Get active at these fun-focused indoor sports complexes

For those of us who used the nasty winter weather as an excuse to sit on the couch and eat potato chips all year long, we have bad news for you. With the entry of places like X-Golf Portland, which he opened in six simulators in the spring, to not only keep the game, but improve it, local spots where you can stay active during the winter months. more than ever before. In some cases, it starts a completely new game.

“Indoor golf is a great way to learn the game,” said Chad Allen of SimCity Indoor Golf in Westbrook. “It’s a very low commitment. You rent clubs for people who just want to try them out. And you don’t have the stress of being in the range with so many other golfers behind you and judging you.” ”

This relatively low stress level also applies to other indoor activities in the area, such as rock climbing, ax throwing and trampolining. In most cases, time blocks are reserved for you to familiarize yourself at your own pace, with or without instructors, which are usually bookable through each facility.

One thing they all advise, though, is to book in advance in the winter. “Weekends can be very busy,” said Joe Atwood, owner of X-Golf Portland, as the facility fills up with group events and leagues to practice games, enjoy food and drink. I added that I do. And for those of us looking for a sofa to enjoy them on, there are plenty.

X-Golf Portland

Featuring six state-of-the-art simulators, this new indoor golf spot uses software to measure ball and swing data (with a reported 98% accuracy), allowing players to improve on their own or with an instructor. We can analyze the game together. “We have a staff of PGA professionals who can give lessons,” he says.

101 York St. B, Portland, 207-536-1257; Monday through Thursday 10am to 10:30pm, Friday 10am to midnight, Saturday 9am to 8pm; Sunday from 9am to 8pm. $50 per hour Monday through Thursday and $55 per hour Friday through Sunday. xgolfportland.com

Sim City Indoor Golf

Westbrook’s indoor golf spot, which has just expanded to eight simulators, attracts a wide variety of golfers and golf enthusiasts. Owner Allen says, “Everyone can try it, from very serious players to kids. It’s very sociable.” (up to 12 beers on tap) and pizzas made with Portland Pie Company crust.

100 Larrabee Road, Suite 250, Westbrook, 207-591-5062; Monday through Thursday 8am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday 8am to 9pm, Sunday 8am to 9pm Until. $40 per hour on weekdays, $45 per hour on weekends. simcityindoorgolf.com

Evo Rock + Fitness Portland

The 17,000-square-foot indoor climbing wall is the facility’s biggest draw, catering for everyone from beginners to speed climbers. (Harnesses, shoes, belay devices and other equipment are easily available for rent if you want to try it out.) There are yoga classes and spaces for Crossfit and weight training. Evo also offers regular events for the community, from after-school sessions and camps to high school leagues and LGBTQ+ nights. Both day rates and memberships are available.

65 Warren Ave., Portland, 207-780-6370. Monday-Friday 10am-9pm, Tuesday-Thursday 10am-10pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-6pm. A day pass is $19, $17 for students, teachers, healthcare workers, military, first responders, seniors, and $15 for children ages 5-10. evorock.com/portland-me

ax pit

What began as a literal ‘pit’ (a small secluded hallway in a gymnasium) for ax-throwing enthusiasts transformed into this site that opened in 2019. It features four digital projection targets, a live music performance stage, and league nights. thursday and sunday. Open-toed shoes are prohibited.

333 Clarks Pond Parkway, South Portland, 207-329-0229. Wednesday 4-9pm, Thursday 4-10pm, Friday-Saturday 1-10pm, Sunday 1-9pm. $25 per hour per person. theaxepit.com

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

The indoor trampoline here grabs most of the spotlight (and for good reason: the APEX trampoline is everywhere but the ceiling, so you can literally bounce off the walls). But other structures for acrobatics abound, including tube playgrounds, tumble tracks, giant inflatable airbags for somersaults, rope courses, and dodgeball-on-trampoline setups.

333 Clarks Pond Parkway, South Portland, 207-808-7696. Sunday through Friday from 10am to 8pm Saturday 10am-6pm$23.99 for 2 hours for adults; $11.99 for 1.5 hours for children under 5. Urbanair.com/maine-south-portland

Alexandra Hall is a longtime New England lifestyle writer living in Maine.

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