11 ways to enjoy some friendly competition indoors right now

Pinball at Pints and Pixels is surprisingly addictive. (Pints and Pixels on Facebook)

The Olympics kicked off in Beijing, China, today, and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably itching to get out and test your own athletic prowess.

(If you’re anything like me, you’ll also be a bit disappointed when you’re not an instant pro at the first thing you try…but I digress.)

Below, we’ve rounded up 11 athletic experiences that you can do indoors in Huntsville right now.

Golf while shielded from the elements

Top Golf waffles — Brunch with a side of golf? Sign me up! (Topgolf Huntsville on Facebook)

1. Topgolf

At Topgolf, show off your golf acumen with 11 different games designed for a range of skill levels. You’re likely to find something for every experience level, from beginner to seasoned pro.

Address: 6100 Topgolf Drive NW, Huntsville, AL 35806

2. X-Golf

X-Golf is an indoor golf simulator where you can practice your swing in climate-controlled virtual reality. Want a competitive edge? Book a private lesson with an X-Golf coach and impress your friends with your newfound golf skills.

Address: 2500 Clinton Ave W Suite C, Huntsville, AL 35805

Game at new- and old-school arcades

Skee-ball selfie — Photographic evidence of my skee-ball high score at Pints and Pixels last spring. (Emily Phillips / Hville Blast)

3. Dave & Buster’s

Dave & Buster’s in MidCity might just be the sports bar and gaming combo you’ve been looking for. Try your hand at virtual reality gaming, or simply hang out and cheer on your favorite team.

Address: 950 Makers Way NW, Huntsville, AL 35806

4. Pints and Pixels

If an old-school arcade experience is what you’re looking for, Pints and Pixels should be right up your alley. With a collection of classics like themed pinball, skee-ball, Mario Kart and Donkey Kong and a bar with 40 taps of craft beer and wine, you might be surprised how much time you can spend there.

Address: 2500 Clinton Ave W Suite H, Huntsville, AL 35805

Test your axe-throwing prowess

5. Bad Axe Throwing

If you’re with a big group, make sure to reserve a lane at Bad Axe Throwing downtown. For groups of three or less, walk-ins are accepted during walk-in hours, which change often but are posted online.

Address: 105 Washington St SE Suite 100, Huntsville, AL 35801

6. Civil Axe Throwing

Civil Axe Throwing is located at Campus 805. No food or drink is served, but they encourage you to bring your own snacks, beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks—why not grab a bite at Hops N Guac, Ale’s Kitchen or one of Campus 805’s other restaurants first? Make sure to wear closed-toed shoes.

Address: 2620 Clinton Ave W Suite B Room 210, Huntsville, AL 35801

Bowl a strike

Main Event opens soon near Bridge Street. (Emily Phillips / Hville Blast)

7. Stars and Strikes

Stars and Strikes is a bowling alley and family entertainment center with traditional bowling, games, an arcade and more. The Huntsville location also has axe throwing, escape rooms, bumper cars, virtual reality and laser tag if bowling isn’t your thing.

Address: 930 Old Monrovia Rd NW, Huntsville, AL 35806

8. Main Event (coming soon)

We’ve already gotten the scoop on Main Event, a family entertainment center and bowling alley set to open near Bridge Street soon.

Address: 6884 Governors W, Huntsville, AL 35806

Sit back and cheer on someone else

9. Huntsville Havoc

Don’t underestimate the fun of minor league sports. The Huntsville Havoc, North Alabama’s hockey team since the early 2000s, is currently ranked second in the Southern Professional Hockey League. Buy tickets online and support some local athletes.

Address: The Havoc’s home field is Propst Arena, 700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801

10-11. College basketball

College basketball is in season too; cheer on the teams from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Alabama A&M. Find tickets and more information on each team’s website.

UAH