A Few Places to Have a Ball in Your Spare Time

Hollywood Star Lanes--Nostalgia, tawdriness and hipness, all mixed up in a 24-hour package. Closes for good, though, Aug. 8. 5227 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, (323) 665-4111.

Mar Vista Bowl--A 1960 building full of long-established bowling leagues. 12125 Venice Blvd., West L.A., (310) 391-5288.

Regal Lanes--When size matters, this is the biggest center on the West Coast. 1485 N. Tustin St., Orange, (714) 997-9901.

All Star Lanes--A throwback, with neither air-conditioning nor electronic scorekeeping. Home of Bowl-A-Rama on alternate Saturdays--a blend of rockabilly, punk fashion and bowling (www.highoctane1.com). Next show: Saturday. 4459 Eagle Rock Blvd., Eagle Rock, (323) 254-2579.

Sports Center Bowl--Where show biz and suburbia collide, next to Jerry’s Famous Deli (which is closed because of fire damage). 12655 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, (818) 769-7600.

Pickwick Bowl--Big-time kid-friendly place, next to a skating rink and equestrian center. 921 Riverside Drive, Burbank, (818) 842-7188, www.pickwickcenter.com.

Jillian’s Hi-Life Lanes--The Britney Spears of bowling alleys, with virtual and literal bowling. Universal CityWalk, 1000 Universal Center Drive, (818) 985-8234, www.jillians.com.

Montrose Bowl--A favorite for kids’ parties. Instead of taking a lane or two, you rent the entire eight-lane venue for $80 to $100 per hour. 2334 Honolulu Ave., Montrose, (818) 249-3895.