Don Carter Lanes

PRESS RELEASE
Don Carter Lanes Invites Parents to Give Their Kids More Than Just a Sport This Fall

Youth Bowling Leagues Offer Fun, Friendship, Exercise, Confidence — and a Great Value for Families

ROCKFORD, IL — Parents looking for a fun, affordable activity that gets their children off the screen, moving, making friends and building confidence have a great option this fall at Don Carter Lanes.

The Don Carter Lanes Youth Fall Bowling Leagues begin Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. and are open to children ages 3 and up, from first-time bowlers to experienced youth bowlers.

Unlike many youth activities that require expensive equipment and additional weekly costs, Don Carter Lanes has designed its youth program with families in mind. One payment covers the entire 14-week program, with fees starting at just $159 per bowler.

A Great Activity for Kids — and a Great Value for Parents

Every youth bowler receives benefits designed to make it easy and affordable to participate:

FREE Don Carter Lanes team bowling shirt
FREE shoe and bowling ball rental
20 FREE practice games — a value of more than $100
Coaching and instruction
Special achievement awards
End-of-season Cosmic Bowl Awards Party
Team building, exercise and a chance to make new friends
Pre-bowling available when a child cannot attend a regular Saturday session

And there is an especially exciting bonus for children who are new to league bowling:

🎳 NEW LEAGUE BOWLERS RECEIVE A FREE BOWLING BALL!

All qualifying new league bowlers receive their own bowling ball — a $100 value — with six fun designs to choose from. A new league bowler is defined as a bowler who has not participated in a league during the past four years.

Something for Every Age

The program is divided into age-appropriate groups so children can bowl and socialize with kids near their own age.

Bowlopolis Bumpers – Ages 3 to 7/8
Two games each week • $159 for the entire program

Bantams/Preps – Ages 7/8 to 11
Three games each week • $199 for the entire program

Junior/Majors – Ages 12 & Up
Three games each week • $199 for the entire program

More Than Bowling

For parents, one of the biggest benefits of youth bowling is what children can gain away from the lanes.

Bowling encourages confidence, sportsmanship, teamwork and social interaction while providing physical activity in a positive environment. It's also a lifetime sport that children can continue enjoying with friends and family for years to come.

And because pre-bowling is allowed, families don't have to worry about missing an entire week because of a school activity, family commitment or busy weekend.

“Our goal is for kids to have fun, make friends and feel like they belong. Whether they've never picked up a bowling ball before or already love to bowl, there is a place for them in our youth program.”

Registration Is Now Open

Don Carter Lanes Youth Fall Leagues
📅 Starts: Saturday, September 12, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:30 a.m.
🎳 Length: 14 weeks
👧🧒 Ages: 3 & up
📍 Don Carter Lanes, 4007 East State Street, Rockford, IL 61108
☎️ 815-399-0314

Pre-registration is required.

Parents are encouraged to register early and give their child something to look forward to every Saturday this fall — new friends, more confidence, less screen time and a whole lot of fun.

Youth League Director: Patti Dole

Online Registration Link in first comment:

🇺🇸❤️🎳 One Navy Active Duty & One Navy Veteran signed our wall today. Adam Birkenmaier GSMFR will be stationed at Pearl Harbor Hawaii is the big brother of our Monday league athlete Jacob Birkenmaier.

Ed Simms - Veteran (1993-2002) USS Nimitz CVN-68 is the father of Cheris Simms another one of our awesome athletes in the Monday League.

Both Jacob and Cherise received their top performer award medal tonight.

Congrats to all the Monday Athletes for a job well done this season. The next monday league for our athletes starts Oct 12th. Contact Jori Peterson at Don Carter Lanes to get your athlete registered.

The League Informational flyer link is in the first comment.

Monday League 6:30 pm awards night

Fall Youth Program - Registration Now Open: Give Your Child More Than an Activity — Give Them a Sport They Can Enjoy for Life!

ROCKFORD, IL — Parents looking for a fun, positive and active program for their children this fall are invited to register for the 2026 Youth Fall Bowling Leagues at Don Carter Lanes.

The 14-week program begins Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. and is designed for children ages 3 and up, from first-time bowlers to experienced youth bowlers.

A Saturday Morning Parents Can Feel Good About
With so much of kids' free time spent in front of screens, youth bowling gives children an opportunity to get moving, make new friends, build confidence and learn a sport they can enjoy for a lifetime.

Bowling also gives kids something increasingly valuable — a place to belong. Young bowlers can encourage teammates, celebrate personal improvement and learn that success isn't always about being the best. Sometimes it's simply about beating your own high score.

And parents don't have to worry if their family has a busy weekend. Pre-bowling is allowed, so missing an occasional Saturday doesn't mean your child has to miss out on the league.

