The best part of candlepin, I think, is that it is so kid-friendly. I find the tenpin ball inordinately heavy, and it's awkward to get my fingers in the holes. But anyone can play candlepin (though not well).

Around here, they have 'bumper bowling' for the kids--little plastic guards over the gutters keep the ball in play. A no-lose situation, it's a great way for a family to have a couple of hours of fun. And even a two-year-old can learn to throw between the legs (though my kids sometimes lob it). It's cheap, too.

In fact, Bren's 5th birthday party was bumper bowling.