Yes, K-Cups for Cocktails Are Real & You Can Get Cosmos, Moscow Mules & More

by Erica LoopMarch 21, 2019

Cocktails at the push of a button? Um, sign us up. K-Cups for cocktails are an actual thing, making us all mixologist moms.

Drinkworks by Keurig works just like the coffee pod drink maker you already know and love—but, of course, the major difference is that instead of making caffeinated goodness, these machines brew up batches of your fave cocktails!

Host your best party yet, with Drinkworks. A guest doesn’t want green beer? You’ll be ready—with a festive margarita at the push of a button. 🍀#StPatricksDay #cocktails #StPaddys pic.twitter.com/88efKIiF8Y

— drinkworks (@drinkworks) March 17, 2019

So how exactly does the Drinkworks drinkmaker work? Let’s say you’re not exactly Tom Cruise in Cocktail when it comes to making mixed drinks. Just pop one of the Keurig pods into the machine, add water and that’s it! The pods include the alcohol and the ingredients while the machine carbonates and chills your mixed drink of choice.

Make the most of this mixologist-like gadget. Drinkworks also comes with a an app, providing you with info on unboxing and setting up your machine, ordering pods, making drinks and monitoring the drinkmaker’s cleaning status.

We’ve partnered w/ @loopindustries to provide our customers w/ a free mail-back program. Used cocktail, beer & cider pods can now be returned to be upcycled by Loop's patented depolymerization technology! Learn more: https://t.co/BpNk8Jyc6Z.#recycling #recycle #beer #cocktails pic.twitter.com/v2FK3jIHJF

— drinkworks (@drinkworks) February 14, 2019

The current menu of Drinkworks pods includes Cosmopolitan, Daiquiri, Gin and Tonic, Lime Vodka Soda, Margarita, Strawberry Margarita, Mojito, Moscow Mule, Old Fashioned, Red Sangria, White Russian, White Wine Peach Sangria and Mai Tai. The pods also come in British classic flights, Beck’s classic flights and Stella Artois cidre.

Visit the Drinkworks website for product availability.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Rawpixel via Pexels

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Coca-Cola Just Dropped a Flavor on Us & Went Straight to Summer

by Karly WoodMarch 8, 2019

Move over Cherry Coke, the new soda in town is Orange Vanilla Coca-Cola and it’s just as delicious as it sounds. If you love the refreshing taste of an orange creamsicle, don’t miss out on this new take on the classic Coke.

Not only is the fresh flavor unlike any current Coca-Cola product, but the iconic can got a bit of a makeover, too. Instead of a solid red design, the brand opted for a bright shock of orange that definitely has us thinking about all things citrus.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Marcus Smith (@mnmtwinz)

According to the @mnmtwinz on Instagram, the new flavor (which comes in both regular and Coke Zero Sugar versions) will be sold in 12 oz. cans and 20 oz. bottles wherever you already buy your fave Coke products. You’ll also find Orange Vanilla at Coca-Cola Freestyle dispensers only at Wendy’s through the end of the NCAA March Madness Tournament, after which it’ll be distributed nationwide.

Be sure to check out the Coca-Cola website to find where you can purchase the new Orange Vanilla Coke flavor near you.

––Karly Wood

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Connecticut’s Soda Tax Proposal Is a Healthy First in the Nation

by Erica LoopMarch 1, 2019

Connecticut is on the verge of passing the first statewide soda tax in the country. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont recently proposed a 1.5 percent per-ounce tax on beverages with added sugar, which could earn the state some seriously sweet cash—and all while making residents healthier!

While there are plenty of cities across the United States (and around the world) that already tax soda, there are no statewide laws. The proposed Connecticut law could earn the state a projected $163.1 million in its first year alone.

photo: Rawpixel via Pexels

In a statement to USA Today, Gov. Lamont’s spokesperson, Maribel La Luz, said, “The governor believes that in addition to addressing our long-term fiscal stability, the budget should also help outline policy priorities for our state.” Even though the state doesn’t seem to have a problem meeting or exceeding national health targets, a sugar-filled beverage tax could do more to reduce the incidence of some chronic conditions, such as heart disease and cancer.

