Illini Union Rec Room

All kinds of game-playing fun exists in one place on the University of Illinois campus

Pop quiz! Where in Champaign-Urbana can you 1) go bowling, 2) shoot pool and 3) play arcade games all in the same family-friendly place? Why the Illini Union Rec Room, of course. Tucked away in the basement of the famous Illini Union, even people who have visited the Union many times over have no clue this place exists and that the general public is invited and welcome to come and play, too.

Now if you were a student at the University of Illinois, you might remember this as a spot to visit with friends during a study break or just an evening of good, clean fun. Nostalgia aside, you can go bowl and play at the Rec Room any time you want even today. Your kids are welcome too.

This space was designed primarily for University of Illinois students. It is on campus, after all. But that doesn’t make it any less ideal for your family to enjoy. Any time we’ve visited the Rec Room, it has also been an enjoyable, welcoming environment for our families. And the kids ask to go back again and again.

There is plenty to do at the Rec Room. You can play arcade games such as Dance Dance Revolution, hop in the photo booth or shoot some pool, but bowling is the major attraction. The atmosphere is pleasant, the facility is clean and the shoes appear to be relatively new. The games are notably inexpensive compared to some other arcade options we see in Champaign-Urbana.

Need bowling shoes for small children? Yep, they have you covered. Forgot socks for someone? They have some available for a reasonable price.

Other family-friendly amenities include lanes with bumpers, and bowling ramps that are great for small children as well as anyone who needs assistance throwing a bowling ball.

Pricing at the Rec Room is comparable with other bowling locations in town. If you have a student or University of Illinois “affiliate” (staff or faculty) in your party, you get even better prices.

Watch out for special deals (and also, some wonky hours), especially during the summer and on school breaks.

Important things to know

The Illini Union Rec Room is located in the lower level of the Illini Union next to the food court. The Illini Union is located at 1401 W. Green St. in Urbana. If you know where the Alma Mater statue is, then you know where the Union is.

There is limited parking around the Union, including a small metered lot just to the east of the building and a few spaces in front. Here’s a map of where to park. If you go after 5 p.m., plenty of free parking can be had in university lots; just read the signs carefully. You can easily take MTD there.

The food court next to the Rec Room is pretty convenient, except when it’s not. Every restaurant sets its own hours. Don’t always count on it, especially during University of Illinois breaks and summer months. The biggest food attraction at the Illini Union is actually on the first floor — local favorite Just Bee Acai.

There is plenty of food within easy walking distance of the Union, including favorites such as Noodles, Murphy’s, and Cocomero, as well as cuisine from around the world. Find a list of more than 15 of our favorites to choose from here.

All kinds of game-playing fun exists in one place on the University of Illinois campus

Important things to know

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