Keeping children busy during the summer can be pricey, but it’s important for them to stay active. Spare Time Recreation in Ironton is helping by offering bowling that doesn’t break the bank.

As a participator in the nationwide Kids Bowl Free program, Spare Time Recreation allows a child to bowl two free games per day when there is open bowling, from May 1 through Sept. 5. The only cost is the $2 shoe rental fee.

Jeff Dillow, owner of Spare Time Recreation, said they participated in the program last summer.

“Last year we signed up over 1,400 kids and 75 families,” Dillow said. “We are hoping to improve this year and get more than 1,400. We already have people signing up.”

Dillow said cards are being distributed to local schools to inform students and families about the program and to encourage them to sign up.

The program is open to all children. Parents can go to www.kidsbowlfree.com, then click on “find a bowling alley near you” to locate the Ironton, Ohio, tab to register with Spare Time Recreation. Registration is free and open to children through age 15.

If parents are interested in signing up to bowl with the children, a one-time fee allows the parents to receive the same two-game coupons each day.

After registering, participants will receive weekly emailed coupons to present at Spare Time Recreation.

Dillow said making this available to children not only keeps them active, but also offers an air-conditioned environment for the students during hot, summer days.

“Bowling is a good sport,” Dillow said. “It’s the No. 1 participation sport in the country. Come in and be active and be involved in a sport they can be involved in all their lives.”

Last year, more than 1,585,000 children participated nationwide.