Aloha: Karaoke, mini golf and bowling in Nieuwmarkt, Amsterdam

What you can play

Bowling runs in 55-minute slots that start on the hour, with a maximum of six people per lane. The lanes are white, ringed with palm trees and LED lighting, and there is a DJ at weekends plus a disco bowling night on Fridays.

The laser game arena has an industrial underground theme and 20 vests, and you play All-vs-All or Team vs Team. A game lasts 15 minutes including a three-minute briefing, you need at least four players, and other groups may be added to yours. The minimum height is 140 cm, and pregnant women and people with epilepsy cannot take part.

The glow minigolf course has 12 holes in a pirate setting under blacklight and takes about 45 to 60 minutes, with up to five people per hole. Two VR rides round things off: a ride lasts about six minutes, always takes two people at once and can be booked every quarter of an hour. The Fantasy ride is open from age seven.

Karaoke and the VIP room

The private karaoke booths are done out in Hawaiian style and take two to ten people, so a bigger group needs two booths. An XL booth holds up to 18 people for 1 hour 50 minutes at €199; it is 18+ and staff always ask for ID. The VIP room, also called the miniBAR, is an air-conditioned 30 square metre room for two to 18 people, also 18+. It costs €300 for 1 hour 50 minutes, and that sum comes back as €300 of food and drink. You can add the karaoke machine for €50.

Prices

Everything has two rates. The lower one applies Monday to Thursday until 17:00, the higher one after that and all day Friday to Sunday. Bowling is €37.50 or €42.50 per lane, laser game €11 or €12.50 per person for one game and €19.50 or €22 for two, minigolf €9.50 or €11 per person, and a karaoke booth €60 or €75 for 55 minutes and €99 or €140 for 1 hour 50 minutes. Cancelling within 48 hours of your booking incurs a charge.

Children, food and getting there

Children's parties are for ages up to 12, with packages from €16.25 per person and a minimum of four children. For small bowlers there are ball racks, 5 to 7 lb balls and bumpers on the lanes. Aloha's children's party page says children can bowl from age two while its FAQ says four, so check when you book.

The restaurant and rattan tiki bar serve burgers and tropical cocktails. You cannot bring your own food or drink, except a birthday cake before 17:00, for a €10 fee at a children's party or €15 for adults, and pets are not allowed.

From the back of Centraal, walk towards the Muziekgebouw aan het IJ, do not cross the bridge there but stay left along the quay, and you will find Aloha under the bridge. There is no parking of its own: try the car park behind the building if there is space, or the Oosterdok garage.