Pinball to Padel: Five throwback activities to rediscover this summer
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Everything old is new again. So why not give one of these throwback activities a go this summer – who knows, you might discover a new (old) fave!?
From ball sports to Bridge, pinball to padel, these five nostalgic ways to play are a great way to shake up your social life.
Pinball
Pinball has been going through a global revival for a while now, and is developing fast in the territory with machines dotted about in bars, arcades and homes.
ACT Pinball ran two monthly tournaments in 2025 at The Baso and the Bowling Club in Belconnen, and will move southside in 2026 with a brand new comp open to all at The Alby in Woden on 19 January.
All seven machines being played are made by American company Jersey Jack Pinball, and the lineup features the new and widely acclaimed Harry Potter pinball.
Croquet
Once the preserve of country estates, croquet is making a comeback as both a social pastime and competitive sport. Often described as like playing chess on a lawn, it’s a game for all ages and skill levels.
The Canberra Croquet Club has three full-size lawns, and its Heritage Clubhouse is next to Canberra’s historic Hyatt Hotel. There are four mallet sports on offer: gateball, golf croquet, association croquet and ricochet, and all are played at both social and competitive level. Check out the website for match times and full details.
Belconnen Croquet Club plays at Belconnen Bowling Club in Hawker. There are a variety of sessions across the week for social games of golf croquet, and all skill levels, genders, and age groups are welcome. You can sign up for an introductory session here and check out playing times here.
Bridge
This classic card game has been a social staple for generations, and if you’ve ever wanted to learn, now’s your chance.
Classes for beginners start at the Canberra Bridge Club in Deakin on Wednesday 7 January. Bridge is said to improve logical thinking and sharpen memory, and the club offers a fun, friendly, and supportive environment with some of the best teachers in Australia.
To register, call 6282 2382 or visit canberrabridgeclub.com.au
Table Tennis Collective
Table tennis might remind you of basement rec rooms and youth clubs, but it’s experiencing a renaissance as a serious sport and casual hobby alike.
Table Tennis Collective is a hub for enthusiasts of all ages, skill levels and backgrounds. They offer coaching sessions and casual, recreational play, catering to everyone from beginners to advanced players, with options for kids, too.
Ideal for a fun day out with friends or for anyone looking to start a new hobby, you’ll find them in Building 3 at Dairy Road in Fyshwick.
Battle it out over Padel and Pickleball
These racquet sports have been around since the mid-20th century but are now enjoying a surge in popularity as fun, social alternatives to tennis.
The Canberra Raquet Club (right across from the Fyshwick Markets) is a great way to shake up your fitness routine. So enjoyable that you’ll forget you’re exercising, the 4,000-square-metre complex is home to six padel courts and four pickleball courts, offering a premium playing experience unlike anything else in Canberra.
And if that doesn’t inspire you to book a court, the clubhouse serves Redbrick coffee from 6 am until 8 pm every day and also has a fully stocked bar!
