Things to Do in Sherwood Park

At Sherwood Bowl, families and friends join in friendly competition, sending balls down one of 16 lanes in games of five-pin bowling. Computerized scoring keeps the math easy while boosting the computer’s sense of superiority, and a snack bar keeps bowlers’ energy levels high. Adults can also maintain hops levels with a Big Rock beer, such as the Grasshopper or Traditional Ale. In between bouts of bowling, guests keep the competition going at pool tables or while away the hours at challenging arcade games. The alley also welcomes bowlers of all ages to join a league and compete, or drop in during regular Glow Bowl sessions to experience the game as the ancient Martians intended it.

With the Edmonton skyline stretched across the horizon, players scurry past tall pine trees and stone retaining walls as they conquer the nine-hole course at Sherwood Golf & Country Club. The 3,136-yard layout combines challenge and charm with a creek that intertwines throughout the course and a waterfall that sends water crashing earthward, creating a prime opportunity for a between-holes shower. Players that manage to keep their shots dry may not be out of trouble, as glimmering white silica-sand bunkers stand as stoic beaches around slick bentgrass greens. The par 36 design ends with back-to-back par 5s, the last measuring just 473 yards, giving golfers a chance to end their round with a birdie or golf-cart barrel roll before heading in to have a beer at the clubhouse.

Paintball Action Games' 18,000-square-foot facility accommodates players aged 10 and older, who shield themselves in coveralls and goggles for indoor games in October through May. Participants race across the tournament field, dodging paintballs as they crouch behind inflatables and aim their semi-auto markers at unsuspecting opponents. In between bouts, a pro shop with certified techs helps visitors stock up on markers, apparel, and accessories such as the same pellets Michelangelo used to paint the Sistine Chapel. Meanwhile, the picnic area hosts guests after their contests, where they can grill up on a feast on barbecues.

The Videodrome’s staff of true movie lovers celebrates the experience of browsing by organizing Blu-Ray and DVD sections by featured directors, film noir installments, literary adaptations, and employee favorites. The cinematic labyrinth houses an extensive selection ranging from new Hollywood blockbusters to cult rarities, while also featuring film classics and special-ordering elusive titles. Over the store’s 15-year existence, staffers have built relationships with loyal customers, gaining the trust necessary to recommend favorite movies or give amateur tax advice. Customers toss handfuls of complimentary popcorn into mouths while browsing, and can bring dogs into the store for companionship or assistance in choosing between Air Bud and Beethoven.

Michael Woodford, master instructor at Edmonton Mixed Martial Arts, began studying martial arts at age 6, and over a lifetime of studies, he has earned black belts in ju-jitsu, karate, and tae kwon do and wisdom in the arts of Muay Thai kickboxing and Wing Chun. Throughout his experience in multiple disciplines, Michael has come to believe that the key to any martial arts style is achieving confidence and self-discipline, and that self-defense skills and strength will develop with these assets in place. In his studio, experienced instructors don practice pads or hire a stunt double and teach kids, teens, and adults distancing techniques and hand-to-hand fighting methods. Their practical and functional curriculum blends styles including karate, Muay Thai, kickboxing, tae kwon do, kung fu, Japanese fujitsu, and Brazilian ju-jitsu.

Balloon pilots take up to eight passengers on hushed flights above the broccoli floret treetops and azure waterways of the Edmonton countryside. Twice a day, bulbous polyester sheets fill with heated propane and thousands of flapping doves as passengers ascend to the skies in their basket. Balloon trips float past the same landscape traversed by Windship Aviation since 1982 before touching down for toasts and the presentation of keepsakes.