The proposed tax must still pass the Connecticut state legislature before Gov. Lamont can sign it into law. The proposed soda tax is already being met with resistance from some food and beverage industry leaders and manufacturers.

The big question of course, is whether or not soda taxes really work. The University of California, Berkeley has some answers. Following Berkeley’s 2015 adoption of a sugary drink tax, residents in lower income neighborhoods reported drinking 52 percent fewer servings of soda.

—Erica Loop

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Costco Throws Major Shade at LaCroix & Everyone Wins

by Shahrzad WarkentinAugust 10, 2018

Soda is out and those colorful cans of sparkling water are totally in, but if that LaCroix habit is putting a dent in your budget, there’s some good news. The Kirkland line of flavored sparkling water at Costco has gotten some new additions and they look and taste very familiar.

Costco just added three new flavors to its Kirkland brand sparkling water. The new additions include Grapefruit (known in LaCroix-speak as Pamplemousse), Lime and Lemon. Besides mimicking three of LaCroix’s most popular flavors, the new cans are nearly identical to their pricier counterparts.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl7C3rxlod0/?taken-by=thecostcoconnoisseur

The Costco versions will save you 33 percent as blogger The Costco Connoisseur points out. A 32-pack of the Kirkland brand sells for $7.49, while a pack of LaCroix costs $7.99 and only comes with 24 cans in a package.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlyfK9ClHe3/?taken-by=thecostcoconnoisseur

The three new Kirkland flavors join three tasty flavors already for sale at Costco: black raspberry, orange mango and kiwi strawberry. Although good, these flavors didn’t completely match what LaCroix has to offer. If you’re thirsty for a bargain, Costco is totally your best bet for a LaCroix look- and taste-alike.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: The Costco Connoisseur via Instagram

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15 Refreshing Mocktails to Sip All Summer Long

by Abigail MatsumotoJune 14, 2018

Get your sip on this summer with thirst-quenching mocktails that are anything but boring. From slushies and fancy lemonades to Italian sodas, these delicious drinks are easy to whip up and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.

Very Cherry Shirley Temple

For a big dose of nostalgia, go for the classic Shirley Temple! The kids will love this cherry treat—especially if you use mason jars as glasses. You can even add lime for an extra kick! Get the recipe from Kitchen Happiness.

Blueberry Lemonade

Nix the sugary soda and instead opt for a natural fruit drink from The View from Great Island. It's fresh squeezed, updated with a vivid berry puree, and the perfect pitcher for a party! Score the colorful recipe by clicking here.

Strawberry Agua Fresca

This one goes out to all those strawberry fans! Thanks to Lola's Cocina, you'll have a new fave summer drink. It's a 3-ingredient cinch, kid-friendly, and great for a summer day. Get the recipe here.

Watermelon Slush

Psst! This super delicious slush from Damn Delicious is a must for any summer to-do list. It couldn't be any easier to make (only 3 ingredients!) or more refreshing. Get your watermelon on and grab the recipe here.

Pineapple Punch

Ready to punch it up? This punch, courtesy of Dinner at the Zoo, only has 5 ingredients and a boatload of fresh flavor. It's great for a summer day...or, you know, a Tuesday. Click on over here for the recipe.

Mint Julep

When the temperature drops, there's nothing like a batch of these sweet refreshments--sans bourbon. And here's a quick tip if you think the kiddos won’t go for the “muddled” leaves of mint, just use a batch of mint tea (iced) instead and use the mint as garnish. Get the recipe here.

Clementine Cream Soda

Make use of fresh clementines with this fab recipe from How Sweet It Is. The homemade soda base becomes extra special when you top it off with a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream. To find out how it’s made, click here.

Cherry Berry Fizzy All-Fruit Slushies

Make use of the best fruit summer has to offer by whipping up this quick slushie from Paleo Running Momma. With no refined sugar, it’s a drink you can feel good about serving up to your whole fam. To get the recipe, click here.

Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade

We can’t get enough watermelon all summer long, and this recipe from Build Your Bite is the perfect way to get more of the good stuff into our diet. Kiddos will love the fizziness provided by the sparkling water, too. To see the recipe, click here.

Agua de Horchata

Get inspired by Green Healthy Cooking and make a yummy batch of horchata. This variation uses a mixture of milk, rice, cinnamon, maple syrup and vanilla to create an instant family fave. To grab the recipe, click here.

Pineapple Peach Agua Fresca

Transport yourself to the tropics by making this super refreshing drink from How Sweet It Is. The whole family will love the vibrant color and thirst-quenching flavor. To get the recipe, click here.

Citrus Italian Sodas

Take a cue from the Italians and whip up a refreshing drink inspired by the Wright Family Table. They’re pretty easy to pull off using a citrusy simple syrup topped off with soda water and half & half. To get the full recipe, click here.

Raspberry-Mint Limeade

Take your lemonade stand (or your backyard barbecue) to the next level with this amazing recipe from Kiwi & Carrot. The bright mix of flavors is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. To get the recipe, click here.

Blackberry Peach Sparkling Lemonade

Get a little fancy with this yummy sparkling mix from The Pretty Life Girls. The recipe uses premade lemonade as a starting point, so you don’t have to worry about juicing bunches of lemons. Get the full recipe by clicking here.

Frozen Watermelon Lime Cooler

The heat wave won’t seem so daunting once you’ve got a cup of Build Your Bite’s watermelon lime cooler in your hand. Fresh watermelon is blended with a splash of lime juice to top it all off. Grab the full recipe by clicking here.

— Abigail Matsumoto & Susie Foresman

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12 Unique Gifts Under $55 for Seattle Dads

by Jeff ToteyJune 4, 2018

Despite what the greeting cards will tell you, not all dads are hunters, fishermen or golfers and that can often make gift-giving a difficult chore. If the top pop in your life doesn’t fit the stereotype, we’ve done the legwork and come up with a dozen gift ideas for every type of Seattle dad. The best part? Each are available for $55 or less. Scroll down to see our picks.

For the Vintage Sports Dad

Ebbets Field Flannels

It may seem that time has stopped at Ebbets Field Flannels, but it hasn’t. The company makes brand-new sports team clothing with a vintage look from teams that no longer exist. For instance, this replica of a 1955 Seattle Rainiers baseball hat is made with red wool broadcloth, a horse hair buckram crown, satin taping, cotton sweatband and authentic embroidered logo ($49). The 100% cotton t-shirt, also made with the same care, comes with a carinal red reactive dye and an enzyme wash for softness. $30.

Ebbets Field Flannels
108 S. Jackson St.
Seattle, Wa 98104
888-896-2936
Online: ebbets.com

For the Grillmaster Dad

Made in Washington

Most dads come into this world with a strange ornate power to grill meat. However, even the most seasoned griller can learn a thing or two from the masters. Northwest Chef Tom Douglas has created three perfect potions of spice mixes to make dad’s burgers even better. This three-jar set includes 3.5 oz. each of Douglas’ Rub with Love spice mixes for beef, chicken and salmon. $20.

Made in Washington

400 Pine St.
Seattle, Wa 98101
206-623-9753

1530 Post Alley
Seattle, Wa 98101
206-467-0788

190 Bellevue Square
Bellevue, Wa 98004
425-454-6907

3000 184^th St. SW #196
Lynnwood, Wa 98037
425-771-3212

Online: madeinwashington.com

For the (Root) Beer-Loving Dad

The Root Beer Store

Treat Dad to a variety of unique and different root beers each month with the Variety Root Beer of the Month Club. Choose the six-pack membership ($15.95/month) or 12-pack membership ($24.95/month) where dad will receive six or 12 different types of root beer every month (no minimum number of months required). Order the “A Gift Wrap of Festive Fun” and dad’s first month of frosty beverages will come with a party inside the box, including crinkle confetti, balloons, a mini-bow and a customized note ($4.95).

