it was time for our toddler to bowl. The music was loud but tasteful, with music videos from the 1960s-2000s. I appreciated the huge blend of types of music, and thankfully there was more that I did recognize than that I didn't. We had a good time and two games took about an hour. The cost, $45 total, seemed a bit high for 2 games of 2.5 people each but maybe that is just how it goes now. read more

They told us come back in 25 minutes. We went after 25 minutes and they still didn't take us in. Not only that, the guy at the front did not tell us the first that we needed to fill out our name to reserve a spot for us. When we went back they still didn't take us. read more

Quite decent modern bowling venue, with two sides around a core that has a snack bar and a party room. This is more family-friendly bowling than the usual shot-and-a-beer-and-complain-about-the-government joints we've been to in the area. One side typically has the disco-laser-lighting, the other conventional lighting. Both sides have bunny rails (is that really what they're called? Well, it's what I call them) for littler kids, and also ball launchers (the ramps for the really really little kids). They have the modern computerized scoring with the animations in between, but I'm more than a little annoyed they're clogged up with advertising; is it possible we can have some kind of activity which we're already paying for that is not completely wrapped up in selling you more stuff? Apparently not. The snack bar has acceptable hot dogs-and-burgers fare, and the eating-and-drinking-behind-the-lane tables are in reasonable shape and set up so you can move back and forth easily. I have no idea what this place is like during adult bowling time/league bowling, but there was a minimum number of lingering drunken reprobates hanging out both times we've been. The kid party room is nice, and the bowling alley supplies pizza and drinks for the parties which was standard issue. The shoes were a bit on the careworn side, but we didn't find any chips or nicks in the balls. The lanes are well-maintained although have the occasional predictable mechanical difficulty, but the staff hop right on it to fix it for you. I'm going to blame the lane on my left hook, though, and not myself. Yeah, that's the ticket. It's the lane's fault, not mine, totally. Bowling two games with shoe rental for two people will set you back $24; not the cheapest entertainment around but comparable in terms of time-amused-for-the-dollar to miniature golf. If you go, tell them you're a first timer and they'll swap you free bowling for four for one game for your email address. read more

Spare Time - Bowling Near Me - Latham, New York

There are not many lanes still open in the capital region, so for this one still being open, its pretty good. It is slightly pricey, for bowling, but much cheaper than if you went to lucky strike or dave and busters. it is also much nicer and cleaner than other places providing cheaper prices. We had a little birthday gathering here and it went well, everyone definitely enjoyed themselves. although they do not take reservations, we were able to get two lanes within 15 minutes on a saturday night. Service was decent, a little better than usual for this visit. I do find their alcohol policy strange and off-putting. They follow you around to make sure everyone has their ID and it is strictly enforced. Which is fine, but when a member of our group is clearly 40+ and is refused alcohol, it kind of gives a weird vibe. Food is ok, again a little pricey, but all in good fun. For two, it was about $50 for a few games, shoes, appetizers and a couple beers. Not too bad. I've been here at least a dozen times, and i will return, so 4 stars it is. read more

I wish I did not have to give Spare Time even one star. They do no deserve it. My husband slipped, fell into a gutter and broke his leg in 3 places. What did the employees or management do? Nothing. They did not walk to the lane where he was pinned under the gutter, they did not call 911, they did not offer any assistance. They took our phone number as he was being wheeled out by the ambulance crew, but never contacted us. Bowling alleys are exempt if someone gets injured, no matter how slight or severe. The bowling alley was dark because the swirling lights and strobe lights were being used. It was mid day. The accident happened at the end of March. My husband is almost healed now but the 3 breaks in his leg and the resulting wound that would not close has been disastrous to our well being, financially and emotionally. The lack of concern from the management and employees at Spare Time Latham was appalling. Please do not visit this establishment. Ever. read more

What a fun, family outing. Having recently moved to the area I was looking for a fun way to celebrate my husband's birthday with family. I reached out to Carol who was a pleasure to work with and provided a group price for us. Our server was attentive and sweet as she delivered pizza, fries, wings and beverages! Mike and Joe were patient as we exchanged shoes to find a good fit (they run big). My husband even enjoyed his bowling pin which the family signed to commemorate his bday. So cute. Our clan was probably the worst bowlers but we had the best time! We are already planning our return visit! read more

this place kinda really sucked. i'm so dissatisfied. we walked in and immediately there was a wait...reasonable, it was a saturday night. but then once we got our shoes we went to play our game. we wanted bumpers (which is pretty reasonable considering we're not pros) and we were told "no" then once he turned them on, they didn't work. we were pretty disappointed. we then got thirsty and we went to get a slushy, 4 dollars for a little tiny cup of mediocre slushy. then once we finish our game we went to play another one, when they started putting in my credit card they charged 17 dollars for what was supposed to be a 5 dollar charge. then when we got back to our seats the pins were still there from the previous game. we asked them to fix it and we're still waiting 30 minutes later. not only was our experience bad but the environment was bad too. super run down, smelly (weed), buttons on the keyboard didn't work, shoes were gross, bathrooms smelled, and the expensive light show was more than disappointing. overall i'm very upset about this experience. will not come back. read more

