This DIY indoor bowling game kids activity is an easy go-to for your toolkit. Kids can help make the pins, and use counting and sorting skills to set up the game.
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Add math play to everyday activities with this DIY indoor bowling game for kids. The game is easy to set up with recycled containers and it’s practically mess-free!
This activity is an invitation to play, and supports early learning skills: math, fine motor and gross motor. Kids can help label the pins, set them up, and knock them down over and over!
Be prepared to shake up a restless afternoon indoors with this fun bowling game. Game pieces can be stored in a cardboard box or plastic bin until game time. Then get ready for some indoor rainy day fun.
Related: Bean Bag Game of Toss
Indoor bowling game
The only materials needed for this game are numerals, recycled containers, and a medium size soft ball.
Numerals
Large self-adhesive numerals (aff. link) are easy for toddlers and preschoolers to view. And they are easy to attach to the bowling pins.
Here are a few more play ideas you can use with the numbered bowling pins.
- Trace the numerals with a finger.
- Name each numeral.
- Sort the containers from 1 to 10, and countdown from 10 to 1.
Bowling pins
We used potato chip tube-like containers for our bowling pins. You can try other options for bowling pins: one-liter milk cartons; cardboard tubes; spaghetti or cereal boxes.
Experiment with various containers to see which ones balance well on the floor, depending on your floor covering. This will add STEAM to the play!
Related Resource: STEAM Kids Series of Books (aff link)
Learning through play
- Set the pins up in order from 1 to 10.
- Count the number of toppled pins. Count the number of standing pins.
- Create new patterns for the pins as you set them up.
- Use only even or odd numbers.
This DIY indoor bowling game kids activity is great to have on hand for independent play. Make a rainy day a fun day with an indoor bowling game!
