Cost-effective fall entertainment

More than half of the semester is over, and many students are finding that the money they saved up at their summer job is disappearing fast.

Thankfully, there are plenty of free and inexpensive entertainment options available to UT students at and around the university. Before writing off Toledo as “boring,” take some time to check out these alternatives to the mall and a movie.

Bowlero Lanes, 4893 Monroe Street

Bowlero Lanes on Monroe Street, just east of Secor, offers open bowling most nights of the week for the avid or hobby bowler.

Bowlero is different from other area bowling lanes in that it offers students a discount on weeknights. Students with a UT Rocket Card can get $1 games and $1 shoes after 9 p.m.

Wildwood Park, 5100 West Central Avenue

The city of Toledo’s Metropark system has much to offer, but Wildwood Park – less than 10 minutes away from UT Main Campus – has a wider variety of attractions for students for the attractive price of ‘absolutely free.’

Besides its winding trails, Wildwood’s most well-known attraction is the Manor House, an estate formerly owned by the Stranahan family of Toledo. The house was built between 1936 and 1938 and is still furnished as it was at the time the Stranahan family lived there.

The Manor House is open for free tours on Saturdays and Sundays between noon and 5 p.m. Also keep in mind that the Manor House is decorated by volunteers each December, when several holiday-related events are held.

Par 2 Golf Course, 5315 Heatherdowns Boulevard

This local mini-golf course, located near the intersection of Heatherdowns and Reynolds Road, offers inexpensive entertainment.

Rounds of mini-golf for one player cost $4.75 for one course or $9.50 for three courses. Mini-golf is much more fun with a group, so don’t forget to bring some friends!

Murphy’s Place, 151 Water Street

Local jazz musician Clifford Murphy owns and performs at Murphy’s Place, a jazz club located downtown in a restored historic building.

Murphy’s Place is open Monday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Live jazz begins at 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Food and drinks are available, with soups and appetizers available starting at $3.95. The cover charge is $4.

Ottawa Park, 2200 W. Bancroft Street

Located at the corner of Bancroft and Ottawa Parkway, Ottawa Park offers many types of entertainment practically in the university’s backyard.

Before it gets too cold, check out the disc golf course at the park. The course is easy enough for beginners, but challenging enough for more experienced players as well.

Using the course is free, but don’t forget to bring a disc.

When it gets too cold for disc golf, Ottawa Park also offers ice skating. This outdoor, open-air rink is perfect for a chilly day, and the rink offers skate rentals for those who do not have their own.

Admission is $4 and skate rentals are $2. Season passes for individuals are also available for $35.

Maxwell’s Brew, 2661 West Bancroft Street, & Campus Oasis, 3303 Dorr Street

Though it is not for everybody, many students enjoy smoking hookah, even if they normally do not smoke, because of the flavored, aromatic smoke.

Students that have not tried hookah before may enjoy trying it out with a group of friends. Many people can split one hookah, making it much cheaper for each student.

Hookahs are available at Maxwell’s Brew on Bancroft Street and at Campus Oasis’ Hookah Haven on Dorr Street

Nighttime Sports

Campus residents can check out equipment such as Frisbees, footballs and volleyballs from the front desk of their residence halls.

To change up an ordinary game, try taking the equipment out at night. A game of soccer in the dark at Carter Field or touch football at night on the grassy area outside the Memorial Field House can be different and more exciting than ordinary, day-play.

Fitness classes at the REC

The UT Recreation Center offers many free, non-credit classes to full-time students. Classes range from Pilates to Turbo Kick, and even include a dance class called “Hustle Mix.”

According to the REC Center website, classes are held on a walk-in basis.

Check out the REC Center’s website for more information, or call the Office of Recreation at 419-530-3700 to learn more.