How Much Does Axe Throwing Cost?

Last Updated on April 9, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Axe throwing has exploded in popularity as a unique recreational activity and competitive sport over the past decade. But many wonder, how much does it actually cost to try axe throwing at an urban venue or specialty range?

This guide breaks down the typical pricing structures for public axe-throwing sessions, private events, league participation, safety gear needs, and more hidden costs.

At most venues, a 60-90 minute walk-in session costs around $20 to $40 per person. Booking private events starts around $200 per hour while joining axe-throwing leagues averages $100 to $300 per season. Rates vary based on location, group size, peak demand times, and other variables. We’ll explore the nuances so you know what to expect before stepping up to stick your first axe.

How Much Does Axe Throwing Cost?

Here are the standard price ranges per person for public axe-throwing sessions:

• Walk-in public sessions – $20 to $40 per person for 60-90 minute sessions. Online reservations guarantee your throwing spot.
• Group bookings – $20 to $35 per person in a group of 6 or more booking concurrently for a 1-2 hour session. Lower per-person rates apply for larger groups of up to 20.
• League play practice – $20 to $30 per person for 1-2 hours of recreational league axe throwing practice and warm-up competition. League registration fees additional – see below.

Note that rates may be slightly higher in major metropolitan areas with extremely high demand and at trendy “premiere” axe-throwing venues. But most locations try to keep session costs affordable for newcomers to try the activity.

Prices at Axe Throwing Venues

Axe Throwing Session Overview

For those new to the sport, here’s an overview of what a typical 60-90 minute public axe-throwing session entails:

• Checking in and waiver signing
• Overview of safety protocols and basic throwing technique by a certified coach
• Suiting up with protective gloves and gear (often available to rent)
• 60-90 minutes of throwing time, taking turns with provided axes at the wooden targets
• Each person gets their own throwing lane within a caged arena for safety
• Fun contests like highest individual score or creative trick shots
• Photos and videos available for purchase at most venues
• Socializing and spectating other throwers

Walk-in sessions accommodate individuals and smaller groups of up to 6 people. Larger groups require reservations to ensure enough lanes. Sessions focus on learning a new skill in a fun, engaging setting – no prior experience is needed!

Factors That Impact Axe Throwing Session Costs

Several factors affect the per-person axe throwing pricing at any given venue:

• Location – More urban venues in city centers tend to have higher operating costs that translate to higher session rates.
• Session duration – Two hour bookings naturally cost more than a single hour due to extended lane access.
• Group size – Bulk discounts of around 10-20% off standard rates apply to larger groups booking concurrently. Corporate group rates also available.
• Peak demand times – Weekend evenings are the most popular and therefore most expensive. Weekday afternoon sessions are generally the cheapest.
• Membership level – Valid league members get access to discounted session rates during certain blocks as a membership perk.

You might also like our articles on the cost of archery lessons, rage room sessions, or laser tag sessions.

League Participation and Registration

Joining an axe throwing league costs more upfront but enhances the experience with regular competition, events, and member benefits:

• League registration – Typically $100 to $200 per person to join a league for a multi-week season. Some pro leagues cost up to $500.
• Weekly or monthly matches – $20 to $30 per match night including 1-2 hours of throwing.
• End of season championships, parties, award events – Optional added fees of around $25 to $50 each.
• Merchandise – League jerseys, hats, and logo gear available for $25 to $75.

League members often receive discounted session rates outside of matches as a valuable perk.

Private Events and Parties at Axe Throwing Venues

Booking a private party or corporate team event costs significantly more since you are reserving the venue exclusively:

• Small private events for 8-12 people – $200 to $400 per hour with minimum hours required depending on day and time.
• Large events for 20+ people – $300+ per hour usually. More coaches needed.
• Add-ons like food, beverage packages, extra coaching, and professional event photos can increase costs by $25-$100+ per person.

Many venues offer set packages with standard amenities like a 1-hour session, gear rental, mini tournament and light refreshments starting around $50 per person for a minimum group size.

What Other Costs Might I Encounter?

Some other potential axe throwing expenses to be aware of:

• Safety gear rental – $5 to $10 per session if not automatically included.
• Specialty axe rental – $10 to $20 per axe to try different styles.
• Spectator or non-thrower fees – Some venues charge $5 to $20 for those not participating.
• Food and drinks – Varies if offered on-site, expect typical sports bar pricing.
• Merchandise – Branded t-shirts, hats, gloves, and accessories for $15 to $60 each.

Tips for Saving Money on Axe Throwing

You can reduce axe-throwing costs through strategies like:

• Booking weekday or Sunday daytime sessions to avoid peak demand surcharges on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Checking venues’ social media for special limited discounts and promotions before booking.
• Asking about “happy hour” pricing for early slots right when the venue opens.
• Seeing if your company or school qualify for bulk corporate rate discounts.
• Attending free anniversary or open house events some venues host.
• Seeing if spectator fees can be waived if you’ll have non-throwers join.

Final Words

Axe throwing offers an accessible, unique, and exhilarating recreational activity for all skill levels rather than an expensive sport. While pricing varies, group rates and off-peak booking help make it an affordable night out.

Consider joining a league if you really enjoy the thrill of sticking axes into wood targets! With the right timing and venue choice, axe throwing provides hours of entertainment without breaking your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 1 hour enough for axe throwing?

One hour is generally enough time for most people to enjoy and get the full experience at an axe throwing venue. Here’s what to expect from a typical 1-hour session:

• 15 minutes for gearing up, safety overview, and basic throwing instruction
• 30-40 minutes of actual throwing time, allowing for 10-15 throws per person
• 5 minutes for scoring, contests, photos
• Wrap up and exit

An hour gives ample opportunity to learn proper technique and get into a throwing rhythm. Two hours allows more practice plus socializing. Consider extending if really getting into a competition. But for many, a 1-hour public session or private event provides satisfying axe throwing fun.

How much do you tip for axe throwing?

Tipping at axe throwing venues is customary as a sign of appreciation, just like any service industry. Here are some axe throwing tipping guidelines:

• Public Sessions: Tip your coach/instructor $5-10 per person. Tip on the total session cost, not per throw.
• Private Events: Add a 10-20% tip to the total event cost, divided amongst the staff.
• Food and Drinks: Tip 15-20% for servers and bartenders if applicable.

If taking photos, tip $5-10 total to the photographer. No need to tip the venue owner directly. Cash tips are preferred. Tip based on group size and service satisfaction.

Has anyone gotten hurt axe throwing?

With proper safety protocols and supervision in place, axe throwing has an excellent safety record. Venues take precautions like:

• Protective chain link cages surrounding throwing lanes.
• Ensuring only one person throws at a time per lane.
• Required closed-toe shoes and no loose clothing.
• Certified coaches monitoring throwing and providing instruction.
• Keeping spectators behind the thrower.

The biggest risks are improperly secured axes rebounding off the target or horseplay with thrown axes. But serious injuries are very rare at supervised venues following safety best practices. Take comfort knowing axe throwing is safer than many other sports when done properly.