Namco Funscape Romford
BEST FOR
Ages 2-16
ENTRY
from £17.50
SETTING
Indoors
WHERE
Romford
What it’s like
Bowling, a shiny new dodgems arena and arcade cabinets your kids will blow £10 on in twenty minutes, open till 11 most nights.
The pitch here is a proper bowling alley with the extras bolted on. Ten frames, two balls a frame, and for younger kids there are ramps, lighter balls and bumpers, so a five-year-old gets a real turn instead of watching from the bench. The side of the place kids will pester you about is the dodgems, brand new and in a rebuilt arena, but everyone driving or riding has to be over 1.1m and have an adult with them. Then there's the arcade: shoot-em-ups, race car simulators, dancing machines, and American pool tables if you want something slower.
Shoe hire is included in the game price, which is one less thing to think about. No high heels on the lanes, so plan your footwear. Juniors of 16 and under need an adult with them, which is fine if you were coming anyway, less so if you were hoping to drop and run. The prices for a plain game aren't listed, but a kids party is £17.50 per child and that covers bowling, food, a surprise gift and a party pack. Carers bowl for free, and there's a Costa plus burgers and pizzas you can order straight to your lane.
That food rule is the one that'll catch you out: nothing from outside, no picnics, no sneaking in a bag of crisps. If anyone in your group has allergies, staff are upfront that they can't promise food is free of nuts, seeds or anything else, so tell them before you order. Vegetarian options are there, and they can bring in outside caterers for big parties if you need halal or kosher. Romford is mid-refurbishment at the moment, so expect some works around the place.
Parties need booking at least two weeks ahead and it's subject to availability, so it isn't a last-minute option. Doors run 10am to 11pm Monday to Thursday and Sunday, and to midnight on Friday and Saturday, which gets an older crowd through in the evenings.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 5 to 14; bowlers under 1.1m can't ride the dodgems
- Food
- Costa Coffee plus hot and cold meals and snacks such as burgers and pizzas
- Picnics
- No picnics - only food and drink bought on site can be eaten there
- Parties
- Kids parties from £17.50 per child with bowling, food, surprise gifts and a party pack
- Worth knowing
- Carers bowl for free
- No outside food or drink at all, so don't pack the picnic bag
- High heels can't go on the lanes
- Carers bowl free
- Doors are open till midnight on Friday and Saturday
- Romford's got a refurbishment going on at the moment
Plan your visit
How much is bowling?
Game prices aren't quoted, but shoe hire is included in whatever you pay. A kids party works out at £17.50 a child.
Do we need to book?
No for a normal visit, just turn up. Birthday parties want at least two weeks' notice and depend on what's free.
Can younger children bowl?
Yes, and they've thought about it: ramps, lighter balls and bumpers, and the venue suggests from two years old. An adult has to be with anyone 16 or under.
What are the dodgems rules?
Over 1.1m to drive or ride, and a responsible adult over 18 has to be with any child.
Do I need bowling shoes?
They're in with the game price and all sizes are there. High heels are a no on the lanes.
Can we bring our own food?
No, only food and drink bought there can be eaten on site. No picnics either.
What if someone has an allergy?
Staff are clear they can't guarantee anything is free from nuts, seeds or other allergens, so flag it with them first. Vegetarian options are on the menu.
How many turns do we get?
Ten frames a game, two balls a frame unless you strike with the first one.
What food is there?
A Costa, plus hot and cold meals and snacks like burgers and pizzas, and they'll bring it to your lane if you order on your phone.
How long will we be there?
Ten frames takes a while, and the arcade and dodgems are where the extra time goes if you let them. Very easy to stretch past a couple of hours.
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