Spare Time Greenville: Bowling, Arcade Games, and Food in Downtown

What Spare Time Greenville offers

Spare Time Greenville is a bowling center and entertainment venue in downtown Greenville that combines traditional ten-pin bowling with arcade games, food service, and a bar. The facility operates as a social space where you can bowl by the hour, play video and redemption games, order food and drinks, and host private events. It sits on Main Street in the heart of Greenville's entertainment district, making it accessible if you're already downtown for dining or nightlife.

The venue caters to casual bowlers, families with children, groups of friends, and people looking for a night out without traveling to a dedicated sports complex. Lanes are available for walk-in play during open hours, and the space can be reserved for birthday parties, corporate outings, and other gatherings. The arcade section includes both classic and modern games, with some offering tickets redeemable for prizes.

Key Takeaways

• Spare Time Greenville combines bowling lanes, arcade games, food, and drinks in one downtown location on Main Street.
• You can bowl by the hour during open hours without a reservation, or reserve lanes in advance for groups and events.
• The arcade includes video games and ticket-redemption machines where you can earn prizes.
• Food and beverages are served on-site, so you can eat and drink while you play without leaving the building.
• The venue hosts private events including birthday parties and corporate team outings with customizable packages.

Bowling lanes and pricing

Spare Time Greenville charges by the hour for lane rental rather than by the game. The cost per lane varies depending on the day and time—peak hours (typically evenings and weekends) cost more than daytime or weekday afternoon slots. You pay for the lane itself, not per person, so a group of four or six people sharing one lane pays the same hourly rate as two people on that lane.

Shoe rental is a separate charge. Most bowling centers in Greenville charge between $3 and $5 per pair, though you can bring your own shoes if you have them. The venue provides bumpers for children's lanes if you're bowling with kids, which keeps the ball from rolling into the gutters and makes the game more playable for younger bowlers.

Call ahead or check the venue's website or social media for current pricing and to confirm hours, as these can shift seasonally or for special events. Many bowling venues offer discounts for groups, military, or seniors, so ask when you call.

Arcade games and entertainment

The arcade section features both skill-based video games and ticket-redemption machines. Ticket games are designed so that winning plays earns you physical tickets that you can exchange for prizes at a redemption counter—typically small toys, candy, or novelty items. The selection of games usually includes racing simulators, shooting games, claw machines, and classic arcade titles.

Arcade play is separate from bowling; you can spend time at the games without renting a lane, or mix both activities during your visit. Bring cash or a card to load onto an arcade card, depending on what payment methods the venue accepts. The games are priced individually, usually between 25 cents and a dollar per play depending on the game.

Food and drink options

Spare Time Greenville serves food and beverages on-site, so you don't need to leave to eat. The menu typically includes standard bowling alley fare: pizza, hot dogs, nachos, wings, and sandwiches. Prices are generally moderate and in line with what you'd pay at other casual dining venues in downtown Greenville.

The bar serves beer, wine, and cocktails, making the venue popular for adult social outings on weekends. Non-alcoholic drinks including soft drinks, coffee, and water are also available. If you're hosting a private event, you can often arrange food and drink packages with the venue in advance.

Private events and group reservations

Spare Time Greenville accepts reservations for birthday parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties, corporate team outings, and other private events. When you reserve lanes for a group, you typically get exclusive use of those lanes for a set time block, plus options to add food and drink packages. Many venues offer party packages that bundle lane rental, shoes, and food at a set per-person price.

To book a private event, contact the venue directly by phone or through their website. You'll need to provide the date, time, expected number of people, and any special requests (dietary restrictions, decorations, specific food choices). The venue will confirm availability and walk you through pricing and what's included in your package. Deposits are usually required to hold your reservation, especially for weekend dates.

Location and parking

Spare Time Greenville is located on Main Street in downtown Greenville, putting it within walking distance of other restaurants, bars, and shops in the entertainment district. If you're driving, street parking is available along Main Street, though availability varies depending on the time of day and day of the week. Downtown Greenville also has public parking garages and lots nearby if street parking is full.

The downtown location means you can combine bowling with other activities—grab dinner beforehand, bowl, then visit a bar or coffee shop afterward without traveling far. The venue is accessible by car, on foot, or by bike if you're staying in the downtown area.

Hours and how to plan your visit

Spare Time Greenville's hours vary by day of the week and season. Typically, the venue opens in the afternoon on weekdays and earlier on weekends, staying open into the late evening or early morning on Fridays and Saturdays. Holiday hours may differ from regular schedules.

Before you go, check the venue's website, call them directly, or look at their social media pages for current hours, any special events, and real-time pricing. This is especially important if you're planning to visit on a holiday or during a busy season. If you're bringing a large group, call ahead to confirm lane availability rather than showing up and finding all lanes booked for private events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation to bowl at Spare Time Greenville?

Walk-ins are usually welcome during open hours, and you can rent a lane on the spot if one is available. However, calling ahead or checking online to confirm availability is smart, especially on weekends or evenings when lanes fill up. If you have a large group, a reservation guarantees you'll have lanes ready when you arrive.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Most bowling venues have a no-outside-food policy to protect their food service business, though policies vary. Call ahead to ask about their specific rules. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, ask what food options are available or whether you can bring something specific.

What's the minimum age for bowling at Spare Time Greenville?

There's no age restriction for bowling during daytime or early evening hours. Some venues restrict entry to adults only after a certain time (often 9 p.m. or later) on weekends to maintain a bar-focused atmosphere. Call to confirm the venue's age policy for the time you plan to visit.

Can I reserve lanes for a private event on short notice?

Availability depends on how busy the venue is. Weekend dates book up weeks in advance, but weekday events or last-minute weekend slots may still be open. Contact the venue directly to ask about availability for your preferred date and time.

Is there parking at Spare Time Greenville?

Street parking is available on Main Street, though it can be limited during peak hours. Downtown Greenville has public parking garages and lots within a short walk if street parking is full. The venue itself does not have a dedicated parking lot.