Please note that due to the COVID-19 outbreak, many of these locations have suspended or adjusted hours. Double-check before making plans and be sure to abide by all self-isolation and social distancing guidelines.
College life can get repetitive and boring. Going to class, studying, taking exams — it’s the never-ending cycle of student life. Sometimes it’s helpful to take a breather and just chill with friends. As summer break approaches, it is time to destress and reward the all-nighters, the early mornings and the long days. Though some feel that they have seen all there is to see in Kennesaw, there are a few hidden gems in the Kennesaw area that can eliminate boredom and offer great experiences with friends. Here are five places around KSU’s campus that provide a change of scenery from everyday college life.
Bowlero Bowling Alley
Bowling is a great bonding activity to do with your friends and Bowlero offers more than just bowling. With an array of attractions from state-of-the-art arcade games to their bowling lanes, bowling is an easy way to become active and engage in a little healthy competition. Also, Bowlero’s discounts are a hit among college students because let’s face it, we’re broke and we love a good deal. Plus, you never know who might see when you’re in having a blast at Bowlero.
A friend gave us free bowling passes one night and Tee Grizzley was bowling at Bowlero. We go to Bowlero every now and then and we’re pretty big on bowling, so it was pretty cool to go there and see a famous person in Kennesaw.”
Garret Simpson, Business Management
The Varsity
The Varsity is an all-time college favorite and lucky for KSU students, located less than three miles from campus. This place is fast-food heaven and who loves fast food more than college students? This old-school style restaurant gives students a break from local fast food eateries and the same-old campus options.
“We heard Will Ferrell was campaigning for Stacey Abrams and that he was going to the varsity at Town Center, so we went to the Varsity and in walks Will Ferrell.”
Michael Mathieson, Public Health
It’s confirmed — even Will Ferrell loves the Varsity!
Kennesaw Mountain
If you love being outdoors, hiking Kennesaw Mountain is a great option. Hiking is also a wonderful way to make new memories and obtain unique experiences with friends. How can you attend Kennesaw State University and not hike Kennesaw Mountain? It’s like going to PCB for spring break and not going to the beach. Kennesaw Mountain is also rich in history, making the experience much more than a regular workout.
“I’d say definitely go when they’re doing a tour so that someone can walk you through the history of the battle and try doing the junior ranger activity. The most exciting part was being sworn in as a junior ranger.”
Artis Trice, Geography
The Rec
If being outdoors isn’t your thing, but you’ve already made New Year’s resolutions to go to the gym, then consider KSU’s own Dr. Betty L. Siegel Student Recreation and Activities Center. The “I’m a broke college student” excuse is not going to cut it — you don’t even need a gym membership because the Rec is included in student fees. Would you look at that? You can even bring your friends along! Exercising with friends will motivate you and increase your likelihood of staying consistent with going to the gym.
“I play basketball at the Rec all the time and that’s how I met most of the people I know on campus.”
Cornelius Jefferies, Sports Management
Sparkles Kennesaw Skating Rink
Okay, so maybe the gym doesn’t exactly fit your definition of fun. Sparkles Kennesaw is a great alternative. Skating is an easy way to burn some calories and get active. The upside is that you won’t even know you’re exercising. If you love skating, Sparkles has an upbeat atmosphere perfect for hanging out with friends. And don’t fret college students; Sparkles has got you covered with discounts and weekly specials.
“I love sparkles and I go every chance I get on Mondays, because from 6 to 8 they have $3 entry and $3 skates. It’s great for college students and I get a good workout in.”
Nicole Muomah, Psychology
Throughout the college experience, classes and extracurricular activities can be rather exhausting and time-consuming. It’s important to try different activities and experience new places, once the schoolwork is done of course. Whether it’s on-campus or within a 10-mile radius, Kennesaw has a variety of neat places to go and exciting sights to visit.