One Fee — A Whole Season of Fun
Don Carter Lanes has designed the program to provide families with plenty of value. Youth bowlers receive:

FREE Don Carter Lanes team bowling shirt
FREE shoe and bowling ball rental
Coaching and instruction
Special achievement awards
End-of-season Cosmic Bowl Awards Party
20 FREE open-bowling practice games
FREE bowling ball for qualifying new league bowlers — a $100 value!

The free bowling ball offer is available to new league bowlers who have not bowled in a league during the past four years.

Programs for Kids of Different Ages
Bowlopolis Bumpers – Ages 3 to 7/8
Two games each week • 3 bowlers per team
$159 per bowler for the entire 14-week program

Bantams/Preps – Ages 7/8 to 11
Three games each week • 4 bowlers per team
$199 per bowler for the entire 14-week program

Juniors/Majors – Ages 12 & Up
Three games each week • 4 bowlers per team
$199 per bowler for the entire 14-week program

The program uses a one-time payment that covers the entire season, making it easier for families to know the full cost up front.
Why Parents Choose Youth Bowling
Youth bowling combines exercise, friendships, teamwork and confidence-building in an environment where kids of many different ability levels can participate and succeed.

Unlike many sports, bowling is also something children can continue enjoying with friends and family long after their school years are over.
No bowling experience? That's perfectly fine. Shoes and bowling balls are available, coaching is included, and beginners are welcome.

Pre-Registration Is Required
The Fall Youth League begins Saturday, September 12 at 10:30 a.m. at:
Don Carter Lanes
4007 East State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
(815) 399-0314

Pre-registration is required. Families can register using the QR code on the Youth Fall Leagues flyer or through www.DonCarter Lanes.com

Youth League Director: Patti Dole

Give Them Something to Look Forward to Every Saturday
For parents searching for an activity that offers more than just entertainment, youth bowling provides a combination that's hard to beat: less screen time, more activity, new friendships, growing confidence — and a whole lot of fun.

Strike. Make friends. Have fun. Be awesome!

registration link in the first comment .

BUMPER Bowling Program - For Ages 3 to 7/8 - Give Your Little Bowler a Fun Start — and Their Very Own FREE Bowling Ball!
ROCKFORD, IL — Looking for a fun Saturday activity that gets your child moving, builds confidence, and gives them something to look forward to each week? Don Carter Lanes is now accepting registrations for the Bowlopolis Bumper Bowling Kids Club, a 14-week youth bowling program designed especially for children ages 3 to 8.
The program begins Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. and is created with young, beginning bowlers in mind. Bumpers help keep the bowling ball out of the gutter, giving kids more chances to knock down pins, celebrate their successes, and simply have FUN!
🎳 A LOT OF FUN FOR ONE $159 FEE!
The Bowlopolis Kids Club includes:
🎳 Two games of bowling every week
👕 FREE team bowling shirt
👟 FREE shoe and bowling ball use
🍕 FREE snack and drink each week
🏆 Coaching and special achievement patches
🥇 Award medal or trophy for EVERY bowler
🎉 End-of-season Cosmic Bowling Awards Party
⭐ Recognition of each child's personal high score
📅 Flexible pre-bowling when your family needs to miss a week
🎁 AND YOUR CHILD MAY RECEIVE A FREE BOWLING BALL!
One of the biggest bonuses for new young bowlers is the opportunity to receive their very own bowling ball — a $100 value!
Children who have not bowled in a Rockford-area club or league during the past four years qualify for a FREE bowling ball, including professional fitting and drilling. Kids can even choose from six different ball colors!
For many children, having a bowling ball that's truly their own makes joining their first league even more exciting.
❤️ WHY PARENTS LOVE YOUTH BOWLING
Youth bowling isn't just about knocking down pins. It's a chance for children to make new friends, learn sportsmanship, build confidence, stay active and experience the excitement of being part of a team.
And unlike many youth sports, everyone gets to participate. No sitting on the bench — every child plays!
The program is designed to be welcoming to beginners, so no previous bowling experience is necessary.
⭐ SAVE YOUR CHILD'S SPOT TODAY!
Bowlopolis Bumper Bowling Kids Club
📅 Saturdays beginning September 12, 2026
⏰ 10:30 a.m.
👧🧒 Ages 3–8
🎳 14-week program
💲 $159 one-time fee — covers the entire program
📍 Don Carter Lanes
4007 East State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
☎️ (815) 399-0314
Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Parents are encouraged to register early to make sure their young bowler has a spot!
🎳 BIG SMILES. NEW FRIENDS. MORE PINS. MORE FUN!
Give your child a sport they can enjoy for a lifetime — their first bowling adventure starts at Don Carter Lanes!

