Milwaukee is home to many family-friendly spots, but 1st and Bowl offers something a little different.
Opened in 2019 by three friends, this venue brings together sports, games, and a laid-back atmosphere, making it a popular destination for group outings, family activities, and even corporate events.
From football bowling to pickleball, 1st and Bowl is designed for a wide range of interests and ages, offering an experience that blends fun, competition, and socializing.
Here’s what you need to know about 1st and Bowl, its activities, and what makes it an appealing choice for families in Milwaukee:
1. What is 1st and Bowl?
Located in a spacious warehouse setting, 1st and Bowl is a multi-activity venue centered around unique games and sports. Its signature attraction is football bowling, a hybrid of football and bowling that challenges players to knock down bowling pins using a football.
While football bowling is the main draw, the venue also offers a range of other activities, including:
- Basketball Connect 4: A variation of the classic Connect 4 game, this activity adds a physical element by requiring players to shoot basketballs to make their moves on the grid.
- Indoor Pickleball: As one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. 1st and Bowl offers indoor courts, making it a year-round option for both casual players and those looking to improve their skills.
- Nerf Arena: A 3,000-square-foot Nerf battle arena where players can engage in team-based skirmishes, making it a hit for birthday parties and group events.
- Wiffle Ball Field: Indoor wiffle ball offers a nostalgic twist for those familiar with the game, and it’s accessible for newcomers looking for a casual, low-pressure activity.
- Golf Simulators: Advanced simulators allow guests to play famous golf courses from around the world, regardless of weather, with stunning graphics and customizable gameplay options.
In addition to these offerings, the venue also features cornhole, arcade games, and a full-service sports bar where guests can relax between games or enjoy a meal.
2. How Football Bowling Works
Football bowling, the signature game at 1st and Bowl, is a simple but inventive concept that merges two popular sports: football and bowling. The objective is to throw a football down a lane and knock over a set of bowling pins. This makes it a dynamic and fun challenge for players of all ages, with no prior experience in either sport required.
The game’s versatility makes it suitable for various group types, from casual family outings to competitive team-building events.
Football bowling also allows for flexible rules, so players can adjust the difficulty to suit their group’s preferences.
4. Family-Friendly Events and Parties
1st and Bowl has become a popular destination for family celebrations, corporate events, and birthday parties. Its variety of activities means that there’s something for every age group.
The venue is also set up for casual drop-ins, with activities like cornhole and wiffle ball available on a first-come, first-served basis.
5. Food and Drink Options
1st and Bowl features a full-service sports bar and restaurant, offering a range of food and drink options to complement the games. The menu includes pizzas, wings, and other classic bar fare, making it easy to grab a bite between activities or enjoy a meal with the family after a few rounds of football bowling.
For more information, head to the 1st and Bowl Website.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.