The New Normal: Bowling Alleys And Ice Rinks
Gallery
15 August 2020 marked a new beginning for many leisure venues. After months of lockdown, bowling alleys, skating rinks, indoor theatre and indoor play centres (see separate article) were all allowed to reopen. For families, new options sprung up like bowling pins on a perfect strike.
It’s been five months since any of us glided across the ice or swung back the bowling arm. How have things changed to meet the coronavirus challenge?
Note: the following guide applies to venues in England and is accurate in mid-August 2020. Always check the UK Government's guidelines for the latest updates.
Bowling alleys
In line with most venues, you’ll now be asked to prebook your session. This was standard practice at most bowling alleys anyhow, so earth-shattering consequences are nil.
The one difference is that your details might be kept for later tracing, should a suspected coronavirus case be linked to the venue. And you might be stopped for a temperature check on the way in.
The main thing to remember is your mask. Everyone over the age of 11 will be asked to wear one (unless exempt), except while eating or drinking. Some venues may set even lower age limits. So be prepared.
Expect further acts of accessorisation. You might be asked to wear disposable gloves while bowling, supplied by the venue. Other places may go for a hand-sanitiser-only approach. And you may be able to keep your trainers on -- some venues have ditched the need for hire shoes, whose loss nobody will mourn.
Who you can bowl with is also an issue. By law, you’re not supposed to mingle indoors with more than one other household. So watch out if you were planning a three-mums-and-three-kids bowling date, or similar.
Most venues will only be operating alternate lanes, giving groups plenty of space to manoeuvre. You won’t have to share a ball rack with anyone from another group.
Bowling alleys will also be putting in a lot more hygiene checks. Expect balls to be swapped or cleaned between sessions. All surfaces you might touch with your hands will be regularly disinfected. (It’s in the bowling company’s interests to do this; the last thing they need is an outbreak traced back to their venue.)
Skating rinks
Bowling alleys often share a premises with an ice rink -- which makes it convenient that both venue types were allowed to reopen on the same day. Many of the changes listed above also apply to the ice rinks. Face masks, temperature checks, prebook only, reduced capacity, social distancing… it’s all ‘the new common sense’.
While some bowling alleys have waived the need to wear their hired-out shoes, ice rinks will still be providing the skates, as so few of us have our own. These will be cleaned between hires.
Otherwise, all surfaces you’re likely to touch -- such as the edges of the ice rink -- will be cleaned regularly. Hand sanitiser will be provided throughout the venue.
Browse our other articles on navigating the ‘new normal’ with children.
We Want Your Photos!
More for You
See All
Bachelor of Science specializing in Chemistry, Master of Research specializing in Biomolecular Sciences
Matt BrownBachelor of Science specializing in Chemistry, Master of Research specializing in Biomolecular Sciences
With a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and a Master's in Residency specializing in Biomolecular Sciences and roots in the Midlands, Matt has developed a passion for writing about London. As a former editor and prolific contributor to Londonist.com, he has authored several books exploring the city's hidden gems. In addition to his work, Matt enjoys spending time with his two preschool-aged children.
Disclaimer
1) Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the Buy Now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published but we cannot guarantee that on the time of reading. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.
