Going to the movies for a night out can be draining, especially on the wallet. As an easy alternative, try bowling with friends at Chipper’s Lane for a striking deal of unlimited bowling and laser tag for $10 every Thursday for “College Nights”.

What all is at Chipper’s lanes? You can check their website for the differences between the two locations we have here in Fort Collins, but I recommend going and seeing them both for yourself — be a brave Ram and explore!

The College location has a stage in the center of the bowling lanes for live music and karaoke, and it has an arcade. The Horsetooth location has a larger arcade, a bar with an outdoor patio and a laser tag arena.

Their website has coupons and specials that are perfect for money-strapped college students. They have deals for pitchers of beer, bowling games, laser tag challenges and more.

You can target your enemies, or your best friends, in their black-light laser-tag arena, which has plenty of twists and turns to hide behind and shoot around the corners. Bring plenty of friends so you can team up!

“Wearing comfortable clothing is a must because you work up a sweat while playing laser tag, and you want to wear shoes you can run with,” said Danielle Brown, a nursing student from UNC. “I recommend other students go there because it’s a BLAST!”

Chipper’s Lane is catered to a wide variety of audiences, varying from different ages and abilities. If you are over the drinking age, check out their in-house bar and patio to enjoy a pitcher of beer, or any other drink you prefer, while you bowl a game with friends. Other food and drink options are also available for those 20 and under.

Not good at bowling? Get some practice in and join a league to get feedback and perfect your bowling technique as well as get your weekly gossip in while you play. Check their website for league locations and times.

Chipper’s Lanes is also great for the casual visits, especially for date nights.

“I have gone with a date because [Chipper’s Lane] takes off the pressure and you can preview the type of person they are in a competitive situation,” said Danielle Brown. “I have also gone with friends because it’s cheap and something different than just doing the tired movie hangout, so I recommend it to anyone who is interested in something different.”

This relaxed setting makes it easy to kick back and enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. If you did want to bring some extra cash, you could enjoy the many arcade games, and maybe win your partner a giant stuffed animal!

With all the classics, such as the claw, virtual races and lucky button, the arcade comes with a wide variety of prizes for those lucky enough to win.

So for all the college students looking for a cheap, yet fun, place to go and hangout, check out Chipper’s Lane — especially since FoCo has two!

Good luck and get that strike!

Nightlife Writer Anna Hoover can be reached at blogs@collegian.com or on Twitter @Hoovanna_Disny. Leave a comment!!