The Root Beer Store
208-255-1006
Online: therootbeerstore.com

For the Game-Playing Dad

REI

This lightweight set of nine bocce balls (just 12 oz.) comes in its own nylon and mesh zippered pouch (5.5 x 5.5 x 2 inches). Easy to pack in a backpack or keep in the trunk of his car, dad will be ready to provide the fun at the next camping trip, picnic or lawn party. Psst...if dad hasn’t played before, he’ll pick it up quickly. Only two people needed to play. $15.

REI
222 Yale. Ave. N.
Seattle, Wa 98109
206-223-1944
Online: rei.com

For the Dad Who Likes to Earn His Coffee

Mancrates

You might want to make sure that Dad has his morning cup of Joe before handing him the Coffee Crew Man Crate (aka the one-of-a-kind gift that isn’t easy to open). In fact, the sealed crate is delivered with its own laser-etched crowbar and "absolutely no instructions.” Once inside though, he’ll be delighted to find a 15 oz. brushed silver Glacier Camp mug (which can be etched with his name), a portable GSI Java Drip and two ounces of Warrior Select Coffee, so he can enjoy his “small batch” brew wherever he goes. Allow two extra days for etching. $20.

Mancrates
866-902-7260
Online: mancrates.com

For the Stressed Out Dad

REI

Now you can tell dad to “go fly a kite” and not get in trouble. The Prism Designs Synapse 140 Speed Foil Kite (which sounds more like a James Bond spy gizmo) is easy to use, even for beginners, and is very relaxing. And get this: there’s no parts to lose nor assembly required. The self-inflating kite comes complete with 60 feet of 80 lb. Dyneema lines and wrist straps and is able to fly in winds from 6-25 mph. When dad's finished, it all gets packed up in small pouch for easy travel. $50.

REI
222 Yale. Ave. N.
Seattle, Wa 98109
206-223-1944
Online: rei.com

For the Chocolate-Pairing Dad

Theo

What chocolate pairs well with beer? How about coffee? We don’t know either, but fortunately, Theo Chocolates does. Theo’s Beer Chocolates contains some truly unique combinations made with local brews including Immersion Amber Peanut Caramel (made with Two Beers Brewing), Dark Star Imperial Oatmeal Stout Marshmallow (made with Fremont Brewing), Hive Five Hopped Honey Ale Pate de Fruit (made with Pike Brewing) and Bodhizafa IPA Syrup Confection (made with Georgetown Brewing). The box includes one of each ($11). If coffee is dad’s thing, he’ll appreciate Theo’s Coffee Caramels which are basically buttery caramel blended with Congolese Caffe Vita coffee that is covered in milk chocolate and topped with a white chocolate flourish. $10.

Theo
3400 Phinney Ave. N.
Seattle, Wa 98103
206-632-5100
Online: theochocolate.com

For the Dad Who Has Everything and No Place to Put It

Candy Relics

This ingenious porcelain Vintage Matchbox can hold anything from Q-Tips, to candy, from spare change to…actual matches. There are many designs available and each have been taken from real matchboxes from around the world. Mom might think they’re cute, but Dad knows they’re cool. The matchboxes are made in Portland, Oregon, but you might have seen them at local farmers markets this year. Dimensions: 2”H x 3”W x 5”L. $54.

Candy Relics
Online: candyrelics.com

For the Soda Snob Dad

Soda Jerk Soda

Cory Clark stumbled onto something pretty great when he decided to come up with his own brand of sodas. His goal was to create a “better tasting, environmentally friendly soda, made from the finest ingredients possible,” served in 100% compostable serving materials. Although everything his uses is natural, you won’t usually find these flavor combinations in nature. Flavors include Lavender Lemon, Strawberry Ginger, Cucumber Mint, Cocoa Cream, Cherry Vanilla Mint and others. Cory and his crew set up shop at many local farmers markets this time of year. Check his website to see where you can find him next.

Soda Jerk Fresh Soda
Online: sodajerksoda.com

For Casual Dad in Need of a New Tee

Factory 43

Located in Seattle, Factory 43 hand-forges quality graphic t-shirts and other great finds using their own 1950's Heidelberg Windmill press. We really appreciate their sense of humor and snarky designs printed on t-shirts made from 50 percent polyester, 25 percent combed and ringspun cotton and 25 percent rayon blend and printed with water-based and discharge inks. $32.

