<PAGE>
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON D.C.  20549

                      ----------------------------------

                                   FORM 10-Q


              QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
                      THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


                 FOR THE THIRTEEN AND THIRTY-NINE WEEK PERIODS
                 ---------------------------------------------
                            ENDED FEBRUARY 26, 1997
                            -----------------------


                         Commission File Number 0-2849


                       AMERICAN RECREATION CENTERS, INC.


       Incorporated in California         Federal Employer No. 94-1441151


          11171 Sun Center Drive, Suite 120, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
            Mail Address:    P.O. Box 580, Rancho Cordova, CA 95741
            -------------------------------------------------------
                      Telephone:  Area Code (916) 852-8005
                      ------------------------------------


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  X     No
                                         -----     -----


Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

      Capital Stock Outstanding as of February 26, 1997 - 4,613,037 shares

                                  Page 1 of 13
                            Exhibit Index on Page 2
<PAGE>
 
                       AMERICAN RECREATION CENTERS, INC.

                               INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
                 FOR THE THIRTEEN AND THIRTY-NINE WEEK PERIODS
                            ENDED FEBRUARY 26, 1997
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

<S>      <C>                                                     <C> 
Item 1.  Financial Statements (all of which are unaudited)
 

         Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet                        3
         Consolidated Statement of Income and Retained Earnings      4
         Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows              5

         Notes To Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements      6-8
 

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
          Condition and Results of Operations                     9-12

<CAPTION> 
                          PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

<S>      <C>                                                     <C> 
Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
 
         Form 8-K, dated January 17, 1997, is herein 
         incorporated by reference.

         The following exhibit of the Company is included or 
         incorporated herein. (Note: The exhibit number 
         corresponds to the specific number within Item 601 
         of Regulation S-K)

         Exhibit
         Number
         ------
 
         27.1             Financial Data Schedule

         SIGNATURES                                                13
</TABLE> 

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                                 (in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     February 26,   May 29,
                                                        1997         1996
                                                     (Unaudited)   (Audited)
                                                    -------------  ---------
     ASSETS
     ------
<S>                                                   <C>          <C> 
Current assets:
  Cash and equivalents                                  $  5,682   $  3,489
      Other current assets                                 3,087      3,266
                                                        --------   --------
        Total current assets                               8,769      6,755
                                                        --------   --------
Property, equipment and leaseholds, at cost
      Land and buildings                                  42,131     41,965
      Machinery and equipment                             40,509     37,777
      Leaseholds and leasehold improvements                8,959      8,532
                                                        --------   --------
                                                          91,599     88,274
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization         (31,146)   (28,572)
                                                        --------   --------
                                                          60,453     59,702
                                                        --------   --------
 
Other assets                                               5,771      5,674
                                                        --------   --------
                                                         $74,993   $ 72,131
                                                        ========   ========
<CAPTION> 

 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 ------------------------------------
<S>                                                     <C>        <C> 
Current liabilities:
      Accounts payable and accrued expenses             $  7,600   $  6,134
      Short-term borrowings                                  300          -
      Current maturities of long-term debt                 3,858      1,796
                                                        --------   --------
        Total current liabilities                         11,758      7,930
                                                        --------   --------
Long-term debt and capital leases                         24,667     26,194
                                                        --------   --------
Income taxes deferred to future years                      7,688      7,209
                                                        --------   --------
Minority interests                                         2,091      2,060
                                                        --------   --------
Shareholders' equity
      Common stock:
       Authorized - 21,484,375 shares
       Issued and outstanding -
         4,613,037 and 5,047,619 shares                    9,594      9,845
      Preferred stock:
       Authorized - 5,000,000 shares
       Issued and outstanding - none                           -          -
      Retained earnings                                   19,195     18,893
                                                        --------   --------
        Total shareholders' equity                        28,789     28,738
                                                        --------   --------
Commitments and contingencies                           --------   --------
                                                         $74,993   $ 72,131
                                                        ========   ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>
 
            CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS
                    (in thousands except per share amounts)
                                  (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             Thirteen Weeks Ended              Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
                                             --------------------              -----------------------
                                             Feb. 26,    Feb. 28,              Feb. 26,       Feb. 28,
                                               1997        1996                  1997           1996
                                             ---------  ---------              ---------     ---------
<S>                                          <C>        <C>                    <C>           <C>
Operating revenue:
 Bowling and entertainment
   activities                                 $ 9,808    $ 9,254                 $24,479      $23,237
 Beverage and food                              3,956      3,790                   9,802        9,461   
 Other                                            266        313                     792          959
                                              -------    -------                 -------      -------
                                               14,030     13,357                  35,073       33,657
                                              -------    -------                 -------      -------
Operating, general and
 administrative expenses:
 Salaries, wages and employee
  benefits                                      4,939      4,886                  13,888       13,439
 Operating costs                                3,527      3,892                  10,402       10,481
 Cost of beverage and food sales                1,268      1,219                   3,213        2,967
 Selling, general and administrative              553        537                   1,621       1,524
 Depreciation and amortization                  1,010        953                   2,917       2,768
 Expenses of merger with AMF                      443          -                     443           -
                                              -------    -------                 -------      -------
                                               11,740     11,487                  32,484       31,179
                                              -------    -------                 -------      ------- 
Operating income                                2,290      1,870                   2,589        2,478
 
Interest expense                                 (650)      (650)                 (1,945)      (2,025)
Interest and other income                          35        147                     208          466
Gain on sale of stock option                        -          -                     800            -
                                              -------    -------                 -------      ------- 
Income from continuing
   operations before provision for
   income taxes and minority interests          1,675      1,367                   1,652          919
 
Provision for income taxes                       (633)      (505)                   (635)        (326)
Minority interests                               (190)      (134)                   (176)        (136)
                                              -------    -------                 -------      ------- 
Income from continuing
 operations                                       852        728                     841          457
Discontinued operations:
   Gain on sale of investment in The
    Right Start, Inc., net of
     applicable income taxes of $320 
     and $1,568                                     -          -                     360        2,251
   Income from operations of
    The Right Start, Inc., net of
     applicable income taxes of $49                 -          -                       -           54
                                              -------    -------                 -------      -------
Net income                                    $   852    $   728                   1,201        2,762
                                              =======    =======
Retained earnings, beginning of
 period                                                                           18,893       16,898
Cash dividends ($.195 and
 $.1875)                                                                            (899)        (933)
                                                                                 -------      -------
Retained earnings, end of period                                                 $19,195      $18,727
                                                                                 =======      =======
 
Earnings per share:
 Continuing operations                           $.18       $.14                    $.18         $.09
 Discontinued operations                          .00        .00                     .08          .46
                                              -------    -------                 -------      -------
                                                 $.18       $.14                    $.26         $.55
                                              =======    =======                 =======      =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                                (in thousands)
                                  (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
                                              --------------------------
                                              February 26,  February 28,
                                                  1997          1996
                                              ------------  ------------
<S>                                                <C>           <C>
Cash Flows from (used in) Operating
 Activities:
  Net income                                       $ 1,201       $ 2,762
  Adjustments to reconcile net income            
   to net cash provided by operating                
   activities:                                  
    Depreciation and amortization                    2,917         2,768
    Income from discontinued operations               (360)       (2,305)
    Gain on sale of stock option                      (800)            -
    Results attributed to minority interests           176           136
    Decrease in other current assets                   179            88
    Increase (Decrease) in accounts payable                                     
     and accrued expenses                            2,305        (2,778)
                                                   -------       -------
      Net cash from operations                       5,618           671
                                                   -------       -------
Cash Flows from (used in) Investing              
 Activities:                                     
    Proceeds from sale of                        
     subsidiary's stock                                  -        11,811
    Proceeds from sale of stock option                 800             -
    Expenditures for property,                   
     equipment and leaseholds                       (3,582)       (5,837)
    Other                                             (328)          (83)
                                                   -------       -------
       Net cash from (used in) 
        investing activities                        (3,110)        5,891
                                                   -------       -------
                                                 
Cash Flows from (used in) Financing              
 Activities:                                     
   Short-term borrowings                               300          (415)
   Issuance of long-term debt                        1,779         2,934
   Repayment of long-term debt                      (1,244)       (5,349)
   Dividends to shareholders                          (899)         (933)
   Retirement of common stock                         (251)       (1,249)
                                                   -------       -------
      Net cash used in financing                 
       activities                                     (315)       (5,012)
                                                   -------       -------
                                                 
Net increase in cash and equivalents                 2,193         1,550
Cash and equivalents at beginning of             
 year                                                3,489         4,508
                                                   -------       -------
Cash and equivalents at end of year                $ 5,682       $ 6,058
                                                   =======       =======
 
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


                                       5
<PAGE>
 
             NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (Unaudited)


NOTE 1 - Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies:
-------------------------------------------------------------------- 

American Recreation Centers, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Company) operate
bowling centers in California, Texas, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Kentucky and
Missouri.

