Things to Do in Newark

In 2011, USGTF–certified instructor John Ubbing established indoor golf studio Columbus Golf Academy to spread swing-honing wisdom to eager pupils year round. An active coach at the middle- and high-school levels for the past 15 years, the passionate teacher has earned District and Regional Coach of the Year honors for his work at the varsity level and for once saving a community from a rogue golf cart. As clients pummel golf balls inside the Academy’s indoor hitting bay, John imparts corrective advice with a keen eye for each player's individual skills and physical capabilities. After lessons, clients depart with a better understanding of their swing and with drills such as putting exercises to further drive home new concepts or with strategies for improving unruly nine irons’ course etiquette.

Upon crossing the threshold at United Skates of America, a barrage of shimmering lights and colors assault the senses. A disco ball scatters rainbow shards of light across metallic streamers and low barriers striped with colorful lights. A glossy wooden rink acts as the centerpiece of the whimsical decor, packed with roller skaters during public hours. The vibe of open sessions evolves throughout the week in stride with rotating jams, from Top 40 hits to the hip-hop and R & B of the '80s, '90s, and 1890s. Frequent cameos by childhood icons, such as Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants, captivate kids, who can grab hold of supportive Skate Mates as they round the rink. Novice rollers glide like pros after skating lessons, held in five-week sessions by a team of veteran rollers, and partygoers zoom around the oval track during birthday bashes. An arcade and snack area offer safe haven for the athletically averse or those still mastering bipedality.:m]]

The friendly staff at Putt N Play Family Fun Center welcomes exhilaration enthusiasts of all ages to its cheerful expanse of games and attractions. Groups revel in the spirit of competition while bouncing golf balls off the brick boundaries and shrunken boulders of the 18-hole miniature-golf course. Afterward, the batting cage offers a place to practice chopping at a moving target, whereas air hockey provides players with the chance to practice distracting facial-distortion techniques. Once the day's excitement has left the group tired and hungry, a concession stand refuels parties with pizza, hot dogs, and soda.

Green Acres Golf Course presents a relatively short gauntlet of six par 4s and 12 par 3s for 3,746 yards of pristine golf. The length and lack of par 5s make the course ideal for working on putting on the slick greens and precision on short iron approaches. The course superintendents work tirelessly to keep the course in optimal condition, aiming to please all golfers from beginners to the ghosts of Scottish shepherds looking to discover the latest in walking-staff technology.

Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par-60 course
• Total length of 3,746 yards from the back tees
• Three sets of tees per hole