Things To Do In Myrtle Grove

Dreamland Skate Center accommodates wheeled escapades in a recently updated facility that features airbrushed wall art and refinished flooring. After lacing up pairs of roller, speed, or inline skates, duos can orbit the baby-blue rink while listening to DJ jams or whistling a medley of cartoon theme songs. Cosmic laser lights permeate the premises on Friday and Saturday nights, when the center extends its hours until 11 p.m. In the laser-tag area, glowing beams propel competitors into hiding or spur them into action against faux foes. Nearby, an arcade attracts stationary visitors with air hockey, driving games, and a colorful prize wall.

At Skater's Choice, a separate roller rink in Parker, athletes test-drive skates atop colorful carpet in an area with lockers before zooming to the rink or forgoing rolling in lieu of arcade games.

Just off the white-sand coastline of northwest Florida, Lanier Sailing Academy teaches students to captain their own aquatic adventures with classes in cruising, chartering, and navigation. Classes include programs for beginners to advanced students, starting with the Practical Sailing for Basic Keelboat Certification course, in which novice navigators learn to steer boats, trim sails, and avoid swashbuckling sea otters. While working toward certification in various programs, students explore the Intracoastal Waterway and its bounty of dolphins, rays, blue pelicans, and myriad fish. Lanier Sailing Academy’s experienced members earn membership into the Buccaneer Sailing Club and are able to rent and sail 22- to 25-foot boats at their leisure.

Experienced instructor, trainer, and cowgirl Cheryl Glass brings her vast knowledge of all things equine to Horse Rides of Pensacola. Originally a trail-ride outfit, Horse Rides of Pensacola has grown over the past decade to include camps, lessons taught by trained instructors, and charitable events. During camps, kids learn riding techniques and also participate in fishing, wild blueberry picking, access to water slide, and arts and crafts activities. Introductory classes teach pupils equestrian techniques, grooming riders with the fundamentals of equine safety, anatomy, and proper form before they move on to more intense classes such as Equine 101 or Advanced Equine 101. Camps available for children of age three or older.

Sure as the rise of the twin suns above Tatooine, the Pensacola Para Con brings together fans of science fiction, horror, gaming, and anime for an annual weekend of subcultural panels and events. Celebrity guests from beloved franchises stop by to sign autographs and bask in the adoration of their fans, while industry icons talk shop about their latest invention: the two-sided die. A costume contest and parade put meticulous fan outfits in the spotlight, and replicas of such iconic items as the U.S.S. Enterprise's captain's chair and the TARDIS stand ready for photo opportunities. Throughout the weekend, the event stages host live music performances, panel discussions, and movie screenings.

With a complete line of Life Fitness and Cybex machines, the Pensacola branch of World Gym upholds the franchise's relentless tradition of providing 24/7 access to fitness. Each device in the cardio stable is hooked up to a personal cable TV and DVD set, allowing runners to finally live out their dreams of running wind sprints through aisle 7 of the electronics store. Conversely, an outdoor workout area beckons the ruggedly inclined with battling ropes and climbing stations. Instructors lead a medley of aerobics and yoga classes, and personal trainers help members to craft their own custom fitness plans.

The recently renovated Landmark Skate and Fun Center offers families a cornucopia of indoor activities inside an air-conditioned entertainment emporium. A skating ring sets the stage for jaw-dropping pirouettes during open-skate sessions and private events. Hands and eyes concentrate their efforts against automated enemies in the arcade area, and a techno-dance area lets feet showcase their rhythmic floor-touching skills. For kids, the play zone boasts a series of super slides and a balloon room, where children can safely bounce around without fear of sailing off into space.