FINDING SOMETHING the whole family can do during the summer can be challenging. The beach is too crowded, and the amusement parks are too far away. And both can be astronomically expensive. You are looking to save gas and your sanity. Thankfully, many family-friendly activities are heating up in popularity for the summer months. Not only do they welcome the whole family to enjoy, but they won’t break the bank, and they will also get everyone up and moving.
Disc Golf
First up is Disc Golf. While the two words seem contradictory, the sport’s growing popularity is anything but.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, Disc Golf is also known as Frisbee golf. In playing the game, players attempt to toss a plastic disc into each of a succession of basketlike receptacles stationed along a course, with the object being to reach each target in as few attempts as possible. It is similar to regular golf in that it has 18 holes and is played primarily by the same rules. But instead of hitting a ball into a hole in the ground, in Disc Golf, Frisbees are thrown into metal disc-trapping baskets on stationary poles.
Locally, Disc Golf courses have popped up steadily, with plenty of spots to play a round in whatever county you might find yourself in. It’s also a sport that welcomes all skill levels and almost all ages.
Winchester City Park is home to an impressive 18-hole course that spans the entirety of the park. The course features wide open spaces for long-distance throws and wooded areas requiring a more skilled hand to make the shot.
Local Disc Golf player Heather Brown said wooded courses are some of her favorites.
“I have sort of a noodle arm, so it’s harder for me to throw farther,” she said. “A wooded course is a little more challenging but allows you to use the trees to your advantage. My family and I enjoy playing the more heavily wooded courses.”
Disc Golfers are welcome to bring their own discs or check them out at the Winchester Swimplex.
Pickleball
Another summer activity that seems to have picked up its own cult following is Pickleball.
A paddle sport with combined elements of tennis, badminton, and Ping-Pong, Pickleball is played on a doubles badminton court. The net is similar to a tennis net but is 2 inches lower and played with a hard paddle, identical to Ping-Pong. It can be played in either singles or doubles matches.
While mostly played indoors, you can find Pickleball being played outdoors at either outdoor tennis courts or specially built Pickleball courts. Winchester City Park has tennis courts that serve as Pickleball courts for locals.
Local Pickleball player Felicia Daniels said the great thing about the sport is that it can be played on various courts.
“People don’t realize how much is involved with Pickleball,” she said. “You can play outdoors with an outdoor ball on a paved or coated concrete surface. It’s a different game if you play indoors on a wooden floor, like in the gym.”
The city park offers a variety of times for folks to play outdoor Pickleball.
Area senior citizens can enjoy year-round Pickleball indoors, thanks to the Franklin County Senior Center. The center hosts the game from noon to 2 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Swimming
The local pool is on almost everyone’s list for summertime activities. The smell of chlorine, pizza, and suntan lotion is not only hypnotic but intoxicating and draws all ages to come in and cool off from the summertime heat.
Winchester Swimplex offers water lovers of all ages an exciting, colorful place to cool off, complete with tunneled water slides and features that young swimmers love. While having fun is the goal, you can also have fun while getting fit, thanks to the many water aerobics classes offered at the Swimplex. For early birds, a class is available from 6 to 7 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Those getting starting in the mid-morning can join in from 8:30 to 10 a.m. each Monday. Evening classes are held from 6 to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday. For those who cannot attend weekday classes, a Saturday class is available from 10 to 11 a.m. Those interested are asked to contact the center to sign up. GN
