Bowling at Merle Hay Mall - Des Moines, Iowa

 


We headed to Merle Hay Mall to bowl today because we like being able to walk around the mall on freezing cold days.  The mall has a somewhat odd assortment of stores, but our family enjoys browsing at Target, Old Navy, and Five Below.  

It was our first time trying Gameday Lanes and it was a great experience, with one exception.  The bowling alley is in the lower level and it's incredibly hot.  The mall is a very comfortable temperature, but as soon as you head down the stairs you feel the temperature rising.  Even with short sleeves, it was way too warm.  

The bowling alley is great for kids because they have ramps, bumpers, and 6 pound balls.  If you want bumpers, just ask the staff to manually pull them up, and then everyone in the group bowls with bumpers.  

I'm not sure if we'll bowl again at Gameday, but we love the restaurant and arcade on the main level, as well as Flix Brewhouse, so we'll definitely be back to the mall.  Kids Empire is another great option at the mall too.