Axe throwing has emerged as one of the most exciting recreational activities in recent years, combining skill, precision, and the primal satisfaction of hurling a sharp object at a wooden target.
As its popularity continues to grow across the United States and beyond, many potential participants wonder about the cost involved. Whether you’re planning a birthday celebration, corporate team-building event, or just looking for a unique weekend activity, understanding the pricing structure for axe throwing can help you budget accordingly.
Standard Axe Throwing Costs: What to Expect
The cost of axe throwing varies depending on several factors, including your location, the type of session you book, group size, and any additional services or packages you select. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of typical axe throwing costs across the United States.
Walk-In Sessions and Individual Pricing
For individuals or small groups looking to try axe throwing without a special event package, most venues offer standard walk-in sessions or hourly rates.
According to The Pricer, “At most venues, a 60-90 minute walk-in session costs around $20 to $40 per person.” This price typically includes basic instruction, equipment, and lane time for throwing.
Some typical individual pricing structures include:
| Session Type | Average Cost | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Hour Session | $20-$40 per person | Basic instruction, equipment, lane time |
| 90-Minute Session | $30-$55 per person | Extended lane time, more throws, sometimes additional games |
| 2-Hour Session | $35-$65 per person | Full instruction, tournament-style play, more throws |
Individual venues may have different pricing structures. For instance, NY Axe charges “$39.96 for 60 minutes or $55.95 for 90 minutes” at most of their locations. Prices can vary significantly based on region and venue amenities.
Group Rates and Discounts
Most axe throwing venues offer group rates that provide better value when booking for multiple participants.
According to Lumber Jack’s Axe Throwing, “Most facilities offer multiple packages that range from $20 per person for an hour to $50 or more.” When booking as a group, you’ll often receive a discount on the per-person rate or additional perks.
Group pricing typically follows this structure:
| Group Size | Average Cost Per Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6-10 people | $25-$35 | Usually includes dedicated lane(s) |
| 11-20 people | $23-$32 | Often includes tournament organization |
| 20+ people | $20-$30 | May include private section or facility |
Some venues, like Total Axe, offer pricing based on lane or arena rental rather than per person: “Up to 10 people for every arena (2 targets) $125 per 2 targets for 1 hour. $200 for 2 hours, $250 for 3 hours.” This can be more economical for larger groups sharing lanes.
Special Event Pricing
Birthday Parties
Birthday party packages often include special perks along with standard axe throwing sessions.
Axe of Faith states their pricing as: “Our base rate is $25 per person per hour for adults and $15 per person per hour for students.” They also offer birthday packages with additional amenities.
Birthday packages typically include:
- Reserved lanes for your group
- Safety instruction and coaching
- Tournament organization
- Some venues offer birthday-specific perks like special targets or photo opportunities
- Private party room access (at some venues)
Some venues offer birthday discounts. For example, Game of Axes offers birthday bundles and special rates for birthday celebrants.
Corporate Events
Corporate events and team-building packages typically cost more per person but include additional services tailored to professional groups.
Bad Axe Throwing reports that “Costs for corporate events that have more than 35+ people are $35+tax/person.” Their corporate packages often include structured team-building activities and tournaments.
Corporate packages typically include:
- Reserved lanes or private venue access
- Professional coaching and instruction
- Structured team-building games and tournaments
- Sometimes include catering options or beverage service
- Customizable formats based on organizational needs
Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties
Similar to birthday parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties often have special package offerings at axe throwing venues.
These packages typically range from $30-$50 per person and may include:
- Extended throwing time (usually 2 hours)
- Tournament organization
- Special games and competitions
- At venues with alcohol service, sometimes drink packages are included
Additional Costs and Add-Ons
Beyond the base price of axe throwing sessions, venues often offer additional services or upgrades that can affect the total cost.
Weapon Variety Upgrades
Some venues offer the opportunity to throw more than just standard axes. For example, Total Axe offers a “Ninja Package – Batwings, Metal Cards, Shovels | add $10 per thrower” and a “Choose your Arsenal” option where you can add different throwing implements for “$5 per item per thrower.”
Food and Beverage
Many axe throwing venues have different policies regarding food and drink:
- In-house service: Some venues offer food and beverages for purchase, including alcoholic options where permitted
- BYOB venues: Some locations allow you to bring your own beverages (including alcohol at certain locations)
- Catering packages: For special events, many venues offer catering packages or allow external catering
Private Venue Rental
For larger events, many venues offer full facility rentals:
| Type of Rental | Typical Cost | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Partial Venue | $500-$1,500 | 20-50 people |
| Full Venue | $1,000-$3,000 | 40-100+ people |
| Extended Hours | $200-$500 per hour | Varies |
Private rentals often include dedicated staff, customized experiences, and the ability to bring in outside food and beverages.
League and Tournament Costs
For those interested in competitive axe throwing, joining leagues offers regular throwing opportunities at a different price structure.
League Membership
Craft Axe Throwing offers leagues “starting at $135 for 8 weeks.” Most leagues run for 6-8 weeks and include weekly matches, coaching, and tournament play.
According to Bad Axe Throwing, their “axe throwing leagues are only $17/week” with a total cost between “$135 and $285 depending on how many leagues you join.”
