Whitehall, OH Outdoor Activities

Under the choppy surface of Ohio's quarries and waterways, the Columbus Scuba team guides students into the world of underwater exploration with specialized training courses. In order to prepare students for diving situations and encounters with bullies in schools of minnows, the team also holds classroom sessions, including PADI open-water certification. In addition to training students, Columbus Scuba dedicates itself to the diving community by operating the Mid-Ohio Divers club, through which they organize barbecues, camping trips, and group dives in far-off reefs and caves.

Little Bear Golf Club challenges golfers to part with the traditional 9- or 18-hole course paradigm and try their hand at conquering a 10-hole, par 30 layout. With a front and back five that can each be completed in about 40 minutes, the course caters to those who would like to squeeze in a round during their lunch break or set the record for most rounds played during a solar eclipse. Though short in time commitment, the course doesn't scrimp on hazards, as it is strewn with 22 sand traps, more than 1,000 trees, three lakes, and a stone waterfall. Instead of natural turf, players take shots off hybrid grass, which looks and plays just like the real thing but needn't be watered, fertilized, or fine-tooth-combed like traditional grasses. As a bonus to the 10-hole loop, players may also take a shot at the island green of an 11th hole, an homage to the famous 17th hole at the TPC Sawgrass course in Florida. Course at a Glance:

• 10-hole, par 30 course
• Total length of 1,350 yards from the back tees
• Two sets of tees per hole

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.

In more than 100 locations around the country, ThrillZown's staff facilitates adrenaline-filled excursions full of extreme water, air, and land adventures. Under the supervision of experts, brave souls defy gravity as they skydive, hang-glide, bungee jump, or play films of apples falling off trees in reverse. On land, crews harness the power of horses, stock cars, and snowmobiles; in the water, groups navigate whitewater rapids or explore aquatic depths as they scuba dive or surf.