Things to Do in Coral Springs

As it turns out, the futuristic vision of flying men conceived of in the pages of comic books is possible thanks to a simple 250-horsepower engine and some water. Those specs describe the clever, gravity-defying contraptions that give the company Rocketman its name. Trainers strap adventurers into self-stabilizing packs that are propelled by two jet streams of water. They then teach their charges the basics of controlling the packs, and unleash them to play and fly over the waters of the ocean, river, or bay. The packs can easily lift passengers up to 30 feet above the surface of the water, providing stunning views, an unparalleled sense of freedom, and a great way to retrieve your stolen sunglasses from a seagull.

A former professional boxer, Howard Davis, Jr. lays claim to some staggering accomplishments. He won the New York Golden Gloves while still an amateur, made it into the 1976 Olympics where he earned a gold medal and was awarded the Val Barker Trophy for all-around style, and worked as the striking coach for such iconic MMA fighters as Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell and Thiago Silva. In 2010, he turned his love of the sport into a venue to promote young fighters by creating Fight Time Promotions. Anchored by a professional series that organizes five cards per year, Fight Time showcases some of Florida's most promising MMA and kickboxing talents. It also features an amateur division for young fighters, who work toward a professional career by perfecting hand-to-hand techniques that can impress in the cage.

State-of-the-art facilities at Sapphire Stables host riding lessons, summer camps, and birthday parties, teaching riders of all abilities how to ride and care for horses. Situated next to Tradewinds Park, Sapphire Stables has access to miles of trails in addition to its 1-acre riding arena. Here, the stable's instructors cement bonds between rider and steed during lessons that teach how to groom, tack up, and ride a horse without training wheels. Pupils choose between the styles of English or Western riding techniques, but before doing so, they must demonstrate mastery of fundamentals including balance and control.

Opening the Acts 2 Acres Equestrian Center was an ideal decision for Michelle Alvarez, who was eager to make use of both her teaching experience and her lifelong passion for owning and showing horses. Today, her center specializes in training young riders in beginner lessons, which journey through nearby Tradewinds Park's scenic trails and focus on fundamentals such as safety, care, horsemanship, and grooming.

Youth may enjoy mornings at Pony Club or entire days at equestrian camp playing games, filling their noggins with educational material, and riding horses. Acts 2 Acres Equestrian Center is approved by the Girl Scouts of Broward County, meaning that the facility's experienced instructors are accustomed to teaching girl scouts and receiving payment in the form of thin-mint cookies.

A Latte Fun Indoor Playground and Café brims with happy chatter, which drifts from regular classes, special events, and open playtime seven days a week.

Children frolic across multicolored carpeted floors in a 6,000-square-foot playroom, exploring climbing structures, foam pits, and a floor-level trampoline that is kept safe by rounded edges, extensive padding, and declawed teddy bears. The playground eschews video games, prize games, and violent toys, instead letting older children don animal costumes in the dress-up area, while toddlers younger than 2 romp in their own play pit and toy bins. Cool zephyrs of air conditioning sweep contented sighs away from zebra-print sofas or onyx-hued wooden tables, where adults peruse a gourmet café menu. A boutique toy store extends the center's positive attitude toward play into homes with a slew of unique gifts and rare and eclectic toys.

A private room reverberates with the youthful energy of A Latte Fun Indoor Playground and Café's classes, formal functions, and parties, which staff members provide with refreshments, cake, and decorations. At least two assistants remain on hand at kids’ events to provide full setup, cleanup, and supervision to ward off squabbles that arise when imaginary friends show up wearing the same outfits.

Mobile Gaming Events’s owner Jessy gives a new definition to "playing outside." With stations that can be set up beneath tents, his team of gaming experts let party guests play Xbox 360 and Wii consoles amid fresh air and spectating squirrels (game stations can also be set up indoors). Thirty-six-inch TVs or projector screens beam the familiar faces of characters from dozens of games, such as Halo 3 and Mario Kart. Mobile Gaming Events crew also brings along dance pads so players can master DDR and microphones so they can belt out karaoke.