Smash Park LaVista adds pickleball, more fun to Omaha Metro

Omaha’s entertainment options are about to become a little pickled with the Monday (June 24) grand opening of Smash Park LaVista.

With pickleball, duckpin bowling and axe throwing, as well as an arcade and other games, customers are challenged where to spend time. Spoiler alert: Plan for an outing full of all the games.

We were recently invited to experience the games and menu during one of Smash Park’s soft opening events.

We started our date night with a few frames of duckpin bowling. Using lightweight pins controlled by wires rather than an automatic pin reset, bowlers use miniature balls similar to bocce balls. The entertainment center has four lanes.

Axe throwing has become a favorite activity of ours in recent years. The section, just like the others, has an employee designated to support customers, showing them the proper way to throw an axe. The section has a variety of target designs to throw at, from the traditional circle to roaming zombies. Neither of us was successful at hitting zombies.

Since pickleball is the star attraction, a game on Smash Park’s large indoor courts was a must. Or was it? Instead of watching Lisa chase the ball across other courts (Lol), we watched employees play a match. That was more our style, especially when a ringer – a high school tennis player – joined the group for a doubles match. But, for tennis and pickleball fans, the courts are large with a smooth playing surface, offering an enjoyable experience.

Customers can purchase arcade game cards, so you can have hours of fun shooting baskets or playing air hockey, among other games.

If slower paced games are your thing, consider playing a few rounds of cornhole, darts or head outdoors to play giant Jenga.

Smash Park LaVista – one of four Midwestern locations – also offers karaoke and trivia nights.

Dinner and drinks

With appetizers, entrees and desserts, Smash Park features a full menu of food and adult beverages.

Consider starting your dining experience with an order of pickleballs. Made with smoothly whipped cream cheese mixed with dill pickles, bacon bits and cheddar cheese, pickleballs are breaded and fried. Served with a side of ranch dressing, I challenge you to eat only one.

Other shareables include poutine fries, tajin fried cauliflowers and Frito pie, made with pulled pork.

Entree choices range from burgers, barbecue and platters to tacos and wings. Lisa opted for a Cuban sandwich with pulled pork, ham, melted cheese and Dijon mustard. I ordered a pound of wings, choosing Korean barbecue sauce over other choices, including traditional buffalo sauce.

Too full for dessert, we did admire the four-layer chocolate cake and cheesecake prepared by Omaha Bakery, as well as fried churro.

Smash Park LaVista also offers gluten-free choices and a children’s menu.

Founded in Des Moines six years ago, Smash Park is a fun selection for family outings, work events or meeting friends. LaVista may be the newest location, but the company plans additional locations in Minneapolis and Colorado. I’m sure we’ll see each other at Smash Park soon. Don’t forget to reserve your spot on the pickleball court.