Kristof’s Entertainment celebrating 50 years in Round Lake Beach Saturday

Kristof’s Entertainment Center in Round Lake Beach will be celebrating its 50 year anniversary with complimentary activity wristbands to the first 100 guests to enjoy bowling, mini golf and go karts.

Round Lake Beach Trustee Chuck Husk will be in attendance Saturday to present a key to the city in honor of the anniversary while Keith Hamilton of the Illinois State Bowling Proprietors Association will present a membership plague to the business in honor of their historic event.

As longstanding members of the Medinah Shriners Motor Corps, Kristofs will also be making a $5,000 donation to Shriners Children’s Chicago to commemorate the historic anniversary.

“We started Kristof’s as a family, for our family – with the goal of becoming a community staple in quality family entertainment for the area,” said co-owner Jim Kristof. “Countless families have become a part of ours through making memories at Kristof’s – it’s been incredibly rewarding to see the imprint we’ve left here over the last five decades.”

Founded in 1974 by brothers Jim and Tom Kristof alongside their mother Lorraine, Kristof’s humble roots as a quaint local bowling alley have expanded over the years to become a bustling entertainment hub in Round Lake Beach and Lake County.

Officials said the venue serves thousands of guests each year through a variety of entertainment options including bowling, mini golf, arcade games, go karts and casual dining.

The entertainment venue is also the location of The Realm of Terror, one of the nation’s top haunted houses during Halloween in October.

The first 100 guests in attendance Saturday will receive a complimentary activity wristband to enjoy unlimited bowling, mini golf, and go karts, officials said.

Activities will remain 50% off for the remainder of the day, officials said.

“Fifty years have gone by, but we’re not done yet,” added co-owner Tom Kristof. “We’re here to keep providing safe, fun, and affordable entertainment to Chicagoland families as long as they’ll have us.”

After recently completing a round of renovations at the venue, Kristof’s is currently building a second miniature golf course and adding more opportunities for families to play together all summer long.

The festivities will kick off at 11 a.m. and run through 1 p.m. at 421 W Rollins Road in Round Lake Beach.