Things to Do in Forest Hill

Centrally located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and five minutes from Joe Pool Lake, Aqua Ryderz fits renters with a waterborne bronco from its fleet of Yamaha jet skis and sends them off for wave-riding adventures. The outfit keeps its armada in tip-top shape, meaning riders’ safety will never be at a risk because of a faulty machine or vindictive barnacles. Lake drop-off service can be reserved at all Dallas¬-Fort Worth–area lakes and allows riders to avoid the hassles of towing and putting jet skis into the water.

At Off Duty Armory, instructors with backgrounds ranging from hunting to anti-terrorism operations supervise a seven-lane indoor pistol range. Within this climate-controlled facility, a HEPA filtration system vanquishes discharged particles from the air, and an auto-retrieve system places targets up to 25 yards away. In addition to overseeing open range times, the instructors lead classes that include standard NRA courses, ladies-only sessions, and one-on-one training. Off Duty Armory also houses a pro shop, where weapon experts dispense advice on both armed and non-lethal forms of self-defense.

As a mother of three, Krystal Gray envisioned owning a studio where children and adults could explore their creative sides together. That vision materialized when she took over ownership of The Art Barn Studio, a place that lavishes visitors with all of the materials and inspiration required to create their own unique masterpieces. A cow-print storefront beckons creative minds into a colorful studio where friendly staffers—including seasoned artists and local high-school students—help guests to create and decorate custom works of art including pottery, mosaics, and jewelry. Artists who don't finish crafting their project or debating politics with their muse in The Art Barn Studio's regular operating hours—Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.—may pay a return-visit fee and finish it at a later time.