When you make Plans to go after calling to confirm hours and then told no we have leagues. The guy was so rude and could care less!

Super nice management. We showed up with a group of 12 on a Saturday afternoon and they were extremely accommodating. Lanes were nicely maintained and staff was amazing. Highly recommend. read more

NEVER AGAIN. My 82-year-old, wheelchair-bound mother is a lifelong bowler. Today, we tried to bowl at Spare Time Latham and were extremely disappointed in the lack of welcome. We called ahead and were told that we could definitely bring the wheelchair and there was plenty of room, but they did not take reservations. We arrived within 30 minutes. The place was less than a third full, one side fully lit and the other side with the darkened, "disco lights" giving everything a dark purple glow. While there were MANY empty lanes in the middle of the bright side, we were not allowed to use them because wheelchairs are only allowed on the lanes at each end, both of which were in use. No, we could not cross the lanes. No, we could not ask either party to move. We COULD NOT bowl on the side with full lighting. We were offered a lane on the dark side, which was also 3/4 empty. We told the woman at the desk that my mother is legally blind; she would be unable to see anything in the purple lighting. Would it be possible to turn on the lights, just at one end, where we would be bowling? NO, because "people come for the disco lights." We asked again, if she was telling us that there was no way she could accommodate my mother in her wheelchair and she said it's first come, first serve and we didn't have a reservation. We said that we'd called ahead and were told they didn't take reservations. Her response: "Well, that's true." I truly could not believe how completely unwilling she was to do anything to accommodate a disabled bowler. My poor mother was just sitting there in her wheelchair, bewildered. My family has been bowling at this location for decades, but never, ever, will we go there again. read more

Hello I personally would not recommend this place I go there every week and bowl with friends and every weekend there is one lady that is the server and she never helps you at all she will totally ignore you at all cost today we waved to her and she was like we were not even there I went up to the desk and asked them for service and they said they would tell her and she just walks bye you and leans at the front desk. we bowled 4 games and then she said to just go to the desk if you need help so we bowled all of our games and then was told to go to the desk. she does this every week to us and other people. just not a good place to go and enjoy time with friends and family and I would give this place a 0 star also the guy at the desk bill is always very helpful and a all around nice guy but the lady has to go. She brings this bowling alley down. read more

I've spent the last two NYE here with a bunch of friends (in addition to bowling other times and hosting a BIG 50th birthday party here in 2012). I always had a good time, but I will not be back. Called them this year, to inquire about their NYE bowling (as they had contacted me about it a couple of weeks earlier), and was given three time slots. None of them were at midnight, so I asked if they were doing anything at midnight, as they had in the past. (I haven't gone out to restaurants during COVID, and was vaguely aware of new restrictions, but since I don't go out, I don't know the details.) Julia, the woman who had answered the phone, told me they weren't doing anything at midnight, because they were closing at 10. At that point, I seemed to remember hearing something about places having to close at 10. But again, not on my radar, as I don't really go out these days. I told her never mind and thanks anyway. There was no animosity on either side. But before she fully hung up, I heard her say to her coworker (quoting me), " 'Oh, you're not doing anything at midnight?' No, we're not doing midnight. What're you, an idiot?" So, I called her back and told her I'll never be going back there, because I don't appreciate being called an idiot. Sorry, Spare Time, you lost my business on NYE, and any other time or for any future large events I would have considered having there. This is not the way to react to customers, especially during a time when we're all trying to support struggling local businesses. Be nice, Julia. read more

Love bowling here. They have great specials and a cool 8 for 8 deal that lets u get a free bowling ball for playing 8 weeks in a row. The facility is very modern compared to some other alleys I've visited, and the crowd is pretty nice. Wednesday nights are the night to go to get a great deal on games. Also they have a fantastic house-ball selection. All different weights and sizes. Every time I go it's an enjoyable experience. read more

Bowling league on a Saturday night? What? Not a good community draw! Very disappointed! We were looking forward to a good night dangit!

