Things to Do in Garland

Through the haze of orange smoke bombs, a paintballer sets his sights on an opponent hiding behind a gutted helicopter before taking on others in a fort, leaving its wooden slats with freshly glistening paintball splatter. On more than 56 acres of varying terrain comprising 12 courses, players such as these negotiate the wooded ghost town of West World, the bombed-out automobiles of Black Hawk Down, or the fenced-in speedball court populated with large, inflatable obstacles. Throughout the imaginative battlefields, paintballers slink through elevated lookouts or cross streams over platform bridges and weave through forests while trying out their best tree imitations. The fields also play host to tournaments and a variety of themed games and can be booked for bachelor parties, youth-group events, and corporate team-building outings.

While many workouts involve a coach barking “Faster!” at you, Super Yoga Palace’s supportive instructors encourage their students to work at their own pace. In the studio, constructed from environmentally friendly materials, students link breathing with poses in classes tailored to multiple experience levels. The Super Flow class strengthens frames with a blend of Vinyasa flow and posture-enhancing exercises more effective than sleeping in a straight-backed chair. Students can also opt for introductory classes that emphasize yoga basics, or sessions focused on sun salutations and other deep stretches. At the studio’s monthly community events, yoga enthusiasts mingle during group workouts with live music from local and touring bands.

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.

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.

The clear water of Lake Ray Hubbard mirrors the big blue sky above it, inviting clouds to gaze at their reflection and people to come swim or lounge. Located on its eastern shore, Five Star Boat Club fuels up luxury ski boats to chaperon two-, four-, or six-hour cruises around the tranquil waters. Should renters wish to let someone else do the navigating, the company will happily thaw a seasoned captain from his cryogenic sleep and place him at the boat’s helm for the day. The boat, the Tahoe Q4SS, has a wide sundeck, stainless steel ski tow bar, and cushioned bucket seats to lounge in while music blares from the onboard CD player.