The AMF Summer Unplugged program is a tremendous value, but there are a few things that aren’t completely explained on the website. I took a group to AMF the evening after I did the Fox5 News report and we encountered several issues in trying to use the program’s passes. Don’t get all the way to the bowling alley with excited kids in tow and get jammed like we did! Even though we didn’t have all the pieces in order, the management really wants the program to work for you, so they bent over backwards to make sure we could bowl. That was a lucky break, but may not be the norm!

AMF Summer Unplugged FAQ’s by The Frugal Socialite:

How many coupons do I receive each week?
One coupon per child per week. The children’s coupons are reusable all week. All coupons are sent via email. Nothing is available in the bowling center itself. This is administered entirely by email. Sign up at www.freebowling.amf.com

When do I get my pass?
Regardless of when you sign up, the passes are sent every Sunday. There is a cut-off time, like Friday or Saturday at midnight, so you must sign up before that time to get yourself in the pass email schedule for that week. The pass is reusable, so the bowling center should give it back after each visit during that week. Each week a new pass is sent to your email. It has to be printed unless the bar code can be scanned from a smartphone.

I got my confirmation email but didn’t receive my coupons?
If you sign up during the week, you will not receive a coupon until Sunday.  If you go into the center with your confirmation number and/or email ONLY, you will not be able to bowl under the free program terms.  The centers are not equipped to look up your account.

I can’t find the confirmation email and I’m trying to purchase the Adult Pass?
You have to call the customer service center, 800 342 5263, to get the number.   You can also request one by email, however, the turn-around time is not instant!  I requested my confirmation by email and as of 17 hours later, I still don’t have a response.  If you are trying to make this work for a same day visit, be advised it may not happen that quickly.

When do I get the actual coupon for the Adult Pass?
No matter what day of the week you sign up for the Adult Pass, you will not receive it via email until Sunday. Sign up at freebowling.amf.com

Do I have to visit the same bowling center each time?
Yes, because not all the centers participate in the program.  You need a set of passes for each center that you plan to visit.  The same pass will not work at another location.  If you think you may visit different centers, you need to sign up under a different email address for another location.  You also need another Adult Pass for the next location.

Is this a league?
No, there's no "organized" play or league involved in this program.  There is a tournament at each center where kids get free gift cards for having the highest score each week.  To play, you record the child's score on the Summer Unplugged Score Sheet and turn in to the desk before leaving.  The center chooses the highest score and posts the child's name each week.  The $10 gift card is a weekly prize.

Do I have to rent shoes?

Yes.  Shoe rental is not included.  At some centers, like Alexandria, VA, the management permits white soled tennis shoes. You must carry the shoes inside the center in a bag and only wear them INDOORS, while bowling.  This is a privilege and not the rule.  The managers can refuse the shoes if they appear dirty on the bottom or seem to be used for street wear.  Don’t argue about it because it’s an exception and a favor that will save you hundreds of dollars by the end of the Summer!  Get a cheap pair of shoes from Target, Walmart, Kmart or Costco and keep them for bowling only.  Actual bowling shoes are also discounted on www.zappos.com, www.bowlingball.com , and www.beso.com.   

Remember, if your center’s management doesn’t allow the tennis shoes, they are acting appropriately and within guidelines.

Improve your score, beat the heat and create lots of Frugally Fabulous Fun for your family with AMF this Summer!