Things To Do in Conyers

Starting in the mangrove swamps of South Florida as Tarzan’s Cup, The Jungle Cup tests runners’ warrior instincts and brute strength with a bevy of jungle-inspired challenges. Lone wolves, coed pairs, or teams of four take on the 5K course’s rivers of mud and swinging vines with the hope of winning the coveted Jungle Cup—or at least a finisher’s medal. Obstacles vary based on the run’s location, but contestants can rest assured that their endurance will be put to the test through primal trials such as leaping over fire pits, hurling javelins, and swimming through water hazards. After the race, athletes cool down with a frosty beverage at the Jungle Party, which celebrates their victories with fire shows, hula hoop-offs, and costume contests.

A holiday tradition and celebrated ballet, The Nutcracker entrances audiences with stunning choreography, elaborate sets, and a memorable score composed by classical-music legend Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. During his timeless tale of love and walnuts adorned with purple hearts, the Covington Regional Ballet brings to life the story of Clara as she follows her beloved wooden soldier from the Land of Snow into the Land of Sweets for a riveting yuletide adventure. Waltzing snowflakes, marching toy soldiers, and mischievous mice pirouette around a glowing Christmas tree, interacting with fellow dancers through exaggerated facial expressions, fluid dance moves, and two cans connected by a ribbon from a ballet slipper.

The Archery Learning Center arms bow masters of all skill and experience levels with the training they need to pierce the air. Along with hosting tournaments and outfitting its shop with the latest hunting and recreational bows, the indoor range lines its walls with fresh targets. Since its early days, when medieval archers shot arrows from the castle parapets to direct lost caravans to the village, archery has fostered focus, concentration, and the spirit of competition in people of all ages, from young kids to adults.

Threshing Floor Academy is a children's art and music program with a mission of helping children and families Find Purpose in the Arts™. The academy offers quality and innovative art, music, dance, culinary arts and fitness classes out of a 3,000 sq.ft.children's art gallery Tues.-Sat. and is open for field trips on Monday

A fourth-generation artist, Rose Handy has always made time for creating. After a rollercoaster ride of life changes and moves, Rose and her potter husband Paul opened their own gallery and class space. Joined by a staff of illustrators, quilters, watercolorists, and other artisans, the owners encourage Wild Child students to find their own artistic voices, whether they're hand-building a ceramic bowl, painting a family portrait, or fusing glass pieces together to make a new glass family. The search for new avenues of creativity also extends to the studio's class offerings; beginning in January 2013, aspiring artisans can learn the intricacies of handbuilding and wheel-based pottery techniques as part of the shop's newest curriculum.

At C2 It, LLC, horses are the helpers. Since 2007, the facility has offered equine-assisted therapies to individuals with multiple sclerosis, autism, Down Syndrome, and many other conditions. A pair of highly qualified professionals oversees these programs, including Caroline Jaffee, who is nationally certified through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International.

The facility's human staff joins forces with therapeutic horses, each of which goes through extensive training and must present a squeaky-clean criminal record before joining the C2 It team. Once on the relaxed, secluded property, the well-tempered steeds serve as both physical and mental therapists, helping special-needs visitors increase their strength, improve their motor skills, and build personal relationships.

Among the largest and most advanced paintball facilities in the Southeast, Shane’s Hot Shots Paintball & AirSoft is a tacticians dream. The expansive land resembles a battleground: shells of aircraft, abandoned forts, and stacks of tires litter the field. Paintball players and airsoft marksmen duke it out on their large fields during open-play matches, weaving between the obstacles and hiding in trenches. The fields are open on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Click here to see the park’s rules.