There have been no changes in the Company's significant accounting policies as
set forth in the Company's 1996 annual report. These unaudited financial
statements as of February 26, 1997 and for the three and nine month periods
ended February 26, 1997 and February 28, 1996 have been prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information.
Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required
by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.
In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring
accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.

"Discontinued Operations" include the operations and gain on sale of the
Company's majority interest in The Right Start, Inc. (Right Start), a catalog
company and retailer of infants' and children's products.  See Note 6.

NOTE 2 - Merger with AMF Bowling Centers Inc.:
----------------------------------------------

On January 17, 1997, AMF Bowling Centers, Inc. (AMF) and the Company entered
into a merger agreement pursuant to which AMF will acquire the Company for $8.50
per share in cash. The purchase price, after reflecting the assumption of the
Company's outstanding debt and the purchase of certain joint venture interests,
represents a transaction with a total value of approximately $70 million. The
boards of directors of both companies unanimously approved the merger. The
transaction is subject to approval of the Company's shareholders. Proxy
materials have been mailed to shareholders of record as of March 3, 1997 to
solicit their approval of the merger at a special meeting of shareholders on
April 24, 1997. Pending shareholder approval, the transaction is expected to
close shortly after the special meeting.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
NOTE 3 - Long-term Debt:
----------------------- 

Long-term debt is comprised of the following (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                      February 26,  May 29,
                                          1997       1996
                                          ----       ----  
<S>                                   <C>           <C>
Long-term notes:
  Secured notes payable in monthly
   installments with a weighted
   average interest rate of 9.01%
   at February 26, 1997                    $27,872  $27,095
 
  Other                                        653      895
                                           -------  -------
                                            28,525   27,990
  Less-amounts due within one year           3,858    1,796
                                           -------  -------
                                           $24,667  $26,194
                                           =======  =======

</TABLE>
NOTE 4 - Operations:
-------------------

The results of operations for this thirteen week period is not necessarily
indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.  Bowling is highly
seasonal with revenues during the first quarter normally not exceeding 19% to
22% of those for a full year.  Second quarter revenue typically represents
between 25% to 27% of revenue for the full year and third quarter revenue ranges
between 28% and 30% of revenue for a full year.

NOTE 5 - Earnings Per Share of Common Stock:
------------------------------------------- 

Earnings per share is computed on the weighted average number of shares of
common stock and common stock equivalents outstanding during each period.
Common stock equivalents include the Company's stock options.  The weighted
average number of common shares and common stock equivalents outstanding were
4,611,556 and 4,937,719 for the thirteen week periods ended February 26, 1997
and February 28, 1996; and 4,614,973 and 5,017,400 for the thirty-nine week
periods then ended.

NOTE 6 - Gain on Sale of Stock Option:
------------------------------------- 

During the first quarter of fiscal 1997 the Company sold its option to
repurchase up to 400,000 shares of Right Start common stock for $800,000 cash,
resulting in an after-tax gain of $480,000, equal to $.10 per share.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
NOTE 7 - Gain on Sale of The Right Start, Inc.:
---------------------------------------------- 

On August 4, 1995, the Company sold its 62.5 percent ownership in Right Start
for $11,811,000 in cash and recorded a $2,251,000 after-tax gain, equal to $.45
per share, in the first quarter of fiscal 1996.  In connection with the
transaction, the Company had agreed to reimburse Right Start up to $680,000
should it be unable to sustain ordinary loss treatment for its deferred loss tax
carry-forward and it have sufficient taxable income in or before its fiscal year
2000.  During the first quarter of fiscal 1997 the Company received a favorable
ruling from the IRS allowing ARC to reverse the reserve established for the
agreement at the time of the sale.  This resulted in a $360,000 increase in the
gain on sale which has been reported in discontinued operations.

