Bells HardingstoneJohannesburg offers a mix of ten-pin bowling alleys and traditional lawn bowling clubs. Here are the top places to bowl in and around the city in 2026, ranked by atmosphere, facilities, and overall experience.
Top Bowling Venues in Johannesburg
Ten-Pin Bowling Venues
1. Cracker Zac’s – Rosebank
Cracker Zac’s is Johannesburg’s premier adult-focused entertainment venue, bringing a retro American bowling alley vibe to The Zone@Rosebank. It’s the place to go for a high-energy, social bowling experience with stylish interiors and glowing golden lights.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | The Zone@Rosebank, Oxford Rd, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196 |
| Hours | Mon-Thu: 12pm–11pm; Fri-Sat: 12pm–12am; Sun: 12pm–10pm |
| Price | R50 once-off cover charge; credits purchased separately for games |
| Features | Ten-pin bowling, Hyper Bowling, augmented reality darts, retro arcade games, bar with cocktails, pizza menu |
| Age Restriction | Over 21s only |
| Parking | Mall parking available |
The venue won the International Arcade of 2022 award and offers a premium selection of alcohol, beer on tap, and cocktails. Bowling lanes can be booked on an hourly basis for groups of up to six people.
What to expect: An electric, sometimes loud atmosphere with great music. Saturdays are particularly busy—booking for bowling is not available on Saturdays, so arrive early to secure a lane. There is a strict dress code (no shorts or caps), and a membership card system (R50 per person) is required for game access.
What guests say: “Gorgeous aesthetics with great games to play at low prices. All the facilities and equipment are well maintained and work as expected.” “The atmosphere is electric, however it is a bit on the pricey side as you pay per 30 minutes of play for the darts and bowling.”
Best for: Adults nights out, after-work drinks, competitive group gatherings.
Booking: Walk-ins welcome; no Saturday bookings for bowling.
Contact: crackerzacs.co.za | 067 672 5327
2. Montecasino Ten Pin Bowling – Fourways
Situated in the iconic Montecasino complex, this ten-pin bowling alley is operated by The Magic Company and offers a family-friendly bowling experience with straightforward pricing and dedicated birthday party packages.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Montecasino, Fourways, Johannesburg (opposite Krispy Kreme) |
| Hours | Mon-Thu: 11:30am–10pm; Fri: 11am–12am; Sat: 10am–12am; Sun: 10am–10pm |
| Price | R70 per person per game (Mon-Thu off-peak); R85 per person per game (Fri-Sun, school & public holidays) |
| Features | Ten-pin bowling lanes, party packages, corporate event bookings, shoe hire included |
| Parking | Montecasino parking available |
Birthday & Small Corporate Functions:
- R100 per person per game
- Includes booking and venue fees; bowling shoes provided
- Friday-Sunday time slots: 10am and 1pm only
- No bookings during government school holidays and public holidays
Exclusive Use of the Venue:
- R300 per person for 4 hours exclusive use
- Minimum 40 people, maximum 80 people
- Available Monday-Thursday during operating hours only
Best for: Families, children’s birthday parties, corporate team-building events.
Booking: Recommended, especially for parties and groups. Contact via Montecasino directly.
Contact: Available through Tsogo Sun website.
3. Northcliff Bowling – Northcliff
Northcliff Bowling is a welcoming venue that combines ten-pin bowling with a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere. It is particularly noted for its excellent service and family-friendly environment.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Corner Beyers Naude and Milner Avenue, Northcliff, Randburg, 2195 |
| Hours | Mon: 10am–10pm; Tue: Closed; Wed-Thu: 10am–10pm; Fri: 10am–10pm; Sat: 10am–10pm; Sun: 10am–6pm |
| Rating | 4.4/5 (225+ reviews) |
| Features | Ten-pin bowling lanes, food and drinks, party service, space for team-building events |
| Parking | On-site parking |
The venue is described as having a fun and welcoming atmosphere with good music to keep the energy up. The staff are noted for being friendly and helpful, and the food and drinks are a pleasant surprise for visitors.
What guests say: “Had such a great time at this bowling spot! The atmosphere is fun and welcoming, with plenty of lanes and good music to keep the energy up. The staff are friendly and super helpful.” “The owner saw some potential in the youngster and gave her a spontaneous free lesson. Such kindness, such insight.”
Best for: Family outings, children’s parties, team-building events.
Note: The venue is closed on Tuesdays.
4. Xtreme Ten Pin Bowling – Bramley
Located in Midways Mall in Bramley, Xtreme Ten Pin Bowling offers a convenient neighbourhood option for casual bowling.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Midways Mall, 280 Corlett Dr, Bramley, Johannesburg, 2090 |
| Hours | Daily, 9am–9pm (or 11pm depending on source; call to confirm) |
| Features | Ten-pin bowling lanes |
| Parking | Mall parking available |
Important: Limited recent reviews are available for this venue. It is advisable to call ahead (011 887 2095) to confirm operating hours and lane availability before visiting.
Best for: Casual bowling, neighbourhood convenience.
