Big Al's Beaverton

Kids love the variety here - they can bowl a game, hit the arcade, win tickets for prizes, and still have energy left over. The arcade is particularly impressive with modern games, classic favorites like air hockey, and multiplayer racing/sports games that siblings or friends can play together. The ticket redemption system keeps them motivated (everything goes on a reloadable FUN Card), and the rewards center actually has prizes they'll be excited about - not just cheap plastic trinkets. For younger kids, the bowling bumpers and ramps mean they can actually knock down pins and have fun instead of getting frustrated. Older kids and tweens appreciate that it doesn't feel like a "little kid" place - there's plenty here to keep them engaged.

Pricing is straightforward: bowling is $5-9 per game per person depending on time/day, plus $5 shoe rental. Arcade games use a FUN Card system (think Dave & Busters) - you load money onto a card and swipe to play. Matinee bowling (Monday-Friday before 5pm) is the cheapest at $5/game. Weekends and Friday/Saturday nights hit $8-9/game, which adds up quickly with multiple kids. The Tuesday "Two Buck Tuesday" deal ($2 games all day) is legitimately great for families on a budget.

The place gets LOUD, especially during prime time with music, arcade sounds, and lots of kids. If you have sensory-sensitive kids, go during weekday afternoons when it's calmer. Parking is in a large lot and hasn't been an issue when we've gone. The layout is open so you can see everything from the main area, making it easier to keep track of kids. They serve food at the lanes, which is super convenient. Birthday parties here are popular and well-organized - they handle everything and keep the kids entertained.

Big Al's is the ultimate indoor entertainment destination for Portland families. This place is HUGE - 42 bowling lanes (including 12 plush VIP lanes), a massive arcade with 150+ game stations, a full-service sports bar, restaurant, and a rewards center packed with prizes. It's the kind of place where you can spend 2-3 hours easily and the kids will still ask to come back. The facility is clean, modern, and built for families, with everything from bumper bowling and ramps for little ones to competitive arcade games for tweens. They even have "Galaxy Bowling" with black lights and music that makes regular bowling feel like a party. The food is classic American fare - pizza, wings, burgers - and it's actually pretty decent for an entertainment venue.