Columbus, IN Outdoor Activities

The staff at Hanna Haunted Acres knows that there's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all nightmare. That's why they've curated a lineup of six different haunts, each with their own spine-tingly style. Four different haunted houses prey on deep-set childhood fears, including the Carnevil haunted house––a twisted, circus-themed fright, perfect for murderous clowns who are tired of blind dates. Other attractions include haunted hayrides around the farm and a twisty corn maze designed by a vengeful scarecrow. Those whose greatest fears including standing in line can skip straight to the screaming with a VIP pass, while snacks and mugs of steaming hot chocolate keep patient patrons warm between haunts.

Plopped in downtown Indianapolis across from the Indiana Convention Center, Indiana/World Skating Academy fosters skills for winter sports on a pair of NHL-size rinks. I/WSA's coaches, whose instruction has helped produce regional, national, and world-class competitors, direct the facility's programs, including learn-to-skate courses designed for skaters with varying levels of experience. In addition to skating, the facility also offers private rink rentals as well as opportunities for speed skating, broomball, and adult hockey leagues. Off the ice, the academy offers less slippery activities, such as weight training, aerobics, jazz, and ballet. A rinkside deli open during public-skating hours keeps legs primed, and an onsite pro shop keeps equipment bags stuffed with the latest gear.

Looking to put a new spin on a classic family activity, the minds behind Glowgolf decided to give the game a phosphorescent update. Incandescent courses place friends and family amid a tropical-fantasy golf world of neon orange, green, and violet surroundings. Players putt luminous orbs through vibrant treasure chests and glimmering windmills while negotiating tricky obstacles near walls portraying black-light-lit aquatic scenes. With more than 20 locations spread over 10 states, Glowgolf's fluorescent labyrinths challenge human players and traveling gnomes.

Watch the Jaguars dribble, dunk, alley-oop, coup-fourre, shimmy-shammy, and Irish chowder. Today’s side deal gets you $7 tickets to an IUPUI men’s basketball game at Conseco Fieldhouse, home of the Indiana Pacers. See the Jags take on the Ohio Bobcats or catch one of the two conference games against the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles and in-state rival IPFW Mastodons. All tickets are for seats located in the lower-bowl, sideline-seating section and will be assigned at random. The Fieldhouse’s extra-wide special seating (20–22 inches wide or greater) is designed for optimal cheering, high-fiving, and close viewing of the action.

The Tennis Club at Springhurst places USPTA- and PTR-certified instructors at the helm of both of its professional-level facilities, where programs, camps, and classes help players of all ages develop their skills. Opened in 1998, the multifaceted Springhurst location combines 10 indoor tennis courts with areas for golf, field hockey, volleyball, and basketball to form a one-stop training haven. The club’s other location, Top Gun Tennis Academy, has sprawled its 16-court campus before competitors since 2010, and includes smaller-scale QuickStart courts for pint-size players and baby ball machines not yet strong enough to rifle shots across full courts. Dually dedicated to tennis's future, both facilities offer programs that have helped produce college-level players and championship teams.

Uniting automobile manufacturers from across the world, the Indianapolis Auto Show provides them the opportunity to show off their latest models. In addition, carmakers bring their specialty vehicles for the perusal of true transportation aficionados. Engines demonstrate their power with foundation shaking roars on the 375,000 square foot floor of the Indian Convention Center.