April 2017 – INDOOR/OUTDOOR ALL AGES PLAY
When I started writing Mom’s Little Black Book for Glancer Magazine, my kids were only 7 and 8 years old. Their love for new adventures has remained the same, but adding boyfriends to the mix is new. At 16 years old, my daughter would like to spend most of her time with said boyfriend - so finding unique activities for us all to enjoy is my new mission. Enter Bocce at Pinstripes in Oakbrook.
April is a funny weather month – we all have spring fever yet the winds, the rains, and even the snow sometimes makes outdoor planning difficult; so, I love that fact that Pinstripes has indoor and outdoor Bocce courts. Playing Bocce reminds me of being a teen myself in 1988 when a Bocce Bar & Grill opened in the south suburbs and it was all the rage. Guys, girls, young, old, everyone enjoyed the sport of throwing the pallino down the court and then trying to toss their respective colored balls closest to the pallino. The person or team with the closest ball to the pallino is awarded a point and 7 total points wins the game! All ages can play and I love that Pinstripes has courts outside near the firepit and inside near the bowling lanes offering a variety of options for all ages, all interests, and all weather conditions.
The food is phenomenal too – so luring teens to fun and food was super easy to do. Salads, pizza, flatbreads, soups, sandwiches, pastas, and desserts keep it simple but tasty. And yes parents, there is even a bar and free WiFi. With 11 bocce courts, a firepit, patio, indoor/outdoor dining and play; 16 bowling lanes with bumper rails, ramps, and shoes as little as size 7 toddler, Pinstripes is the place to be regardless of weather or age. Brings back lots of memories for me and nice to know I can now play Bocce in the west suburbs too!
OVERVIEW
Bistro, Bowling, Bocce. Year-round all ages sophisticated bistro fun, with indoor and outdoor bocce, plus bowling, and an outdoor patio and fire pit.
Pinstripes - Oakbrook Center
7 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook
(630) 575-8700 • www.Pinstripes.com
Hours & Pricing for Bocce: (Reservations Recommended)$5/hour – Sun-Th, Open- 9pm$1/hour – Sun-Th, 9pm- close$5/hour – Fri & Sat, Open- 5pm$10/hour – Fri & Sat, 5pm- close
ABOUT THE WRITER
Naperville mom Kristen Kucharski graduated from Illinois State University in 1992 with an International Business Degree. She is married and has two energetic daughters and her house is always full of children. Kristen’s column titled, Mom's Little Black Book, is a monthly feature written for moms who are looking for ways to keep their kids busy.
