Trendy, new activities are always fun to try out, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up those classic activities you once loved. Whether you’re looking to relive the ’90s with a game of laser tag or you’re hoping to participate in an old-school game of bingo, here’s where to go.
Arcade games
Where to make the most of this retro activity: Shakers Fun Centre
Things to know: This arcade will transport you back to the 1980s with its variety of redemption-machine style games. Most recent game additions at Shakers include Monster Drop Xtreme, Pirate Hook and Duck Crane.
Cost: Purchase a Time Play Arcade Card for $30 per person and get two hours of arcade gaming.
Keep in mind: You can spend the whole day here. As well as the arcade, there are additional retro activities to try including laser tag, mini golf, go-carts, a rock wall and an inflatable obstacle course village.
Shakers Fun Centre, 403-236-2213, shakerscalgary.comÂ
Bingo
Where to make the most of this retro activity: Bingo Barn
Things to know: The Bingo Barn is a non-profit society, so when you play here you’re raising money that benefits local charities.
Cost: From $6
Keep in mind: You can play bingo every afternoon and evening, and there are additional games on Saturday and Sunday mornings. There’s also a late night game starting at 9:55 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Bingo Barn, 1107 33 St. N.E., 403-273-7393, bingobarn.caÂ
Bowling
Where to make the most of this retro activity: Mountain View Bowling
Things to know: Whatever variety of bowling you prefer, you’ll find it here. There’s five-pin and 10-pin bowling, as well as “glow bowl” for both 5-pin and 10-pin. Shoe rental here start at $3.75.
Cost: From $6.25 for adults playing a 5-pin game.
Keep in mind: For a really retro bowling experience, visit Mountain View Bowling on Friday or Saturday evening for glow-in-the-dark bowling. In keeping with the retro vibe, know that the space is fully licensed and there’s a 1950s-style diner where you can refuel afterward.
More ideas: For something little different, head to Banff to try the newest bowling alley there. It’s called High Rollers, and like Mountain View, it’s a retro-themed bowling alley. It’s also a beer hall. After a day on the ski hill, plan to stop here for a 10-pin game, a pint and perhaps a mac ‘n’ cheese-topped pizza.
Mountain View Bowling, 3919 Richmond Rd. S.W., 403-249-0858, mountainviewbowling.com; High Rollers, 110 Banff Ave., 403-762-2695, highrollersbanff.com Â
Cribbage
Where to make the most of this retro activity: Phil & Sebastian in Mission and the Simmons building in the East Village.
Things to know: Challenge your friends (and your math skills) with an evening of cribbage and coffee at one of the crib night events at Phil & Sebastian. There are two crib nights per month, one at the Mission location and one at the East Village location. You’ll be using hand-crafted cribbage boards made by Lorne Mertick, a local artist.
Cost: It’s free to play.
Keep in mind: Crib boards are available on a first come, first served basis.
Phil & Sebastian – Mission location, 2207 4 St. S.W., 403-245-1111; Phil & Sebastian – Simmons Building location, 618 Confluence Way S.E., 587-353-2268, philsebastian.comÂ
Go-carting
Where to make the most of this retro activity: Speedsters Indoor ProKarts
Things to know: This is a retro activity for the speed demons out there. The 50,000-square-foot Speedsters venue is located by the YYC Calgary International Airport and is designed for both recreational and elite go-cart drivers. For the just-for-fun drivers, all you have to do is avoid crashing into the barriers, never stop driving and try to be the first one to finish 14 laps. (14Â laps is one race.)
Cost: From $20 (for one race) to $149 (for 10 races).
Keep in mind: For something completely different during your lunch hour, know that Speedsters offers a lunchtime special. Drop in and race between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays, and you’ll save 25 per cent.
58 Aero Dr. N.E., 403-230-3009, speedsters.caÂ
Laser tag
Where to make the most of this retro activity: Laser Quest Calgary
Things to know: You know how this works. It’s essentially a high-tech version of hide-and-seek – it’s dark, there are laser guns and you’ve got about half an hour to tag as many people from the opposite team as you can.
Cost: From $9.50 for non-members
Keep in mind: There are special events running at this venue, like the Halloween event on October 22 that runs from midnight until 4 a.m. and costs $25 in advance.
Laser Quest Calgary, 9950 Macleod Tr. S.E., 403-640-1245, laserquest.comÂ
Mini golf
Where to make the most of this retro activity: Monster Mini Golf
Things to know: This 18-hole, indoor mini golf venue has been around since 2004. And you won’t find a similar course in the city – it has a monster theme, so expect animated monsters on the course as well as music, black lights and pop-culture artwork. To add to all that, know that the mini golf here is also glow-in-the-dark.
Cost: $12.50 per adult
Keep in mind: There’s also an arcade, so you can double up on your retro activities here.
Monster Mini Golf, 2020 32 Ave. N.E., 587-354-0244, monsterminigolf.comÂ
Roller-skating and rollerblading
Where to make the most of this retro activity: Lloyd’s Rollersports Centre
Things to know: There’s the indoor rink, the rental shop and a concession – it’s all you need for an evening of skating or blading. Skate and blade rentals cost $3, but you can bring your own skates if you have them.
Cost: Admission prices vary depending on the day.
Keep in mind: You can skate late into the night (until midnight) on Fridays and Saturdays here; admissions $7 if you go before 6 p.m. or $9 if you arrive after 6 p.m. For the best deal, plan to skate on Monday from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. – admission will only cost you $3.
Lloyd’s Rollersports Centre, 7520 Macleod Tr. S.E., 403-252-0146, lloydsrollerrink.com