Axe Throwing Facility Opens In Marlborough

MARLBOROUGH, MA—Our craving for strange ways to entertain ourselves can never seem to be fully satisfied. Beyond arcades, go-karts and laser tag, we've now got centers where you can smash plates and....throw an axe?

Yup, if you've got an axe to grind, you can now do so with pleasure at the Apex Center in Marlborough. Budding lumberjacks, exhibition artists and just people who would think it's fun to throw an axe can do so at Half Axe, the first of its kind in New England. The new axe-throwing facility opened on Feb. 24.

Owner Derek Johnson discovered the sport while at an expo in the Montreal area. After his initial experience, Johnson began developing the idea and customizing it for the Massachusetts area.

“The Apex Center just kind of fell into my lap,” said Johnson in a statement. “It’s a great space and will really tailor to our walk-in based model. Unlike other facilities where a booking is required, we want to allow groups to come and 'throw some fun' when they have the time to do so.”

Here's how it works: 1.5 lbs hatchets are thrown at targets 15 feet away. Teams play three rounds with each person getting five throws per round. Teams then play “round robin” style to determine the winner. MCs guide the party through the throwing process.

"We chose the Apex Center because it's perfect," Johnson told Patch. "With plenty of other things to do under one roof and at the crossroads of Boston, Worcester, RI and NH, we are a destination spot for a fun, exciting time. Axe throwing is growing in popularity across the US. People come in to try it out of curiosity, or they've seen it online. Once they have stuck that axe into the target the first time, they're hooked. It's a great feeling."

Johnson said they don't pull in any "certain demographic" that tends to enjoy the sport. Because everyone can do it, and the staff makes sure everyone is able to, he said everyone from 18-year-old high schoolers to 60-year-old grandmothers have been coming in, throwing an axe, and smiling about it.

You must be at least 18 to throw an axe (in here), and patrons can either book ahead or walk - in. Bookings get 2.5 hours and walk ins get one hour. Walk-in sessions are $28 per person; Bookings are $42.50 per person.

It's OK to bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to your party.

The Apex Center, located on Route 20 in Marlborough, also includes Planet Fitness, a swim school, an escape room outlet, a boxing club, MindTrek VR, an arcade, a bowling alley and laser tag. There are plans for a trampoline park there, too. Several restaurants as well as hotels are located in the center.

Photos submitted