Factory 43
Online: shop.factory43.com

For the Retro Music Dad

Urban Outfitters

Sure, vinyl has made a comeback, but look out because the cassette tape is right around the corner. Maybe. This old school shoebox cassette tape recorder looks just like the one Dad had when his was making sweet mix tapes for Mom, but now he can record from USB, line-in or built-in mic. Comes with carrying handle and headphone jack. $50.

Urban Outfitters

1507 5th Ave.
Seattle Wa 98101
206-381-3777

3000 184 St. S.W.
Alderwood Mall, #810
Lynnwood Wa 98037
425-774-3285

Online: www.urbanoutfitters.com

For the Dad Who Never Wants to Grow Up

Mattel

In honor of Mattel’s Hot Wheel’s 50^th anniversary, the toy giant is releasing five of their original “Sweet 16” cars. Though these are replicas, they are made the same way they once were with a metal body and metal base. And what makes these super cool is that they come in the same packaging as they did 50 years ago and include the originally designed buttons. Psst...these won’t last in stores long as serious collectors will be scooping them up left and right. $6.

Online: play.hotwheels.com/en-us/collection/hw-50th-anniversary

Have you shopped for the dads and granddads in your life yet? What great gift did you find? Tell us in the comments below!

—Jeffrey Totey

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3 Low-Sugar Recipes for Valentine’s Day That Are Too Sweet Not to Try

By Laura Hoover

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

February 9, 2018

We’ve all heard that too much sugar isn’t a good thing. But cutting back on it can be hard to do on a holiday like Valentine’s Day where heart-shaped candies rule.

Here are three simple, colorful and fun ways to indulge and say “I Heart You” to your favorite little loved one this Valentine’s Day—without all the sugar. Your kids won’t even know what they’re missing—pinky promise.

1. Ruby Red Soda

On average, about half of kids’ sugar intake is from drinks like soda, sports drinks and fruit punch. A 12-ounce cola has a whopping 32 grams of sugar. It’s clear we need to ditch the sugar-sweetened drinks. But Valentine’s Day calls for something more exciting than water!

This Ruby Red Soda, featured on the cover of my cookbook, Mom’s Sugar Solution, is a great solution. It’s fun, simple, and completely free of artificial dyes and sugar.

2. Brownie Bites

In addition to beverages, baked goods and other desserts are the other major source of sugar in our diets, especially on a day like Valentine’s! Not only are most baked goods overly sweetened, but the portion size is out of control. I’m a firm believer in enjoying sweets now and then, but we need to scale back their size.

My Mom’s Sugar Solution recipe for Brownie Bites is super scrumptious and way lower in sugar than a store-bought version. They’re also gluten-free, but you’d never know it!

3. Apple Peanut Butter Rings

Valentine’s Day is full of sweetness, but just 10 of those cute little Valentine’s conversation candies rings in at at whopping 28 grams of sugar—more than your kiddo should be eating in a whole day.

Instead, try these wholesome Apple Peanut Butter Rings, which are naturally sweet and colorful. Insider tip: any apple will do, but my kids’ favorites are newer varietites like Ambrosia, Kanzi and Kiku. They’re bursting with flavor!

What other ways will you be taming your little sugar monster this Valentine’s Day? Share with me in the comments below.

Featured Photo Courtesy: Josh Newman via Flickr

Laura Hoover

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Laura is a Chicago-based registered dietitian nutritionist, the author of Mom's Sugar Solution, founder of Smart Eating for Kids, spokesperson for the Illinois Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics and mom to two elementary-aged kids. Her approach to healthy eating is all about simiplicity and fun!

We Dare You To Host a Kid’s Axe-Throwing Birthday Party

by Mimi O'ConnorJanuary 3, 2018

You may have heard there’s a new axe-throwing joint in town. So did we. And they told us kids as young as seven can try their hand at it. That’s a proposition that’s too hard to resist, so we wrangled up some kids to check out the appropriately-named, Kick Axe.