NOTE 8 - Acquisitions:
--------------------- 

On December 20, 1996 the Company's 85% owned joint venture, Triangle Bowl
Associates (TBA), completed the acquisition of two bowling centers, comprising
56 lanes, in the Dallas, Texas area. The purchase price for the businesses,
equipment, liquor licenses and suppliers for both centers and the land and
building for one of the centers totaled $1.62 million.  TBA entered into a long-
term lease for the land and building of the second center. $1.325 million of the
purchase price was financed under a long-term bank loan.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Introductory Note
-----------------

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains certain forward-looking statements
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Company intends that such
forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created thereby.
These forward-looking statements include (I) the pending merger of the Company
with AMF Bowling Centers, Inc., which is subject to shareholder approval at a
special meeting of the Company's shareholders on April 24, 1997, (ii) the
success of the Company's operations, particularly its new Fun Fest and family
entertainment center (FEC) concepts, (iii) anticipated competition, (iv)
potential future revenue and income, and (v) potential future decreases in
costs.

The forward-looking statements included herein are based on current expectations
that involve a number of risks and uncertainties.  Such factors include, among
others, the following: required shareholder approval for the pending merger with
AMF Bowling Centers, Inc.; general economic and business conditions;
advertising, marketing and sales efforts; success of the Company's efforts to
restage certain bowling centers as family entertainment centers; acceptance of
new programs and entertainment offerings; business abilities and judgement of
personnel; availability of qualified management personnel; changes in, or the
failure to comply with, government regulations; weather conditions; operating
cost containment efforts;  uncertainties surrounding consolidation of the
industry, including the pending merger of the Company with AMF Bowling Centers,
Inc.; the historically cyclical nature of the bowling industry; and other
factors referenced in this Form 10-Q.

Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-
looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove inaccurate
and therefore, there can be no assurance that the results contemplated in the
forward-looking statements will be realized.  In addition, the business and
operations of the Company are subject to substantial risks, as discussed above,
which increase the uncertainty inherent in such forward-looking statements.  In
light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking
information included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be
regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the
objectives or plans of the Company will be achieved.

The following is managements' discussion and analysis of certain significant
factors which have affected the earnings and financial position of the Company
during the period included in the accompanying financial statements.  This
discussion compares the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended February 26,
1997 with the thirteen and thirty-nine week period ended February 28, 1996.
This discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and
notes thereto.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
Results of Continuing Operations
--------------------------------


Third quarter

Revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 1997 increased 5% to $14.0 million from
$13.4 million  while income from continuing operations increased 17% to
$852,000, or $.18 per share from $729,000, or $.14 per share.

The overall increase in revenue for the quarter was attributable to acquisitions
and new revenue attractions. The Company's three newly acquired centers in
Beloit, Wisconsin and Dallas, Texas, the new Fun Fest family entertainment
center in Addison, Texas and other "FEC-type" attractions installed at existing
locations produced a total of over $1.7 million in revenue and contributed
$330,000 in incremental operating income.

Revenue for comparable centers and comparable bowling operations declined
$719,000, or 5%. $147,000 of the decline was attributable to the Company's
Arlington, Texas center where 24 bowling lanes were removed during the first
quarter and construction completed late in the third quarter which converted it
to a Fun Fest FEC. The balance of the decrease was due to a decline in bowler
traffic which contributed to a 4% drop in the volume of games bowled which led
to a similar decrease in bowling lineage revenue. Ancillary revenue sources such
as beverage and food declined 7% and 11%, respectively from the decrease in
bowler traffic.

Operating income for the third quarter of fiscal 1997 increased 22% to $2.289
million from $1.870 million. This was due primarily to the incremental operating
income generated by new locations and new revenue attractions as discussed
above. Operating income from comparable centers also increased in spite of the
decline in revenue due to an aggressive reduction in operating costs for
comparable center operations.


