Things to Do in Murphy

JumpStreet's vast trampoline arena delights jumpers of all ages with a room covered top to bottom in springy surfaces and safe padding, cultivating a fun way to unleash pent-up energy and engage in physical activity. In addition to the bounce-inducing ground, tilted trampolines stretch midway up the wall for extended propulsion possibilities and airborne orations of the Gettysburg Address. Visitors aged 8 or older can gravitate toward the dodge-ball courts, where they strategize, aim, and propel soft orbs at opponents while undulating on an unstable surface. With fun passes, older kids can also cling to a bucking mechanical bull as it threatens to toss them onto the foam.

Customization is the name of the game at Creative Events Photo and Video Booths. Before staffers show up to set up and man the booth, the Creative Events team teams up with customers to personalize each photo-booth package, choosing custom layouts or adding extras such as props or custom logos. On the day of the event, the portrait palace lets up to 10 guests at a time pose for unlimited black-and-white and color snapshots or attempt to break the record for most bunny ears on one bride. Other a la carte add-ons include video greetings from guests and keepsake photo guest books.

The staff at Kids-N-Art come from many backgrounds, but all share degrees in arts or education and buckets of enthusiasm. Summer camps introduce projects such as throwing clay on a pottery wheel or rehearsing a musical to be performed at the end of the session. Kids’ classes develop skills in painting, mixed media, and cartooning, and events such as Parents’ Night Out let kids take a break from nagging their moms and dads to clean their rooms and relax with some pizza and games.

The roughly 5-kilometer Survivor Mud Run challenges athletes from around the country with 20 mud-soaked obstacles, including monkey bars, tire courses, giant slip 'n' slides, and net climbs. A team of licensed contractors builds all the obstacles, ensuring stability throughout. The dirt-drenched course allows participants to put their stamina, physical fitness, and mental determination to the test in a much more fun and safer way than challenging a Central African chimpanzee to a staring contest. Adrenaline and sheer force of will boost runners over walls and beneath low-slung wires in the mud-filled trenches, leading them to the finish line where a post-competition party awaits with beer, music, and food. After each race, announcers honor the top three male and female participants in each age division, bestowing a special distinction upon the runner who was brave enough to don the wackiest costume.

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.