Get Your Axe in There!
Located on what is clearly becoming an “xtreme sports” alley of sorts in the Gowanus section of Brooklyn (the block is also home to Homage skateboard shop and facility, Brooklyn Boulders, Brooklyn Fnecing, and a cross fit gym) Kick Axe obviously fits right in.

photo: Kick Axe

Come in From the Cold and Chill
We were admittedly slightly terrified of the prospect of throwing axes around, but the giant blue bull that greets visitors outside, and a downright cozy interior with a ski chalet vibe make us feel right at home.

In addition to a gas fireplace, lots of plaid and furry throws, Kick Axe provides plenty of opportunities for good old fashioned fun in the form of games ranging from Jenga to Connect Four to vintage Operation and more.

photo: Kick Axe

The Ranges
Beyond the cozy lounging areas lie the axe-throwing ranges, roomy, “pens” fenced off on three sides with a wood target on the wall, a la darts.

Safety First!
Of course, the first thing you do upon entering is sign a waiver, because axes. You can do that in advance if you like.
Our party included five adults, an 11 year-old, a seven year-old, and an eight-and-a-half year old.

Kick Axe knows that most people visitng the place think the idea is at least a little bit crazy, and so each party has its own “Axepert” on hand to not only set some ground rules, teach the basics of axe-throwing, and calm and nerves.

Before you begin, everyone gets some one-on-one instruction and some trial throws.

Throwing Down
The basic game itself, is pretty standard. (Presumably there are more intricate axe games, but we weren’t ready for that.) Your group (maximum players per range is eight) is assembled into two teams, who then face off in pairs at the range, with only one person throwing at a time. Everyone puts on a name tag with their real or axe-throwing moniker.

Each ring on the target has a point value, and the bullseye is of course the ideal spot to hit. We played ’til 30 in one round, and then played one more. The total time for play is an hour and a half.

Is it Hard? Is it Fun?
It turns out that axe-throwing is not as hard as you would think, although it can take a while to get the hang of it. That said, when axe meets wood it’s very satisfying, and once you’ve done that, you want to do it again. By the time we were done, even the seven-year-old with us was sinking the blade in and hitting the bull’s eye.

(Kids can also stand closer to the target for increased chances of success, and for really little ones, the lounge now has rubber axes for kids to throw, scoring based on where they hit the target and bounce off. One-handed throwing is also allowed, which can make things easier.)

How Much Does it Cost to Do This Crazy Thing?
If you and the family want to drop by for some axe-throwing fun, it’s $35 per person plus tax. Book online in advance. if you want a private range, request one, but you may end up playing with strangers depending on how busy things are. (Either way you’ll have fun.)

Sound like a great idea for a party? (Personally, we want to see a badass group of eight-year-old girls do this.) Semi-private party rates start at $525 for two ranges and 24 people. That’s the discount rate offered Mon.-Thurs.; it’s $700 Fri.-Sun.

Kick Axe has basic drinks for sale (soda, water, seltzer, and yes, they do sell beer but eject anyone who’s had too much) and very basic food. However, you’re free to bring in pizza and cake (no ice cream cake) or whatever your little axe-throwers desire.

Kick Axe Throwing
622 DeGraw St.
Gowanus
833-542-5293
Online: kickaxe.com

Would you take your kids axe-throwing? Tell us in the comments!

—Mimi O’Connor

14 Amazing Things to Make From Ordinary Household Items

by Nikki WalshFebruary 3, 2017

Ready to let your little out-of-the-box thinkers get their hands on things they can not only play with, but tweak and twiddle? Go ahead, raid the recycle bin and upcycle materials into stuff that can double as tinker-worthy toys. From building cardboard rocket ships and castles to soda can cars and do-it-yourself geoboards, it’s easy to re-use stuff you’ve got around the house. Scroll down and let’s get to tinkering!

Hammer Out a Geoboard

Your mini-makers can engage their hands and mind by building and playing with this cool geoboard, which can easily be made with supplies found around the house. Mama Agnes Hsu gives us the materials and step-by-step over at hello, Wonderful.

photo: Agnes Hsu via hello, Wonderful

Editor’s Note: We at Red Tricycle encourage learning. That being said, please be sure your kiddo has access to age-appropriate materials and always supervise playtime. Happy Tinkering!