Registration Link in first comment:

Patti Dole - League Director is looking for 5 individuals to help fill some teams.

Contact league director - Patti Dole 815-874-6453 Call ONLY - (NO text messages)

Youth Bowlers Compete for More Than $12,000 in Scholarships During 2026 Fall Travel Scholarship League

ROCKFORD, IL – One of the Midwest's premier youth bowling scholarship programs is set to return this fall as the 2026 Fall Travel Scholarship League gets underway on Saturday, August 15, at 9:00 a.m. The 12-week league will provide young bowlers with an exciting opportunity to compete at four different bowling centers while earning valuable scholarship dollars for college.

Hosted by Don Carter Lanes, The Cherry Bowl, Park Lanes, and Viking Lanes, the traveling league brings together youth bowlers from throughout Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin for weekly competition in a fun, challenging, and rewarding environment.

This year's league will award more than $12,000 in scholarship funds, making it one of the highest-paying youth scholarship leagues in the country.

Unlike many scholarship competitions that reward only the top finishers, every bowler is guaranteed to earn scholarship money, ensuring every participant benefits from their commitment throughout the season.

League Highlights
Over $12,000 in scholarship awards
Every bowler earns college scholarship funds
12-week season running August 15 through October 31
Four-person teams with boys, girls, or mixed teams welcome
Scratch scoring competition
Bowl at four different bowling centers
Saturday mornings at 9:00 a.m.
USBC Youth sanctioned competition
Conforms with IHSA bowling timelines and rules

In addition to team scholarship awards, bowlers will compete for numerous individual scholarship prizes recognizing high averages, high games, high series, sportsmanship, most improved bowlers, perfect games, 300 games, clean games, and special achievement awards throughout the season.

"This league gives youth bowlers the opportunity to improve their competitive skills, experience different bowling centers, build friendships with other talented bowlers, and most importantly, earn scholarship money that can help pay for college," league organizers said. "Whether you're an experienced tournament bowler or looking to challenge yourself at a higher level, this league offers one of the best scholarship opportunities available."

Individual bowlers, partial teams, and complete four-person teams are all encouraged to register. Bowlers with established averages of approximately 150 or higher are recommended, although league officials reserve the right to approve entries.

Registration is now open, and space is expected to fill quickly before the August 15 start date.

For more information or to reserve a spot, contact Patti Dole at 815-874-6453.

About the 2026 Fall Travel Scholarship League

The Fall Travel Scholarship League is a competitive USBC Youth league designed to provide young bowlers with high-level competition while rewarding participation with significant college scholarship opportunities. The league rotates weekly among Don Carter Lanes, The Cherry Bowl, Park Lanes, and Viking Lanes, creating a unique travel league experience unlike any other in the region.

$2.00 Days - Everything is Just $2! Northern Illinois Area – Families, friends, and community members are invited to enjoy a fun weekend of bowling while making a meaningful difference in the lives of local veterans during the Bowl for Vets Weekend on Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at participating 815 Area Bowling Centers.

During this special community fundraiser, everything is only $2.00, making it one of the area's best entertainment values while supporting an important cause.

For Just $2.00 Each:
- Games of Bowling
- Shoe Rental
- Two Hot Dogs
- 24 oz. Soda

Most importantly, 100% of all bowling proceeds will be donated to local 815 Area veteran programs, helping provide valuable resources and support for those who have served our country.

Participating bowling centers include:
Viking Lanes - 210 Oak Grove Ave, South Beloit, IL 61080
Don Carter Lanes - 4007 East State Street, Rockford, IL 61108
The Cherry Bowl - 7171 Cherryvale N Blvd, Rockford, IL 61112
Park Lanes - 5318 N 2nd Street, Loves Park, IL 61111

Whether you're an experienced bowler or simply looking for an inexpensive family outing, Bowl for Vets Weekend offers a fun opportunity to spend time together while giving back to the local veteran community.

"Supporting our veterans is something our entire community can rally behind," organizers said. "This event is designed to be affordable for everyone while raising funds that stay right here in the 815 area. Every game bowled helps make a difference."
Community members are encouraged to bring family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors for an afternoon of bowling, food, and fun—all while honoring the men and women who have served our nation.

Event Details
What: Bowl for Vets Weekend
When: Saturday, August 8 & Sunday, August 9
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Cost: Everything is only $2.00
- Games of Bowling
- Shoe Rental
- Two Hot Dogs
- 24 oz. Soda

Where: Don Carter Lanes - Rockford, The Cherry Bowl - Rockford, Park Lanes - Loves Park , and Viking Lanes - South Beloit
Benefit: 100% of bowling proceeds donated to Local 815 Area Veteran Programs

Come bowl for a great cause, enjoy incredible $2 specials, and help support the veterans who have sacrificed so much for our community and our country