Sadly, there are no participating centers in my area, but several chains and independent bowling centers have paired up to offer two free games per day all summer long here.

There are a few caveats--some centers include shoe rental, others don't; some centers have different hours and different age restrictions; but the bowling is free.  Parents can purchase, for a small fee, a similar program so that up to four adults can bowl with the kids all summer long.

As for educational, bowling requires physical coordination, and it shows a bit of physics and geometry in it once the kids try to get better.

For families, centers are air-conditioned and weatherproof, so whether it's 100 degrees or pouring rain, an afternoon bowling might be the way to go.