Area putt-putt courses offer swinging fun

From left: Klay Frazier of Kent, Jason Huckabone and Mark Kirt of Brimfield, hit the driving range at the Birdie Shack Putt-R-Golf in Ravenna.

Credit: Beth Rankin

Summer in Ohio has finally arrived, at least for this week, so take advantage of the nice weather. If you are looking for a way to enjoy the weather with a limited amount of cash and physical activity, miniature golf is the perfect solution. There are a variety of places to choose from in this area, so when you are ready to do your best Happy Gilmore impression, these are a few places to check out:

Birdie Shack Putt-R-Golf

Only minutes away from campus, Birdie Shack is full of putt-putt fun. The course has nice scenery and creative obstacles. The degree of difficulty is low, due to its family-friendly nature. They feature a weekday 50 cent discount for adults before 6 p.m.

There are discounts for large groups as well as for birthday parties. On Fathers’ Day, dads golfed for free.

“It’s an inexpensive family outing, and there are things here for everyone of all ages,” said Angie Polichena, Kent State alumna.

The Birdie Shack has batting cages, a driving range and basketball hoops.

Downview Sports Center

Just a few minutes away from Chapel Hill Mall, Downview is a perfect break from shopping. Tuesdays and Thursdays families (an adult with children) save a dollar per person.

The course is somewhat difficult, especially with the amount of holes surrounded by water. Although the water is scenic, it adds another challenge: keeping the ball on dry land.

Besides mini-golf, Downview also has batting cages, a driving range and a skatepark.

Fun ’N Stuff

If you are up for a bit of a journey, Fun ‘N Stuff is a one-stop shop of activities. There is plenty of indoor fun, like laser tag, a video arcade and roller skating. Outdoors, visitors can choose from go-carts, bumper boats and batting cages.

Keeping with the indoor and outdoor theme, Fun ‘N Stuff has indoor and outdoor mini-golf facilities. The indoor mini-golf course is half as long as the outdoor course, but it only costs $3. The outdoor course consists of 18 holes. The course outside has creative obstacles and gets progressively more difficult, but the scenery is less impressive.

“This is my first time here, but the course is okay,” said Tim Yeager, 15.

Discounts are also given to family reunions, youth groups, church outings and other large groups. Summer specials discount specific events depending on the day.

Stow-Kent Lanes

Another course close to campus is the course at Stow-Kent Lanes. The bowling ally may be the main attraction, but its golf course is worth playing.

The course is challenging, but not excessively difficult. The greenery and landscaping is also very beautiful. On Monday through Thursday before 5 p.m. the fee is $2.50, and after 5 p.m. it is $ 3.50.

Surrounding the course is a tiki hut, a sand volleyball court and the bowling alley.

Although summertime is limited, take advantage of the warmth while possible. Grab some friends or family members and take them mini-golfing. There are many places to go, and each offers a variety of other attractions, as well. Most importantly, these places won’t put a dent in your wallet – they all cost $5 or less.

Contact general assignment reporter Deanna Stevens at [email protected].