League costs typically include:
- Weekly matches (usually 1-2 hours each)
- Professional scoring and tournament organization
- End-of-season championships
- Often include discounts on practice sessions
Tournament Entry Fees
For one-off tournaments rather than full league participation, costs typically range from:
- Local tournaments: $30-$50 entry fee
- Regional championships: $50-$100 entry fee
- National competitions: $100+ entry fee
Regional Price Variations
Axe throwing costs vary significantly based on location. Here’s a general overview of regional price differences:
| Region | Average Cost for 1-Hour Session | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast (NYC, Boston) | $35-$45 per person | Higher costs reflect urban real estate prices |
| Southeast (Atlanta, Florida) | $25-$35 per person | Mid-range pricing with more BYOB options |
| Midwest (Chicago, Columbus) | $20-$35 per person | More competitive pricing |
| West Coast (LA, Seattle) | $30-$40 per person | Premium pricing in urban centers |
| Southwest (Texas, Arizona) | $25-$30 per person | Often includes longer sessions |
For example, Lumber Jack’s Axe Throwing in Los Angeles charges “$30 for an entire hour of axe throwing fun,” while venues in New York City typically charge closer to $40 for the same amount of time.
Mobile Axe Throwing Costs
For those interested in bringing axe throwing to their own events, mobile axe throwing services offer another option with different pricing structures.
Event Rental Pricing
Mobile axe throwing trailers and setups typically have flat-rate pricing rather than per-person costs:
| Duration | Typical Cost | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Hours | $750-$1,500 | Basic setup with 1-2 targets, staff, equipment |
| 4-6 Hours | $1,500-$2,500 | Extended time, sometimes more targets |
| Full Day | $2,500-$4,000 | Comprehensive service for festivals or large events |
Game of Axes offers mobile trailer rentals at “$750/3 hrs” with the ability to accommodate unlimited guests during that time period.
Mobile Axe Throwing Considerations
Mobile services typically include:
- Transportation to your event location
- Setup and teardown
- Safety barriers and targets
- Axes and equipment
- Staff for instruction and supervision
- Some offer additional features like LED lighting or themed decorations
Factors Affecting Axe Throwing Costs
Several factors can influence the cost of axe throwing beyond just regional differences:
Peak vs. Off-Peak Pricing
Many venues charge premium rates for prime-time slots:
- Weekday afternoons: Often 10-20% cheaper
- Weekend evenings: Premium pricing, sometimes 10-25% higher
- Holiday periods: May incur additional premiums
Venue Amenities
The level of amenities at a venue significantly affects pricing:
- Basic venues: Lower pricing, minimal additional services
- Premium venues: Higher pricing, but include better facilities, food and beverage service, and additional activities
- Hybrid entertainment centers: Mid-range pricing, but offer other activities besides axe throwing
Group Size Discounts
Larger groups almost always receive better per-person rates:
- Individual rates: Highest per-person cost
- Small groups (4-8): Modest discounts
- Large groups (12+): Significant discounts
- Corporate or private events: Customized pricing with potential for substantial savings
Cost-Saving Tips
If you’re looking to enjoy axe throwing on a budget, consider these money-saving strategies:
Timing Strategies
- Book during off-peak hours: Weekday afternoons and evenings typically offer better rates than weekend slots
- Look for happy hour specials: Some venues offer discounted rates during specific hours
- Take advantage of seasonal promotions: Many venues run special offers during slower seasons
Package Optimization
- Maximize group size: The per-person cost almost always decreases with larger groups
- Combine with other activities: Some entertainment complexes offer discounts when booking multiple activities
- Look for bundled packages: Birthday, corporate, or special event packages often provide better value than standard rates
Promotional Opportunities
- First-time thrower discounts: Many venues offer special rates for first-time visitors
- Social media promotions: Follow venues on social media for special offers and flash sales
- Membership programs: Regular throwers might benefit from league membership or loyalty programs
Conclusion: Is Axe Throwing Worth the Cost?
When considering the value of axe throwing as an activity, it’s helpful to compare it to other entertainment options:
| Activity | Typical Cost Per Person/Hour | Duration | Value Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axe Throwing | $25-$40 | 1-2 hours | Unique experience with instruction |
| Bowling | $15-$25 | 1-2 hours | Similar social activity, lower skill ceiling |
| Escape Room | $25-$35 | 1 hour | One-time puzzle solving experience |
| Movie Theater | $12-$20 | 2-3 hours | Passive entertainment |
| Indoor Golf | $30-$50 | 1-2 hours | Similar skill-based activity |
Axe throwing provides a distinctive combination of:
- Skill development opportunity
- Social interaction
- Physical activity
- Competitive element
- Novelty factor
For most participants, the unique experience and memorable nature of axe throwing justifies the cost, particularly for special occasions or group outings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do axe throwing venues charge for spectators?
Most venues do not charge for non-throwing spectators, though policies vary. According to Extreme Axe, “There is no charge for Spectators non-throwers.” However, some venues limit the number of spectators or require them to register for safety and capacity reasons.
Are there additional fees beyond the listed prices?
Yes, many venues charge additional fees. These commonly include:
- Tax (varies by location)
- Gratuity (often automatically added for larger groups)
- Booking fees for online reservations
- Equipment fees at some locations
Always check for the final price including all fees when budgeting for your axe throwing experience.
Do I need to pay a deposit when booking?
Most venues require some form of deposit or prepayment. According to Dueling Axes, “We take deposits online during the checkout process, or over the phone.” Deposit amounts typically range from the cost of 1-2 people up to 50% of the total booking value.
Are there discounts for children or students?
Yes, many venues offer discounted rates for children and students. For example, Axe of Faith charges “$25 per person per hour for adults and $15 per person per hour for students.” Age restrictions vary by venue, so check the minimum age requirements before booking for children.
How do league costs compare to casual throwing sessions?
League membership typically offers better value for regular throwers. While the upfront cost is higher (often $100-$200 for a full season), the per-session cost is much lower than casual throwing. For example, Bad Axe Throwing charges “only $17/week” for league play compared to their standard rates for casual sessions.
