EAST LONGMEADOW – Rain has largely made this summer a wash out, but people looking to have some dry, indoor, fun can visit Shaker Bowl.

A local bowling alley at 168 Shaker Rd. in East Longmeadow, Shaker Bowl was built in the 1950s. It now operates under the parent company, Spare Time Entertainment, which owns bowling alleys around the country. The facility offers 28 lanes, a small arcade, a snack bar and bar.

“Customer service is something we really pride ourselves on,” General Manager Justin Godfrey said, adding, “Memorable experiences – every guest, every time.”

Shaker Bowl was shut down for a few months during the height of the pandemic, but since opening early this spring, Godfrey said, “Business is pretty good, actually.” He said that the number of guests weekly can range from hundreds to over a thousand. “We have a lot of repeat customers,” Godfrey said.

One reason people come back time and again is the “Kids Bowl Free” program. Youth aged 2 to 15 get two free games per day from June through Sept. 1. Parents can sign their children up at https://www.kidsbowlfree.com/center.php?alley_id=1702 and only have to pay for the bowling shoes at each visit. “Everybody seems to enjoy that,” Godfrey said.

Customers are served on a walk-in, first-come, first-serve basis, although Godfrey said that reservations are recommended for large groups. Evenings are generally busier, due to bowling leagues.

Even though pandemic restrictions ended in May, Godfrey said that the alley continues its enhanced cleaning procedures. “We’re still continuing with all of our sanitation. We found they’re really best practices.” The lanes and balls are sanitized between guests. “The Shaker Bowl’s never been so clean,” he said with a laugh.

For more information on Shaker Bowl, call 525-7198.