Contact: +27 11 887 2095
Lawn Bowling Clubs
5. Belgravia Bowling Club – Germiston
Belgravia Bowling Club offers a traditional lawn bowling experience with excellent facilities, a friendly atmosphere, and live entertainment on Friday evenings.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Florence Ave, Geldenhuis Estate AH, Germiston, 1401 (approximately 15-20 km from Johannesburg CBD) |
| Hours | Tue-Sun: 10am–8pm; Closed Monday |
| Rating | 4.4/5 (225+ reviews) |
| Features | Lawn bowling greens, smoking bar, live entertainment on Fridays, food and drinks, venue for weddings and events |
| Parking | On-site (can be limited during busy events) |
Visitors praise the good greens and high standard of bowls, as well as the delicious food prepared by the club’s kitchen. The verandah offers a lovely spot for relaxation with great service.
What guests say: “Belgravia Bowling Club has lovely spacious seating areas. Robbie the manager very warm and friendly. The food is outstanding—any meal ordered is always 10 out of 10.” “Great experience and to meet new friends.”
Best for: Traditional lawn bowling, social club atmosphere, Friday evening entertainment, weddings and special events.
Note: Closed on Mondays.
6. Dunkeld Bowls Club – Dunkeld West
Important: This venue is permanently closed as of 2026.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 15 Hume Rd, Dunkeld West, Sandton, 2196 |
| Status | Permanently Closed |
Despite positive past reviews for its great vibe, delicious food, and lawn bowling facilities, Dunkeld Bowls Club is no longer in operation. Do not attempt to visit this location.
Alternative: For a similar lawn bowling experience, consider Belgravia Bowling Club or other local clubs in the area.
Bowling Venues Comparison Table
| Venue | Type | Location | Price Range | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cracker Zac’s | Ten-pin | Rosebank | R50 cover + credits | Adults night out, groups, cocktails | 3.6/5 |
| Montecasino | Ten-pin | Fourways | R70-85 per game | Families, children’s parties | Not rated |
| Northcliff | Ten-pin | Northcliff | Moderate | Family outings, team events | 4.4/5 |
| Xtreme Ten Pin | Ten-pin | Bramley | Unknown | Casual bowling | 2.8/5 |
| Belgravia | Lawn bowls | Germiston | Moderate | Traditional bowls, social club | 4.4/5 |
| Dunkeld Bowls | Lawn bowls | Dunkeld West | — | Permanently Closed | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bowling alley for adults in Johannesburg?
A: Cracker Zac’s in Rosebank is the top choice for adults, with a vibrant atmosphere, cocktail bar, retro arcade games, and augmented reality darts. Note that it is strictly over 21s.
Q: Which bowling venue in Johannesburg is best for families with children?
A: Montecasino Ten Pin Bowling is excellent for families, with straightforward pricing and dedicated birthday party packages. Northcliff Bowling is also highly recommended for family outings, with friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere.
Q: Are there traditional lawn bowling clubs in Johannesburg?
A: Yes. Belgravia Bowling Club in Germiston offers a classic lawn bowling experience with live entertainment on Friday evenings and a welcoming social atmosphere. Dunkeld Bowls Club is permanently closed.
Q: Do I need to book in advance for bowling in Johannesburg?
A: For Cracker Zac’s, bookings for bowling are not available on Saturdays—arrive early to secure a lane. For Montecasino, bookings are recommended for parties and groups, especially on weekends. For Northcliff Bowling, booking for large groups or team events is recommended to ensure ample space.
Q: What is the dress code at Cracker Zac’s?
A: Cracker Zac’s has a strict dress code—no shorts or caps are permitted.
Q: Is there an entrance fee at Cracker Zac’s?
A: Yes, there is a R50 once-off cover charge per person. Game credits are purchased separately at the entrance.
Q: How much does bowling cost at Montecasino?
A: R70 per person per game Monday-Thursday off-peak; R85 per person per game Friday-Sunday and during school/public holidays.
Q: Does Northcliff Bowling have food and drinks available?
A: Yes, visitors praise the food and drinks as a “nice surprise” and perfect for enjoying between games.
Q: Are there any bowling venues in Johannesburg suitable for corporate team-building events?
A: Yes. Northcliff Bowling is highly recommended for team-building events, with ample space for large groups and friendly staff. Montecasino also offers corporate function packages and exclusive venue hire for groups of 40-80 people.
Q: Is Xtreme Ten Pin Bowling still open?
A: While the venue appears in listings, recent reviews are limited. It is advisable to call +27 11 887 2095 to confirm operating hours before visiting.
Conclusion
Johannesburg’s bowling scene offers something for everyone. For adults seeking a high-energy night out with craft cocktails and retro arcade games, Cracker Zac’s in Rosebank is the top destination. For families and children’s birthday parties, Montecasino Ten Pin Bowling provides reliable, straightforward fun in a secure entertainment complex. For traditional lawn bowling in a welcoming social club atmosphere, Belgravia Bowling Club delivers excellent greens and delicious food.
Northcliff Bowling rounds out the list with its family-friendly vibe and consistently high ratings, while Xtreme Ten Pin Bowling remains a neighbourhood option worth confirming before visiting. Dunkeld Bowls Club is permanently closed and should not be included in your plans.
Note: All information is current as of March 2026. Operating hours, prices, and policies are subject to change. Please verify details with individual venues before visiting.