What household items do you use to tinker? Tell us about it in the comments!

—Nikki Walsh

Just Opened: The New Bowlmor Times Square

by Lambeth HochwaldNovember 28, 2016

A reliable standby for indoor fun just got a multi-million dollar makeover, just in time for winter. Bowlmor Lanes’ Times Square location on 44th Street is truly in the center of the tourist area’s action, and its brand spanking new interior takes visitors on a technicolor tour of NYC both past and present. We guarantee you’ve never bowled like this before!

photo: Bowlmor Times Square

Signs of the Times
Step into the newly-renovated Bowlmor in the heart of Times Square and you’re entering a fun zone that celebrates New York City. From the minute you check in, you’re reminded that the space used to house the New York Times (clocks set in different time zones hang above endless pairs off bowling shoes) and there’s a door marked ‘editor’ with the name of Bowlmor’s founder.

photo: Bowlmor Times Square

Welcome to New Yorks!
But those details are incredibly subtle compared to the rest of the place. The renovation, completed earlier this month, transformed the 90,000-square-foot space into one that now offers seven themed lanes. Bowlers play in environments that represent different parts of Gotham, including Central Park, Chinatown, Coney Island and Times Square.

(The multi-floored alley also features a cool, but obviously less kid-friendly NYC speakeasy lane, as well as one in an Art Deco style for those interested in some period bowling.) Whichever lane you end up in, expect to be surrounded by NYC icons and cool and colorful works of art, including murals by artist Jonas Never in the Coney Island section.

Altogether, the new Bowlmor offers 48 lanes enhanced by HD video walls and blacklights, as well as deluxe laneside seating.

photo: via Bowlmor Times Square Facebook page

Game On!
Kids will also go gaga for the revamped arcade, filled with tons of video games and more active diversions like air hockey.

photo: Bowlmor Times Square

Party Hard at Bowlmor
Bowlmor is ready, willing and able to host your child’s birthday bash. (They’d love to host yours, too.)

Parties for kids’ birthdays start at $22.99 for the basic package, which includes 1.5 hours of unlimited bowling, shoe rental, juice and/or soda, plus a $5 arcade card for each child.

More deluxe packages include your choice of food options, ranging from a two-foot Coney Island hot dog covered in mustard, Coney sauce and diced onions, to gigantic soft-pretzels served with mustard and queso to Sprinkled Ice Cream Sandies — basically the best chipwich you’ve ever tasted — and something called a pizza cupcake, a big crowd-pleaser.

Still more add-ons include a bowling pin for kids to sign and chocolate chip cookie cake.

Bowlmor
222 West 44th St.
Times Square
212-680-0012
Online: Bowlmor.com

Have you visited the new Bowlmor yet? Let us know in the comments!

— Lambeth Hochwald

Related reads

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Very Cherry Shirley Temple

Blueberry Lemonade

Strawberry Agua Fresca

Watermelon Slush

Pineapple Punch

Mint Julep

Clementine Cream Soda

Cherry Berry Fizzy All-Fruit Slushies

Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade

Agua de Horchata

Pineapple Peach Agua Fresca

Citrus Italian Sodas

Raspberry-Mint Limeade

Blackberry Peach Sparkling Lemonade

Frozen Watermelon Lime Cooler

Related reads

For the Vintage Sports Dad

For the Grillmaster Dad

For the (Root) Beer-Loving Dad

For the Game-Playing Dad

For the Dad Who Likes to Earn His Coffee

For the Stressed Out Dad

For the Chocolate-Pairing Dad

For the Dad Who Has Everything and No Place to Put It

For the Soda Snob Dad

For Casual Dad in Need of a New Tee

For the Retro Music Dad

For the Dad Who Never Wants to Grow Up

Related reads

1. Ruby Red Soda

2. Brownie Bites

3. Apple Peanut Butter Rings

Laura Hoover

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Hammer Out a Geoboard

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