The sound is the first thing that hits you when you walk into a bowling alley. It doesn’t matter if you’re at Mid County Lanes in Middletown, DE, or an alley across the country, the sound of a bowling alley is one of a kind.

But what comes to mind when you hear the clash of bowling balls into pins? For us, we think back to the origins and the evolution of bowling.

Where Did Bowling Start?

A lot of people attribute the beginning of modern bowling going back to the Germans in the 4th century. Others say it was actually the English around the same time. However, anthropologists have found crude bowling balls and pins in the tombs of Egyptian children, meaning bowling could be as much as 5,000 years old. And yet, bowling is such a perfect game that after all this time, the general principles have changed very little! Pretty cool, huh?

The invention of the Bowling League

It wasn’t until the late 19th century that we started to see a standardized set of rules develop across the United States. But once the rules were set, the way was paved for the start of league bowling! Bowling clubs started popping up across the country and by the turn of the century, we started to see women’s leagues pop up, too.

We’re Still Making History

Bowling has continued to grow decade after decade. In 1988, more than 20 countries competed against each other as bowling was presented on the world stage at the Olympics as a demonstration. Now looking forward to 2020, bowling may get another crack at becoming a summer Olympic sport.

No matter how competitive it gets, though, the essence of bowling is pure and simple fun. At Mid County Lanes, we always have a lane or two for you and your friends and family. Stop by and roll a few frames today and soak up the history and fun that comes with every game of bowling.

At Mid County Lanes in Middletown, DE, we think having the right bowling ball can make all the difference. Check out some of our tips and stop by our pro shop to step up your game today!

Customized for a Perfect Fit

The biggest difference between owning a bowling ball and using a house ball is the way a custom ball fits your hand. In fact, with custom finger holes drilled to specifically fit your hand, you might even want to add a pound or two to your usual house ball weight. House balls never fit perfectly and therefore, they are harder to grip. When you have a ball drilled for your hand, you’ll never even notice that extra weight.

Choosing the Right Material

There are a couple of materials you can choose from for your own bowling ball. Polyester is great for entry-level bowlers who aren’t throwing a huge hook. These balls are usually priced under $100. Or you can step up to a performance ball which is made out of reactive resin. These balls will allow you to put some wild spin on your roll without losing any control.

Get a Grip!

Now that you’ve picked out the material and weight of your ball, it’s time to get your finger holes drilled to fit your hand just right. Our pro shop will get you measured and discuss the most comfortable grip for your bowling ability and style. Add finger grips will allow you to add a little extra spin too. Talk to our pros about your options today!

Bowling is a ton of fun. It’s competitive, it pushes us as individuals and as teammates to do better and reach further. And it’s great for the entire family to enjoy. If you’re like us here at Mid County Lanes in Middletown, DE, you probably can’t get enough time at the lanes either!

Well, you’re in luck because our fall bowling leagues are open for sign-ups! Bring your whole team down and get ready to find an open spot on an existing team. Either way, you’ll have a chance to step up your game this fall in a fun league for all skill levels.

A League For Everyone!

At Mid County, we’re proud to offer a bunch of different leagues to fit anyone’s preference or ability level.  Check out the quick snapshot of our fall schedule below then give us a call to find out what to do next!

• Senior League
• Pure Wellness League
• Wednesday Night Mixed League
• Thursday Night Fun League
• Friday Night Mixed League
• Mid County Lanes Junior Leagues

Get Warmed Up Before Summer’s Over

Maybe it’s been a while or maybe you’ve always liked bowling but haven’t spent that much time doing it. Our leagues don’t start for another month and we always have an open lane for you. Swing by and check us out, get some practice frames in, and start gearing up for your league play at our pro shop!

We’re happy to give you some tips to get you to the next level too. And we know that leagues can get a little competitive, but most of all, we want to make sure that everyone has a great time! That means we’re always here to help maximize your experience at Mid County Lanes any way we can. Swing by today and sign up for your four-person team!

You know that a trip to the lanes is fun, but did you know it’s also good for you? There are tons of benefits to going bowling.

• Social Benefits. Whether you want to make new friends, connect with old friends or family, or just have some time to yourself, bowling is a great way to do it. Joining a league at Mid County Lanes will introduce you to new people from all walks of life.
• Cognitive Benefits. Did you know that learning a new skill is good for your brain? It’s true! There’s evidence that learning new things can keep your brain sharp and even help prevent the onset of dementia.
• Physical Benefits. Bowling isn’t quite as much of a workout as kickboxing, for instance, but it sure beats binge-watching TV on the couch. Some time at the lanes does get you up and moving, using muscles you may not use regularly, and helps to improve your flexibility and balance. Plus, Mid County Lanes is fully air-conditioned, so there’s no need to sweat in the summer heat.
• Emotional Benefits. Playing games while listening to music is undeniably good for your mood. So is mild exercise! Endorphins released by having fun and moving around will help manage stress, and everybody wants that. Plus, nothing beat the sense of accomplishment from practicing and getting better at a new skill.

Whether you’re joining a league or just coming out for open bowling, we can’t wait to see you at Mid County Lanes.

Getting your own bowling ball isn’t just a fun step for a serious bowler–it’s also a big investment. Learn how to properly care for your bowling ball with these maintenance tips from Mid County Lanes.

Wipe your ball down after each shot. You’ve probably noticed the oil track after you roll your ball, so hold the ball in one hand and use a microfiber towel to do a quick once-over. While it may seem like a chore to do this every time, trust us! This first step is so important to increasing the longevity of your bowling ball. Before you pack your ball away at the end of your game, give it a more thorough cleaning. A few spritzes of ball cleaner will help remove debris, oil buildup, and dirt.

Periodically you’ll want to do a deeper clean to make sure you get out all the impurities and oils. The pro shop at Mid County Lanes can help with this in-house. You can also try a hot water bath: tape up the finger holes and then submerge your bowling ball in hot water (about 140 degrees) with a few drops of dish soap. Soaking for about 20 minutes and then drying should make most of the oil seep out. Remember: the last thing you want to do is get moisture in the finger holes. That can cause mildew, mold, and worse

With proper care and maintenance, your bowling ball will last you a long time! If you have questions, don’t hesitate to talk to the staff at Mid County Lanes.