Things to Do in Coppell

Abiding by the Center for Outdoor Ethics’ Leave No Trace principles, the adventurous guides at North Texas Outdoor Pursuit Center train bodies and minds to venture into deep wildernesses or up sheer cliffs without marring nature with evidence of their excursions. A map room and library help climbers plot eco-conscious regional excursions near Mineral Wells or the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge or explore wilderness courses that reveal Guadalupe National Park’s steep summits or Ouachita National Forest’s uniformed raccoon park rangers. Dominated by a soaring 120-foot climbing wall, the center’s gym bustles with preparatory activity as guides test students’ ascent abilities and improve their form with instructive, one-on-one critiques.

Since 1980, the Irving Arts Center Dallas has beckoned families and performers to its arts-focused grounds sprawled across 10 verdant acres. A quartet of galleries exhibits rotating collections of multihued magnum opuses, and a sculpture garden flourishes with innovative fountains and towering clay installation pieces that switch places when no one is looking. More than just a feast for the eyes, the arts center also educates youngsters and their familial units with summer camps and programs such as story time throughout the year.

Gondola Adventures sets quartets afloat on the Mandalay Canal and Lake Carolyn for a melodious aquatic outing spiced with Venetian charm. After boarding a sleek, electric craft or traditional single-oar gondola, wayfarers skim the water's surface to the tune of their gondolier's private serenade or the soothing softness of prerecorded romantic tunes. Gourmet chocolates and cider nourish tummy butterflies as the ship glides into sheltered inlets with views of cascading falls—a cue for sweethearts to lock lips and for wooden figureheads to shield their eyes and giggle. As the lake-top explorations wind down, the gondolas skate back to the docks along the unshared waterways, allowing guests to enjoy total solitude aside from the occasional patrol craft or stork addicted to peek-a-boo.

Sports stars and memorabilia exhibitors blitz through the doors at Show Business Studios during Gameday Connexion's three-day Gameday FanFest. A still-growing lineup of current and former professional athletes, legends, and Hall of Famers will be on hand throughout the weekend, including Dallas Cowboys icons Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, and Kevin Williams. Instead of continuing to fill their mantels with caps worn by high-profile tackling dummies, attendees can build up memorabilia portfolios while browsing the trading cards, collectibles, and team attire showcased by more than 80 vendors. Official authenticators will be in attendance to oversee autograph sessions, which will be squeezed into each day's packed agenda of scheduled events.

Sudsy brews slosh in clink-ready cups at the third annual North Texas Beer and Wine Festival, which takes up residence at the new Irving Convention Center on Saturday, May 12. Once the doors open to the general public at 2 p.m., imbibers can snack on high-end eats from the likes of Velvet Taco and The Ranch in Las Colinas, and sample the wares of local and international brewers from Imperial and Franconia. These brewmasters sling samples of hundreds of different beers, from classic signature brews to new, experimental creations. Just one of several enriching presentations on the schedule, Kelly Harris of Homebrew Headquarters edifies entrepreneurs and enthusiasts at 2:45 p.m. with an introductory course to home brewing. In a sprawling beer garden, live music from The Superkings and Dallas All Stars Blues Jam serenades sippers in the afternoon hours, easing eardrums into the VIP-only event featuring Band of Brothers and Zionaura.