Dallas Outdoor Activities

For the past 20 years, Zero Gravity has been one of Dallas’ primary sources of satisfied screams, launching Texans into lower orbit with palpitating rides that test the confines of physics. Thrill-seekers can exhaust adrenaline reserves on five hair-raising attractions, including the seven-story bungee jump, the Skycoaster, and the Texas Blastoff, which acts like a giant slingshot that rockets riders 70 miles per hour toward the sky the nearest medieval watchtower. Nothin’ but Net sends amusement park goers plummeting on a 130-foot freefall, and the Skyscraper's enormous propellers whip guests around with 4 gees of force before serving up views of the city’s stunning skyline. Thanks to precautions designed specifically for each ride, Zero Gravity boasts a flawless safety record, whereas the park’s flexible schedule jump-starts hearts seven days per week.

Spread across 66 acres, Dallas Arboretum's 14 themed gardens showcase the broad biodiversity of Texas' unique climate. The arboretum's collection sprouts annual blooms and old growth, from the more than 2,000 varieties of azaleas populating the Margaret Elisabeth Jonsson Color Garden to the century-old Japanese maple accenting the Nancy Rutchik Red Maple Rill. Landscaping work is showcased as well: A Woman's Garden has won national acclaim for its formal terraces, reflecting pools, and flowerbeds that spell out No Boys Allowed.

Amid the greenery, workshop series and concerts draw in more than just botanists. Events such as rock music, wine tastings, and photography classes provide a festive contrast to the peaceful backdrop of towering trees and nearby White Rock Lake.

In 1979, millionaire Donald J. Carter and Mavericks' founding president, Norm Sonju, began making efforts to secure an NBA team in Dallas. His dream became a reality at the 1980 All-Star game, when league owners voted to admit the new franchise for an entry fee of $12 million and Mr. Carter's entire baseball-card collection. The newly formed Mavs experienced quick success, making the postseason six times during their first decade. The 1990s proved not so kind, however; the team failed to make the playoffs even once. That ineptitude came to a prompt halt with the start of the new millennium, when, under a fresh and outspoken ownership regime, the team set off a string of 12 straight playoff appearances, highlighted by its first NBA title in 2011.

LoneStar Sports and Social Club creates year-round opportunities for individuals to play a variety of team sports in a fun, social atmosphere that continues into league-sponsored happy hours and lasts long after the games are over.

The Austin BagTag serves as a VIP pass for golfcionados who wish to muster extra value out of their swinging season. BagTag holders can waltz into any of five participating courses and, with the purchase of a cart rental, can putt and wedge their way through some of the area’s finest golf terrain. Golfers may play one round of golf anytime on Mondays and Thursdays, as well as another on Fridays and Sundays after 1 p.m., for a total of two rounds per course. As you sample the lush courses, you'll have plenty of opportunities to practice using a 7 iron as a machete in thick foliage, “accidentally” cast a crocodile shadow puppet on putting lines, and peruse the latest issue of Golfweek to entertain your eyeballs during especially long cart rides. Embark on a bevy of memorable golf adventures with today’s Groupon, or gift your golf-lovin' pa a birthday present that'll get more use than last year's misshapen ashtray necktie.

A coalition of ice arenas endorsed by the Dallas Stars, Dr Pepper StarCenters help nurture athletes of all ages and skill levels with activities on or off the ice. Dr Pepper StarCenters house NHL-regulation ice-hockey rinks that host hockey leagues for players of all ages, eradicating the need to play on dangerous frozen lakes dotted with irritable frozen geese. StarCenters' skate schools instill students with the fundamentals of ice hockey or figure skating, allowing them to progress to hockey leagues and local skating competitions if they choose. To warm up after laps around the Euless ice rink, skaters can check out the onsite baseball stadium, batting cages, soccer fields, and Texas Star Golf Course. All locations are open for birthday parties and special events; see each location's website for details.