The Perfect Game in Burlington, Ontario

Bumpers are the great equalizer – at least when you’re bowling. At Splitsville in Burlington, Ontario, family members select a ball of appropriate weight, line up at a lane and program the system to raise and lower the bumpers – guards that keep the ball from guttering – based on whose turn it is. Up for the young kids; down for the older ones.

Everyone’s a kid at Splitsville.

Tucked off Harvester Road in a commercial area of Burlington, Splitsville Family Entertainment Centre focuses on bowling (and a cosmic glow-in-the-dark version on the weekends) but also has a mini Playdium, laser tag, and food such as chicken nuggets, wings, and pizza – bowling food.

But you don’t really come here to eat – it’s about the active time together, up to five people per lane.

Or it’s about making birthday wishes come true, and leaving the mess for someone else. Kid’s parties are a big part of the special events packages Splitsville offers (corporate holiday parties another). Birthday parties start at $99 for five people, including two hours of unlimited bowling, shoe rental, a pitcher of pop, large pizza and an event coordinator to clean it all up.

Balls for kids are six pounds and more food can be ordered along with extras like glow-in-the-dark novelties. VIP room rentals start at $50 per hour, allowing you a place to cut the cake (that you bring) and store presents.

If you love zombie themes and experiencing Toronto in a post-apocalyptic state, strap on a backpack and play a game of 20-minute laser tag ($4 per person with the party package). Splitsville’s an ideal option on a slushy winter weekend too, no special event required. (830 Laurentian Drive, Burlington, www.splitsville.ca)