Smash Social
600 E. Ohio St., 317-655-7701
What It Is: A coffee shop/coworking space/ping-pong hangout in Lockerbie Square.
Bring Your: Penchant for wicked backhands that barely skim the line. That’ll come in handy when what starts out as a genial game evolves into a fierce battle.
But Leave Behind: The shabby paddle from the table you had in college. Smash provides three
types of hardware.
Satisfaction Meter: Medium. Make that high if you beat your smug, trash-talking opponent.
Danger Level: Low. But watch out for potentially ankle-twisting wayward balls from other games.
Pre-Game With: One of the local brews on tap, such as Central State’s Table.
Cost: $10–$12 per person. for unlimited play.
Koteewi Archery Range
11909 Koteewi Dr., Noblesville, 317-776-8472
What It Is: Outdoor bow-and-arrow shooting in a quiet
wooded setting.
Bring Your: Sharp eye. Targets are up to a football field’s length away.
But Leave Behind: The four-letter words—you may very well be in a lane next to a Boy Scout troop or a 7-year-old’s birthday party.
Satisfaction Meter: High if you squarely peg the bull’s-eye or the flank of a 3-D foam dinosaur. Low if you completely miss.
Danger Level: Low. Just don’t rush out to grab your arrows while others are still taking aim.
Pre-Game With: A pint from nearby Deer Creek Brewery.
Cost: $25 per hour (with rental) for two people.
Topgolf
9200 E. 116th St., Fishers, 317-212-3488
What It Is: Dave & Buster’s meets the driving range—from a climate-controlled covered bay, golfers tee off at
various targets 25 to 215 yards away.
Bring Your: Competitive side. The closer you get
to the center of the marks, the more points you rack up, tallied by microchipped balls. Loser buys the
next round.
But Leave Behind: Your own clubs. A full range of Callaways is provided, and if they’re good enough for PGA and LPGA pros, they’re adequate for amateurs.
Satisfaction Meter: Medium to high. That sweet sound of a solid whack is addictive.
Danger Level: Low. Unless you’re on the upper deck and veer too close to the edge.
Pre-Game With: A Tipsy Palmer or a Topgolf Tea. But not too many. See: Danger Level.
Cost: $25–$45 per bay per hour.
Bad Axe Throwing
235 S. Meridian St., Ste. 211, 888-435-0001
What It Is: Hurl hatchets overhead (or underhand, you show-off) at plywood targets in this traditional Canadian pastime.
Bring Your: Food and drink. Nothing is sold on site, but there’s a mini-fridge to keep your brews cold.
But Leave Behind: The flip-flops. Enough said. And nix the tight tee—your arms need to move around comfortably.
Satisfaction Meter: High, especially if you nail one of the two (small) 10-point blue dots.
Danger Level: Medium. These are real axes, which are sharpened before you get your hands on them.
Pre-Game With: A Molson, eh?
Cost: $20–$40 per person.
