Grip Kids 17 Inch Huge Bowling Set with Storage Bag – 6 Gi
✅ PROS
- Giant 17-inch pins are highly visible and easy for toddlers to knock down, boosting confidence
- Lightweight plastic construction means kids can set up and play independently without adult help
- Included storage bag keeps all six pins and two balls contained, making cleanup and transport genuinely simple
❌ CONS
- Pins are hollow and light – a stiff breeze can knock them over outdoors, which frustrates younger kids
- Balls are inflatable, not solid – they bounce unpredictably on hard surfaces and require regular re-inflation
The Verdict
If you’ve ever watched a toddler try to knock down a full-size bowling pin, you know the tragedy: the ball rolls two feet, the pin stands defiant, and tears follow. The Grip Kids 17-Inch Bowling Set sidesteps that entirely with comically oversized, feather-light pins that topple at the slightest touch. At 4.6 stars across 229 ratings, it’s clearly hitting the mark for most families—but let’s talk about whether it’s the right mark for yours.
What You Actually Get
The box contains six giant pins standing 17 inches tall, two inflatable balls (one larger, one smaller for little hands), and a drawstring storage bag. The pins are hollow plastic with a weighted base—not weighted enough to resist a breeze, but enough to stand upright on flat ground. The balls arrive deflated, so budget five minutes with a pump before first use. The storage bag is a simple drawstring tote, but it genuinely fits everything, which is rarer than it should be in toy sets.
Build Quality and Real-World Performance
The plastic is thin but surprisingly durable. I’ve seen these pins survive being thrown, sat on, and used as makeshift helmets. The bright colors—red, blue, green, yellow, orange, and purple—are saturated enough to hold a kid’s attention and visible from across a yard. The pins make a satisfying thock when they fall, which is exactly the feedback young kids crave.
Here’s where the physics get interesting: because the pins are so light, even a gently rolled ball sends them flying. That’s fantastic for 2-to-4-year-olds who lack arm strength. For older kids (say, 6 and up), the lack of resistance makes it almost too easy—they’ll knock down all six pins on nearly every throw and lose interest quickly. This is firmly a toddler-to-preschool toy, not a family game night staple.
What Buyers Consistently Praise
The dominant theme in positive reviews is independent play. One parent wrote, “My 3-year-old sets this up all by herself and plays for 30 minutes at a time. I don’t have to help with anything.” Another noted, “Perfect size for small hands—my 2-year-old can actually carry the pins.” The storage bag gets repeated shout-outs as a differentiator; most bowling sets this size ship loose in a box and become a clutter nightmare. Multiple reviewers mention using it both indoors on hardwood and outdoors on grass, with the pins stable enough for both surfaces.
Where It Falls Short
The inflatable balls are the weakest link. They deflate over weeks of use, and the included pump (if you get one—some listings don’t include it) is flimsy. One reviewer complained, “The balls lost air after two weeks. I had to buy a separate pump and re-inflate every few days.” That’s a real annoyance.
The outdoor wind issue is also legitimate. On a breezy day, the pins topple before the ball even arrives. One reviewer said, “We tried to play outside and the wind knocked everything over. We had to move inside.” If you’re buying this primarily for backyard use, factor that in.
Finally, the pins have no internal weighting. On carpet, they wobble but stay up; on slick tile, they slide when hit rather than falling dramatically. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it affects the satisfying “crash” moment kids love.
Who Should Buy This
- Toddlers and preschoolers (ages 2–5): This is the sweet spot. The giant size, light weight, and instant gratification make it ideal for developing gross motor skills.
- Grandparents or gift-givers: It’s an immediate hit at birthday parties, and the storage bag makes it easy to bring to parks or playdates.
- Indoor play on rainy days: The pins won’t damage floors or furniture, and the soft balls won’t break a lamp.
Skip It If
- Your kids are 6 or older—they’ll outgrow the challenge within a week.
- You need a durable outdoor toy for windy climates—look for weighted pins instead.
- You hate inflating toys—the balls require regular maintenance.
FAQ
Q: Are the balls soft or hard? A: They’re inflatable plastic, so they’re soft when under-inflated and firmer when fully pumped. They won’t hurt if a kid gets hit, but they can bounce unpredictably on hard floors.
Q: Can this be used on hardwood or tile? A: Yes, but the pins slide rather than topple on slick surfaces. It works best on carpet, rugs, or grass.
Q: Is the storage bag actually big enough? A: Yes—it fits all six pins and both balls with room to spare. It’s a simple drawstring design, not a structured bag, but it does the job.
The Verdict
Buy it if you have a toddler who needs a confidence-boosting, physically engaging toy that they can manage independently. This is a solid 4.6-star product for its intended age range.
Skip it if your kids are school-age or you need something that survives serious outdoor abuse. The wind vulnerability and inflatable balls cap its usefulness beyond preschool years.
For what it is—a giant, kid-friendly bowling set for the 2-to-5 crowd—it delivers exactly what it promises, with a storage bag that makes parents’ lives easier. Just keep a pump handy and bring it inside when the wind picks up.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.