This indoor bowling game is fun to have on hand for rainy days or boredom busters. Kids can help make the pins, and use counting and sorting skills to set up the game. Create a simple bowling game with recycled containers for some indoor rainy day fun.

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Be prepared to shake up a restless afternoon indoors with this fun bowling game. The setup is easy, and the game is practically mess-free to play.

You can add math play to the game by using numbered bowling pins. Kids can help label the pins, set them up, and knock them down over and over!

Game pieces in a cardboard box or plastic bin until game time. 

Related: Bean Bag Game of Toss

Play the game for fun, while you support early learning skills: math, fine motor and gross motor.

Indoor bowling game

The only materials needed for this game are containers, a set of self-adhesive numbers, and a medium size soft ball.  

Large numerals are easy for toddlers and preschoolers to recognize. Add more play ideas as you make the bowling pins.

• Trace the numerals with a finger.
• Name each numeral.
• Sort the containers from 1 to 10.

We used a snack container. If they are not available, try some 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.

• This will depend on the container you choose and your floor covering (smooth or carpeted).

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.

Having a few kid-led games ready will help kids take the initiative to plan and create their own play times.

Make a rainy day a fun day with an indoor bowling game.

 Indoor Play on Pinterest