Decent alley but they rip you off every chance they get! They send out free game coupons to your email but if you are a league bowler, they don't give you your league bowling rate for any games after your free one. So your free game isn't free and if you bowl 3 games, you are better off paying the league rate because Carol will charge you more than the league rate for your games! I think I'll report this to the USBC. read more

This is definitely a good place for a bowling night out. It is a very comfortable alley because it feels spacious and it is clean. We went on a Saturday night, it was $5 per game per person + $4 rental for shoes. I think that price in Albany County is about the average price for bowling. Unlike a lot of bowling place, this alley has higher ceiling, doesn't give you the impression that you are crapped in a small storage. In addition, the lighting there was bright, but not overly LED type of bright. It was a warming bright lighting that gives a very energetic mood. However, if you would like to get a drink, there is a designated bar area, but you have to change your bowling shoes to get in. The bowling system was very consistent, there were no error for the bowling lanes in regard to the replacement of the bowling pins and anything getting stuck. Yet, I think the council system was outdated. It had very poor graphics on the screen with advertisements in between the scoreboard. I will certainly go back to this alley again in the near future! read more

Spare Time - One of the two sides of the lanes - Bowling Near Me - Latham, New York

What a fantastic place. Family atmosphere and terrific and kind staff. Carol is so nice and giving. We had our daughter's birthday party here years ago, and more recently bought a family pass for the summer. We loved coming often over the summer to bowl two games each day. Spare Time-Latham really does have a fantastic family vibe that makes it fun for everyone. The alleys are clean and up-to-date. read more

As a local bowler i have visited many alleys in my day. This one, compared to most is clean and modern. Service was good. But price wise is on the higher end of the scale. One game for one person will set you back $4. But seeing as this is a corporate run alley I'm not too surprised. Other family run alleys that are not even 5 min away have $1.50-$2.00 games depending on where you go. Overall its a clean,modern place to go for family entertainment, but not the cheapest. read more

MY son and I went there today because he is off from school and he needs the practice for his bowling league at his school. Mike is not friendly at all and when we got there the place was empty around noon. He put us where I expected him to put to African-American males right in front of his desk so he could watch every move we made....which he did. I was extremely uncomfortable with his staring at us. Second, when a second party came in 45 minutes later, with the place empty do you think with Covid raging he would move these 4 people a couple of lanes away from my son and I, no they were almost right next to us; we were going to play three games, but we played two, between Mike staring at us and the other people piled up next to us we were totally uncomfortable. The waitress is good, she did many of my son's birthday parties years ago, but your front desk staff leaves a lot to be desired. I am tired of being observed all the time because of my color, Mike could have put us anywhere in a empty bowling alley but he is the bowling cop who going to protect Spare Time from unscrupulous and suspicious black people. read more

Excellent food and very fun place to hang out and bowl with friends or family. Get your game on . Love this place

Food is way overpriced. The blonde older bartender was extremely rude. Will not be returning.

Games are extremely expensive. Makes it extremely hard to take a family out. Places like Sunset or Uncle Sams are a $1.50 cheaper per game for the same quality of lanes. They need to stop worrying about the almighty dollar and make this a fun place to go again. read more

Charged my friends and I $16! Way to expensive for bowling!! The lanes sucked, the pins kept getting stuck, and the management was very rude to us. Went to the one in Clifton Park days later and they only charged me $9.00. More like it but still expensive for a poor experience. read more

I work with people with developmental disabilities. Our agency frequents this establishment weekly and provides them with a lot of business. The groups I take typically bowl in Clifton Park but decided to switch up the location today. Boy were we disappointed ! I did not feel welcomed from the moment we walked it. We were greeted by a stressed out worker why didn't seem happy to see business walking in the door. Though there were many lanes she begrudgingly gave us two. She then asked a miserable worker to put the gutters up on one lane and I got to overhear the inappropriate tone of voice they exchanged. We were unfortunately put in front of the food bar where two workers glared at the group from behind the counter. One, laughing at how slow one of the bowlers through the ball. And the other staring down one of the individuals that suffers from seizures that cause his to yell loudly. This woman then put a complaint into the front desk because some of us (the staff that were not bowling and an individual that had leg braces on) were not wearing bowling shoes. This individual needs to be walked up to the lane so he is safe. Therefore, he was essentially told he couldn't bowl because there was a chance he and his staff would get water on the floor. Our shoes were all dry by the way. More than disappointed that we gave money to this unwelcoming establishment. We will be back to Clifton park next week! They know us by name, remember shoe sizes, are pleasant and professional and treat us all with respect. read more