Nine months year-to-date

Revenue for the nine months ended February 26, 1997 rose almost 5% to $34.3
million from $32.7 million. Net income from continuing operations for the same
period improved to $1.652 million, or $.18 per share from $920,000, or $.09 per
share. However, during this year's nine month period an option to repurchase
400,000 shares of Right Start's common stock was sold for $800,000 in cash,
resulting in an after-tax gain of $480,000, or $.10 per share. The option had
been retained after last year's first quarter sale of Right Start and contained
exercise prices ranging from $3.60 to $6.00 over a seven year period. The option
was sold when Right Start's common stock was trading at $6 3/8.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
As was the case with the results for the quarter, the overall increase in
revenue was attributable to acquisitions and new revenue attractions.  These new
revenue sources contributed over $3.8 million in new revenue and $576,000 in
incremental operating income.  Revenue for comparable centers was off almost 6%
for the period due to the decline in bowler traffic.  Ancillary revenue sources
were down correspondingly.  Beverage sales were down 5% and food sales were down
slightly less than 7%.

Operating income for the nine month period increased nearly 5% to $2.589 million
from $2.478 million last year.  The increase in operating income was due
primarily to new revenue sources.  This increase was  offset slightly by a
decline in comparable center, comparable operations operating income which was
impacted by the decline in revenue discussed above.  However, some of the
comparable center revenue decline was offset by cost reductions.


Results of Discontinued Operations
----------------------------------

During the first quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company sold its 62.5% ownership in
Right Start for $11.811 million in cash and recorded a $2.251 million after-tax
gain, equal to $.45 per share.  In connection with the transaction, the Company
had agreed to reimburse Right Start up to $680,000 should it be unable to
sustain ordinary loss treatment for its deferred loss tax carry-forward and it
have sufficient taxable income in or before its fiscal 2000.  During the first
quarter of fiscal 1997, the Company received a favorable ruling from the IRS
allowing it to reverse the reserve established for the reimbursement agreement
at the time of the sale.  This resulted in a $360,000, or $.08 per share,
increase in the gain on sale which has been reported in discontinued operations.


Liquidity and Capital Resources
-------------------------------

At February 26, 1997, the Company had $10.184 million available under an unused
bank commitment.  Advances can be used to acquire, construct or refurbish
bowling centers or to acquire other compatible recreation businesses and would
bear interest at the prime rate plus .75%.

The Company also maintains various line-of-credit arrangements to augment
seasonal shortfalls in working capital.  At February 26, 1997 and February 28,
1996, there were no advances outstanding under the Company's $2 million line-of-
credit.  Advances under this line would bear interest at the prime rate plus
1/2%.  There was $300,000 outstanding at February 28, 1997 under a $1 million
line-of-credit which is designated for use by one of the Company's wholly-owned
subsidiaries.  This line bears interest at the prime rate plus 1%.

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
The Company's Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase plan in October
1995 that authorized repurchase of up to 20% of the Company's outstanding stock.
Through December 31, 1996, when the plan expired, the Company had repurchased
499,530 shares, representing nearly 10% of its common stock outstanding when the
plan was approved.  The total cost of the reacquired shares was $3.337 million.
The repurchased shares were retired by the Company and not held as treasury
shares.

The Company has paid quarterly cash dividends for over 28 consecutive years.
The third quarter dividend of $.065 per share represents a 4% increase over last
year when the quarterly dividend was $.0625 per share.

On January 17, 1997, AMF Bowling Centers, Inc. and the Company entered into a
merger agreement pursuant to which AMF will acquire the Company for $8.50 per
share in cash.  The purchase price, after reflecting the assumption of the
Company's outstanding debt and the purchase of certain joint venture interests,
represents a transaction with a total value of approximately $70 million.  The
boards of directors of both companies unanimously approved the merger.  The
transaction is subject to  approval by the Company's shareholders.  Proxy
materials have been mailed to shareholders of record as of March 3, 1997 to
solicit their approval of the merger at a special meeting of shareholders on
April 24, 1997.  Pending shareholder approval, the transaction is expected to
close shortly after the special meeting.

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned
thereunto duly authorized.

                                   AMERICAN RECREATION CENTERS, INC.



Date    April 10, 1997             /s/Robert A. Crist
     --------------------          -------------------------------------
                                   Robert A. Crist, President



Date    April 10, 1997             /s/Karen B. Wagner
     --------------------          -----------------------------------
                                   Karen B. Wagner, Vice President/Treasurer

                                       13