Things to Do in Garland

The sun twinkles over the lakefront as a jet ski speeds across the water's surface, churning a trail of foam in its wake. This image is ever-present across Lake Ray Hubbard, where DFWJetskis' fleet of personal watercraft lets visitors steer themselves toward watery adventures and schools of wild goldfish crackers. The CPR-certified staff keeps a watchful eye as high-performance jet skis enter the water for single rides or rentals that last up to a day. For alternate modes of water transportation, staffers can rent out standup paddleboards or help to find a fish that's big enough for a saddle.

Founded by equine expert Sharon North-Pohl, who draws on more than 20 years of experience in training and rescuing horses, Willow Pond Ranch's trainers provide rich educational experiences during lessons and day camps. At the redwood-ensconced ranch’s riding school, students are matched with one of 17 gentle horses and ponies after instructors consider skill level, personality, and quality of whinny. The covered riding arena enables educational trotting even when rabid snowflakes are on the prowl in the scenic foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, where the horse-rescuing ranch nestles its stables.

When Kristina Bauer—a yoga veteran with 20 years of experience and 1,000 classes under her mat—opened Yoga Synergy Spa, she wanted to create a space that felt more like a home than a gym or a corporate chain. Today, her studio glows with her own homemade candles while yogis lead guests through various styles of yoga, including heated Vinyasa flow, Hatha yoga for all levels, and a class that invites kids and their parents to stretch together. In addition to its group session, the studio embraces its spa side with massage therapy that complements Kristina’s pursuit of peacefulness in the same way that playing Marco Polo can add a little fun to a shark attack. An on-location retail shop stocks yoga mats, homemade natural soaps, and veggie candles.

The melodic clopping of hooves hitting the dirt is a familiar one to Chisholm Trail Rides' instructors, who command their noble animals over the surrounding network of trails during rides and lessons. Under the watchful eye of a guide, students lead their steeds into bouts of walking, trotting, or cantering. As instructors tailor instruction to the skills of each rider, the stable's assortment of breeds includes arabians, half arabians, and quarter horses that accommodate all styles. Though rides and lessons are designed for the trails, riders may remain inside the arena or horse's belly pouch until they feel comfortable emerging into the open expanse.