Enjoying the great outdoors is usually fun, but not always possible.
When the weather turns frightful, here are five indoor activities Toledo residents may find delightful until the gods of summer grace us with their presence again.
■ Axe Throwing
Axe 419, 9851 Meridian Ct., #2, Rossford. 419-351-2102.
Had a tough day at the office? Try axe throwing to blow off some steam. According to a study on the online experiential website Square Inc., axe throwing was one of the top activities consumers spent their money on in 2019. This unique activity saw a 317 percent increase in sales across the country, and has no plans on slowing down with new arenas opening frequently.
Axe 419 is one place in Toledo that’s thriving with new customers every week. With 11 lanes — walk-in friendly and some you should reserve — manager Nathan Smith ensures a safe environment for patrons to limber up and let loose.
“Every group that comes in will always have an axe throwing master,” Smith said. “They don’t leave their side, and they’re literally there teaching them how to thrown an axe and playing games.”
Smith said he’s seen an uptick in business because he’s noticing how people don’t simply want to go out and drink anymore; they want to engage in offbeat activities.
“It’s something that’s really different and unique,” Smith said. “You’re here for two hours and can have a beer or two, and you’re actually doing something. You’re not just sitting at a bar getting plowed.”
■ Indoor Golf
7350 Airport Hwy., Holland. 419-491-1400.
Golfers, rejoice! Even in the worst kind of weather, amateurs can work on their form at Fore Golfers Indoor Center in Holland. What sets Fore Golfers apart from other indoor golfing experiences is that it’s not an indoor mini golf course, but a golf simulation experience.
The 4,500 square foot facility features climate-controlled simulators where patrons can practice by hitting balls into the screen and reading their their shot stats on the simulator screen. Customers can choose from 70 different courses from around the world at which they can sharpen their skills.
Employee Ian Mikolajczak said people can call ahead and schedule a tee time like you would any other golf course, and pay by the half hour.
“It’s very realistic and we [wanted] somewhere where people could really practice and get better,” Mikolajczak said. “We have seven simulators here, we have a great selection of beer, and you can practice and play pretty much anywhere you want, like where the pros have played, and perfect your game year round.”
Closed from May to September, Fore Golfers Indoor Center is open until April 15.
■ Dodgeball
Sky Zone, 1600 Albon Rd. 419-491-1194.
Tagged as “Your favorite sport in gym class,” Sky Zone offers the ultimate — some might even say horrifying — dodgeball experience. Ultimate dodgeball combines the athleticism and excitement of traditional dodge ball with the adventure of a wall-to-wall trampoline park. Enclosing customers in a box-like trampoline den, patrons hurl balls at each other until one team or person prevails as the winner.
Sky Zone hosts an ultimate dodge ball tournament every year, and if you’re looking for more practice, patrons can rent out private dodgeball courts for training or just for fun.
■ Laser Tag
Playzone Toledo, 130 New Towne Square Dr. 419-540-0000.
Billed as the “premier family fun center,” Playzone Toledo offers games and attractions for people of all ages. With 70 arcade games to choose from, a state of the art laser tag arena, and newly-added bumper cars, there’s a little something for everyone at this venue.
“Everybody loves arcade games, but they still think you need to have coins to play,” owner Mike Tawil explained. “But we offer a newer option. You put money on a game card and whatever tickets you win they go onto your card electronically.”
“Parents can come and watch their kids have fun or they can play arcade games that remind them of their childhood. We have arcade games that are challenging and made for adults; we have simulator rides; we have everything for everyone,” Tawil said.
The most popular attraction at Playzone is its 3,000 square foot laser tag arena. Players can split into teams or have a free-for-all in a state-of-the-art arena that features animatronics.
“We can fit up to 20 guests in a single game,” Tawil said. “We have kids play, adults, we host corporate events, all ages for the laser tag.”
■ Duckpin bowling
Reset Pins, 5305 Monroe St. 419-593-0073.
Those reared on the East Coast will be familiar with duckpin bowling — a regional variation of the traditional game that employs pins that are shorter, thinner, and lighter than those used in ten-pin bowling.
It also involves rolling a hole-less bowling ball that’s slightly larger than a softball.
“All the older things are coming back,” said manager of Reset Pins Brandon Saba. “Originally, Reset was all old arcade games and it was popular because people in their 30s and 40s remember these games from their childhood.”
Saba said these days consumers want more to do at bars than simply drink.
“You can have fun, you can interact, you can have friendly competitions,” he said. “Those are all things that are a necessity nowadays. Bowling has been around forever and it’s one of those activities that’s withstood the test of time.”
If duckpin bowling isn’t your thing, there are plenty of ten-pin bowling alleys in the Toledo area. With average cost of $11 per game (including shoes), customers can ravage the lanes as individuals, small groups, or by joining a winter bowling league.
First Published January 23, 2020, 12:33 a.m.
