King Pins Trafford Palazzo surprised us with much more than bowling

But when I walked into the vast venue, it soon became clear it was much more than that.

It's like a giant games centre for all ages. Families were playing mini golf and trying their hand at ice-free curling, making the most of the final days of the school holidays.

Enter the Party Room and sing to your heart's content (Image: NQ)

As children prepare to head back to the classroom next week and routines return somewhat to normal, a visit to King Pins could be just the treat to soften the blow.

We started our visit in the 'Party Room' - like I said, this place offers more than just bowling. It was here we were able to flex our, erm, vocal talents on the karaoke.

The kids unleashing their inner Liam and Noel (Image: NQ)

My sons, aged eight and four, are firmly in their Michael Jackson and Oasis eras so Billie Jean and Don't Look Back in Anger were soon ringing out. My husband and I musically murdered Sonnet by The Verve, and enjoyed every bum note.

It's hungry work being a wannabe rock star so we ordered a feast of pizza, chicken tenders, chips and potato tots. The food was much nicer than your average fast food joint, the chicken was tender and crispy while the melted stringy cheese on the margherita pizza got thumbs up all round.

The Nashville Hitter chicken burger hit the spot (Image: NQ)

Next, it was time to try our hand at shuffleboard. I've played versions of this a couple of times on holiday and enjoy the simple game that sees players slide weighted pucks down a long table, scoring points by landing closest to the end.

The table is coated in a fine powder that helps the pucks glide smoothly. It certainly works too, as I discovered when my beginner's luck ran out and my pucks started flying off the end.

Shuffle to the board (Image: NQ)

Finally, it was time to hit the bowling alley and I'd like to say I redeemed myself and topped the leaderboard but that didn't happen either.

The boys had bumpers on the lanes for their turns and bowling ramps so every ball didn't end up in the gutter.

Time to bowl (Image: NQ)

We arrived expecting a game of bowling and ended up spending hours trying activities we'd never played before. If you're looking for one last family treat before the school run starts again, King Pins is well worth a look.