Escape rooms to axe throwing: Alternative ideas for a night out in Ottawa

Are you getting tired of going out to the same bars and clubs? Do you feel desperate to try something different? Maybe you want to enjoy some social activities which don’t revolve solely around alcohol, but can’t think of anything fun to do.

Luckily, the social scene in Ottawa is getting a lot more inventive, with tons of new options for those seeking new ideas. Escape rooms and axe throwing are becoming increasingly popular, and casino games are mainstream now as well.

Escape Room

Escape rooms are a growing craze in Canada, and there are more than seven locations in Ottawa alone. These include Room Escape Ottawa, Jigsaw Escape Rooms, and Lockdown Ottawa Escape Room. The concept is that a group of friends are trapped in a confined space, and they have to solve a puzzle in order to get out.

Some of the most common puzzles involve moving objects around, untying knots, solving number patterns, and searching for hidden objects. This is a great opportunity for bonding with friends over a common goal. These events are particularly popular for birthday parties or staff nights out.

Casino

Going out to a casino is a highly thrilling way to spend an evening with friends. Because there are so many different activities to do including poker, blackjack, roulette, and slots, you will always be able to find a game to suit you. The Casino du Lac-Leamy and Rideau Carlton Casino are the biggest gambling houses in the city, and you'll be sure to have a good time at either one.

Casinos like these have inspired online developers to offer a similar selection of digitalised games to suit on-the-go audiences. NetEnt, for example, has hundreds of digital slot games in its library. The best ones listed here include Arabian Nights and Hall of Gods. The pick-up-and-play nature of them means you could enjoy these games anywhere, without having to spend money on casino-suitable attire, or worry about organising all your friends to meet in the right place at the right time.

Axe Throwing

Jason Momoa is one of the coolest actors on the planet right now, and he loves throwing axes. It is not surprising that a vast number of people want to emulate the Aquaman star and do the same. This is one of the reasons why axe throwing venues have risen up in the last few years. It started as an event in lumberjack competitions, but now there are hundreds of venues across North America that allow patrons to practice the pastime recreationally.

In Ottawa, the axe throwing spots tend to have five lanes with a seating area and a bar. Some of the options include Bad Axe Throwing, BATL – Backyard Axe Throwing League, and LumberJaxe: Axe Throwing Hall & Apparel.

Nightlife doesn’t have to be all about alcohol, and these spots that provide other fun activities to do make excellent alternatives for people seeking new things to do. Some other great options include adult play areas and trampoline centres.