Although there is conclusive proof that the sport of bowling dates back to ancient Egyptian times, America didn't take to the game until late in the 1800's. Moving from clipped lawns to indoor alleys, bowling has enjoyed advancements due to technology.

Bowling balls were constructed of rubber until 1914 when Brunswick introduced the first Mineralite ball. With the advent of television, American families not only watched tournaments on the tube, but also sought out the sport in new alleys springing up across the country.

It's still one of the most popular pastimes, providing high-tech equipment, restaurants, pros on site, and a multitude of party and league-type venues. In our neck of the woods, bowling alleys abound so get out there for the chance to hear those pins crash!

Lakewood and Tacoma

Chalet Bowl (www.chaletbowl.com) 3806 N. 26th Street, Tacoma 98407 253-752-5200

Open since 1941 to serve the greater Tacoma community, Chalet Bowl is one of the oldest operating bowling centers in Washington state! The 12-lane center is perfect for families, children and private events.

Open seven days a week, public bowling prices range from $3.25 to $4.75 per game/per person. Enjoy $2 Tuesdays from 6 to 11 p.m.: $2 per game, $2 shoe rental, $2 nachos and $2 Rolling Rock Bottles.

Pacific Lanes Bowling Center (www.pacificlanes.net) 7015 S. D Street, Tacoma 98408 253-474-0594

Part of the community for close to 50 years, Pacific Lanes offers open lanes seven days a week.

Military (bring I.D.) get discounts from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 9:30 to midnight on ‘Military Monday.' Open-play prices: $3 per game plus $3 for shoes. Seniors pay $1 per game 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Tower Lanes (www.towerlanes.net) 6323 6th Avenue, Tacoma 253-564-8853

Three USBC-certified coaches are on staff to help families enjoy bowling as a recreation and a sport. Open 24 hours a day, bowl your way to fun anytime!

Cost for games range from $2.50 per game to $3.75, depending on the time of day. Seniors and children, 12 and under, bowl for $2.50 per game. On Sundays, rent a lane for $30 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., or enjoy "All You Can Bowl" from 9 p.m. to midnight at $10 per person.

Lacey, Olympia, Yelm

Prairie Lanes (www.yelmprairielanes.com) 202 E. Yelm Avenue, Yelm 98597 360-458-2695

This bowling alley caters to good times galore! An enjoyable place to meet and enjoy the great sport of bowling, Prairie Lanes offers a multitude of fun venues for families, singles and groups.

On Tightwad Tuesday, bowl for $2.50 per game, with $2 shoe rental and get a $2 hot dog before 6 p.m. Unlimited bowling comes with free shoes on Wednesday: $10 for adults, $5 for youths 17 and younger. Kids will appreciate after-school bowling at $5 for an hour (includes shoes) from 12 to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday. ‘Rockin' Bowl' gives partiers a chance to cut loose on Friday and Saturday nights from 8 to 12:30 p.m.

Tumwater Lanes (www.tumwaterlanes.com) 204 T Street S.W., Tumwater 98501 360-943-1672

Tumwater Lanes is a family-owned and operated bowling center with 12 standard bowling lanes and 12 lanes equipped with bumpers and automatic scoring. Enjoy ‘Neon Nights' and bowl under a black light and music show! Open seven days a week, times vary according to tournaments and special events.

Open play hours are noon to 4 p.m. Sunday and 3 to 5 p.m. and 9 to 11 p.m. on Tuesday and cost $3.50 per game/per person. Their ‘Tuesday Night Special' costs $10 for unlimited games from 9 to 11 p.m. Shoe rental: $2.35.

Westside Lanes of Olympia (www.westsidelanesofolympia.com) 2200 Garfield Avenue N.W., Olympia 98502 360-943-2400

A popular place for friends, family and business associates to gather and have a good time, Westside Lanes of Olympia offers bowling from noon to 11 p.m. daily.

Seniors and juniors bowl for $2.50 per game/per person; otherwise the cost is $3 per game/per person. Seniors can enjoy $1 bowling from noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays.