Things to Do in Cedar Hill

Landscaped holes sprawl across the grounds of Putt-Putt Fun Center's three locations, challenging visitors to take hold of putters and test their short game. Besides putt-putt golf, the fun havens fight boredom with batting cages that hurl baseballs and the occasional tomato at various speeds. At Alley Cats in Arlington, visitors can enjoy activities including laser tag, bowling, rock climbing, and a selection of arcade games. During the summer months, all four locations host summer camps that engage children in age- appropriate activities that inspire learning while incorporating the facilities attractions.

Wings & Slicks' professional instructors pass on heart-pumping tutelage during stunt-driving and formula-car-racing experiences in the United States and Canada. The pro drivers impart pupils with the skills needed to execute a variety of as-seen-on-TV stunts, including slalom-course runs and reverse 180-degree spins, or to navigate the track in a Formula 2000 car capable of going from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than three seconds. Each once-in-a-lifetime adventure revs up adrenalin levels while prioritizing safety; every experience begins with a lesson and includes protective equipment. Wings & Slicks, which was recently featured in a The Globe and Mail story, also baits competitive edges with timed events that pit drivers head-to-head in a test of dexterity, skill, and not closing one’s eyes during the hard parts.

Movie Tavern transfixes one's taste buds and imagination by blending all-digital cinema with premium seating and sit-down dining. Moviegoers are encouraged to arrive 45 minutes prior to showtime, so that they can leisurely peruse an extensive menu of chef-inspired American cuisine, from kobe beef sliders to pizza and sandwiches. Nimble and unobtrusive servers slip in during the show to deliver orders, and can be called on for more drinks or dessert with the push of a button. At select locations, guests can opt to sip margaritas or signature cocktails at the bar before heading in to see a show. Audiences get to enjoy first-run films every week, retro cinema every Tuesday and Thursday evening, and breakfast food paired with early morning movies on Saturday and Sunday. While geared toward adults, the family-friendly establishment also serves finger food for kiddies along with film-inspired dishes. Guests can head to the bar or straight to the movie without ordering food, giving them some latitude in shaping their night out.

Additionally, Movie Tavern treats audiences to myriad benefits with their membership program. Anyone can sign up for free online to receive one free movie ticket on the spot and one free ticket every year on their birthday, as well as invites to screenings and other special events.

For more than three decades, the Hudson family has fostered a fun, safe environment for exercise at Red Bird Skateland. The glossy roller rink welcomes the public during open skate hours, and hosts birthday parties as well. Bashes can be held during public skate hours, or birthday kids can opt for private celebrations, which lets partygoers skate unimpeded by strangers after feasting on cake.

For 35 years, Valerie Compton has dipped her toes into every aspect of fitness. She followed up her experience in track and field and tennis by building her career as a personal trainer, and she later branched out into Power Pilates, Spinning, and nutrition. When she designed BarreFusion in 2006, she struck upon the latest trend in fitness. Today, Valerie surrounds herself with instructors who channel their experience as classical dancers, gymnastics, and triathletes to lead rigorous barre classes.

Valerie starts her instruction with a BarreLite class that introduces newcomers to the proper forms and techniques to master fundamentals. From there, she encourages students to test out a number of other classes. The popular BarreFusion class combines Pilates, yoga, ballet, and light weights to sculpt legs and cores. She also offers Spinning classes that challenge students with a high-energy, aerobic workout that mimics cycling in front of stampeding wildebeests.

The self-guided tour of Cowboys Stadium starts at the arena's pro shop and grants unfettered access to the field below for children (up to a $14.50 value), adults (up to a $17.50 value), and seniors (up to a $14.50 value). Once there, visitors are free to throw passes, snap some photos, choreograph their own hubris-riddled touchdown dance, or pose proudly on the famous Cowboys star while staring skyward at one of the largest video screens in the world. The tour also makes numerous behind-the-scenes stops, including the Cowboys' locker room, the postgame interview room, the players' game-day entrance, the Miller Lite Club, the cheerleaders' locker room, and the secret robot-player underground laboratory.