Things To Do In Concord

Boston isn’t a town much known for its love of traditional ten-pin bowling. But the lanes the city does have are as varied as the color schemes at an all-night cosmic bowling session. From flashy, high-tech Kings in the Back Bay, serving up fancy cocktails and creative dishes with each frame, to the decidedly more low-key and family-friendly Ron’s Gourmet Ice Cream and 20th Century Bowling, it’s possible for anyone to enjoy a session at the lanes, and at nearly any budget. Ron’s, an institution in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Boston since the 1950s, offers ten lanes of candlepin bowling, complete with semi-automatic scoring and bumpers on each lane. The former pool hall-turned-bowling alley is popular with the younger crowd, having hosted many a birthday party inside its well-worn walls. It’s also probably the least expensive place to bowl in the Boston area, and there’s something so satisfying about rounding out a night at the bowling alley with a scoop of homemade ice cream. Lucky Strike Lanes, located behind Fenway Park, is a glossy national chain housed inside the massive three-story, 70,000-square-foot Jillian’s entertainment complex. The pulsating, dancey room also supplies professional billiards and lots to drink, all tucked inside the dim, party-hard space. Needless to say, this isn’t your dad’s bowling alley. No kids are allowed after 8 p.m., and there’s a dress code enforced at the door. But with sixteen full lanes, each lit up in a colorful display, it’s almost impossible to not get into the party vibe yourself. And then there’s Kings in the Back Bay, another massive facility with more than bowling on the menu. In addition to sixteen ten-pin lanes, there’s billiards, shuffleboard, skee ball and video games, plus three bars and a full-service restaurant to boot. Like Lucky Strike, a dress code is enforced and the place goes adults-only at night, but if you’re looking to impress a date or host a fun 21-and-over event, Kings is a great option. Boston Bowl on Morrissey Boulevard offers a lot less flash than Lucky Strike or King’s, but that’s because the focus is on the fun. Both candlepin and ten-pin bowling is on offer, and there’s a brewery right on site to keep the party going all night long. And, really, it’s all night long: Boston Bowl stays open 24 hours a day, so you’ll never have to miss a frame. Not bad for a city with precious few bowling options otherwise.

Summer’s heating up, and we’ve got a few ways to cool off. Try a free museum night, a beer- and animal-themed fundraiser, and—of course—ice cream. Or check Groupon for more fun things to do in Boston. Neighborhood Nights at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Fenway-Kenmore | Thursday, July 10, 5 p.m.–9 p.m. The eclectic art museum opens its doors for the first of three summer evenings of live music, storytelling, and family-friendly activities (additional events are scheduled for July 24 and August 7). Zili Misik will deliver upbeat Haitian, Brazilian, and West African tunes, while guest artist Susan Thompson displays her nature-inspired works and kids create their own graphic stories with help from illustrator Raúl the Third. (25 Evans Way; free) Party for the Animals Fundraiser Cambridge | Friday, July 11, 8 p.m. to midnight Now might be a good time to test-drive this year’s Halloween ensemble. This fundraiser for the Animal Rescue League of Boston features an animal-themed costume contest, including awards for Best Fictional Animal and Best Animal Meme. Expect plenty of lolcats, doge jokes, and face painting from “practically professional face painters.” The 21-and-over evening will also include a cash bar and a performance by the mysterious Keytar Bear. (Workbar, 45 Prospect St., Cambridge; $20+; buy tickets here) WGBH Ice Cream Fun Fest Brighton | Saturday, July 12, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Is there anything better for combating the summer heat than a big scoop of ice cream? How about dozens of scoops from the likes of Ben & Jerry’s, Friendly’s, J.P. Licks, and many more? Try as many flavors as you like at the WGBH-hosted festival, which includes kid-friendly games, rides, and performers. (WGBH Studios, 1 Guest St.; $10+; buy tickets here) Photo by Siena Scarff, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

This week’s event lineup caters to the body, mind, and soul. Treat your corporeal form to tastings of beer, wine, and gourmet food, your brain to a comedic discussion with a rapping scientist, and your inner essence to a focused doodling session and a romp with your pup at Somerville’s Riverfront Park. And as always, check Groupon for more great things to do in Boston. Red, White, & Brew Summerfest South End | Saturday, August 2, noon to 10 p.m. Raise your glass at an interactive wine- and beer-tasting event that showcases beverages from across the United States. In between sips, attendees can participate in a silent auction benefiting Project Smile and the Ellie Fund. (Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St.; $59, but you can save $24 with this Groupon) Petpalooza Somerville | Saturday, August 2–Sunday, August 3, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Organized by som|dog, the second annual pooch fest allows dog owners and their leashed friends to mingle and try their paws at dog fitness or dock diving. Of-age humans can also sample beer from Slumbrew. (Riverfront Park, 300 Grand Union Blvd., Somerville; free) Neighborhood Cooking Tour of the Parkway Roslindale | Monday, August 4, 6:15 p.m.–8 p.m. The Chefs’ Table Series TV show kicks off its celebration of the top Parkway restaurants with a special cooking demonstration and lavish meal from Manuel Sifnugel, chef-owner of Masona Grill. (Sons of Italy Hall, 30 Birch St.; $25; contact Carol at 617-323-0670) You’re the Expert Live Taping Cambridge | Tuesday, August 5, 7 p.m. Laughs and deep questions coincide in the You’re the Expert radio show and podcast, where three comedians grill a leader in an advanced scientific field. This live taping showcases the wisdom of Jonathan Garlick, a top stem-cell researcher who is also a rapper. (Oberon Theater, 2 Arrow St., Cambridge; $15; buy tickets here) Zentangle Drawing Class Arlington | Thursday, August 7, 6:30 p.m.–8 p.m Zentangle drawings take the random energy of doodling and channel it into stunning patterned images. Certified Zentangle teacher Patricia Carney leads classes for kids, teens, and adults, unleashing inner creativity during the relaxing sessions. (Artbeat, 212A Massachusetts Ave., Arlington; $25+; call 781-646-2200 to reserve a seat) You're the Expert photo courtesy of the radio show; Zentangle photo from Persephone Pomegranate (Flickr)