102 tight fit for anyone noticeably tall or wide, but squeezing in for a race is worth it. There are also smaller karts for races for the kiddie set. Built-in safety slowdowns might frus- trate reckless drivers, but to us, it just means we can have all of the go-kart fun with none of the worry. 22222 B E ST WAT E R PA R K Golfland Sunsplash 155 W. Hampton Ave., Mesa 480-834-8319 golfland.com Over the years, the Valley’s had quite a few outdoor theme parks, from Legend City to Castles N’ Coasters. But few have matched the sheer range of offerings and general happiness quota as Golfland Sunsplash. Yes, there are plenty of places that offer mini golf, bumper cars, a giant arcade and laser tag — but few places that combine them and then offer water rides from the tranquil wave pool to the majestic Stormrider. Sunsplash is certainly a throwback to a simpler time in the Valley, when these kinds of attractions defined the easy-breezy culture and served as a focal point for families. And yet it’s still very much a place where we continue to connect back with these ideas as our under- standing of play and leisure grows more complicated (and sometimes more expen- sive). Sunsplash remains a rite of passage for each new generation and a pillar of the Valley that we can look at as a sign of what really matters in life: soaking up the fun and good vibes with friends and strangers alike. And, also, the Iceberg shakes are absolutely to die for every time. 22222 B E ST C L I M B I N G GY M Bouldering Project 2626 S. Hardy Drive, Tempe 480-716-9014 boulderingproject.com Bouldering is booming, and this facility is the best in town thanks to its proprietary system designed by and for climbers to provide the ultimate in problem-solving for all ages and abilities. The indoor gym includes 19,000 square feet of air-conditioned, rope- and harness-free curved climbing walls with padded floors. But there’s more: Boost your climbing skills with 56 weekly yoga and fitness classes included with membership. Members also enjoy coworking spaces, free weights and cardio machines, among other amenities, and day passes are available (teachers, ask about the free and discounted visits). Other big selling points for parents are the kids’ camps and “homeschool hangs.” Though it’s part of a chain, the Tempe Boul- dering Project endears itself to the commu- nity with public events like pet adoptions and vendor fairs, and everyone is welcome to grab a drink at the Pair Cupworks coffee kiosk and enjoy the expansive dog-friendly courtyard complete with turf, seating and games. B E ST B OW L I N G A L L E Y Let It Roll Bowl & Entertainment Center 8925 N. 12th St. 602-944-4401 letitrollbowl.com When it comes to bowling, we’re a bit old- fashioned. We’ll knock down some pins at one of the high-tech fun centers around town if we must, but we prefer our vibe vintage, low-key and even a little “Big Lebowski”-esque. Let It Roll Bowl is the perfect blend of 20th-century bowling alley aesthetics and 21st-century technology. You’ve got the electronic scorekeeping and the silly graphics after each roll, but in the atmosphere of a friendly neighborhood dive bar. Let It Roll has a full bar and a kitchen that serves standard bowling alley fare (think pizzas and nachos), and it also plays host to occasional events such as comedy shows. On weekend evenings, the alley’s Rock N Cosmic Bowl takes over, offering a colorful night of entertainment for reasonable prices. 22222 B E ST U P S CA L E I N D O O R F U N Lane Park 7232 E. First St., Scottsdale 480-269-0388 lanepark.games Looking for something different to do on a night out? Lane Park is an adult amusement center in Old Town Scottsdale with plenty of parking nearby. Get a fancy drink and enjoy elevated cuisine (we love the Italian frybread tacos) while you try out duckpin bowling or throw axes at a target. When the weather is warm, there are four lanes of shuffleboard, but when the temp drops, Lane Park instead offers curling, the ice-based Olympic sport. There are plenty of little games from around the world as well: Try flinging a coin into a tiny gold frog’s mouth, or play the Indian game of carrom. In a sea of Old Town Scotts- dale bars, Lane Park is a place to find a different kind of fun. 22222 B E ST R AG E RO O M Breakthrough Smash Room 3414 W. Union Hills Drive, #8 602-753-5352 breakthroughsmashroom.com What ticks us off these days? Honestly, what doesn’t? From politics to Arizona summers to that one mosquito that camps out in our bedroom and keeps biting us in the night, there are plenty of aggravating factors in this modern existence. It just makes us want to break things. But we’re not about to smash our own possessions or catch a destruction of property charge, so when we need to rage, we head to Breakthrough Smash Room.
