Olathe Outdoor Activities

The certified trainers and divers at Big Joe Scuba wade students through all watery courses, from beginner to PADI-certified instructor. They accomplish this through classroom instruction and dips into their heated pool, where students become accustomed to breathing and maneuvering underwater. After they advance to open-water courses, the classroom extends to Beaver Lake, Arkansas, for diving practice in natural surroundings. A full-service dive center, Big Joe Scuba also rents and sells a complete line of gear and organizes diving jaunts to exotic locales such as Cozumel, Mexico.

Wild Rose Equine Center hosts horseback-riding lessons and trail rides on the bucolic expanse upon which it resides. Riders of all skill levels can learn from the expert staff during regular lessons. These sessions are tailored to each student’s goals, whether they would like to compete in shows or take a horse to the prom.

Athletes push the limits of their physical and mental fortitude during 5-kilometer Rugged Maniac races. Runners fling themselves over 12-foot walls and scuttle through swampy terrain under nets of barbed wire and over napping lumberjacks. They careen down a 50-foot water slide and soar over pits of fire, dashing through forests, fields, motocross tracks, and ski slopes along the way. Waves of 300 competitors depart at 30-minute intervals, ensuring zero wait time at obstacles where photographers snap action shots. At the finish line, survivors claim fresh fruit and a beer (for those 21 and older) on entering the after-party. At the bash, live bands and food refresh wearied minds and bodies. Athletes in training can follow Rugged Maniac's online training guide, which primes physiques for the race or interoffice cubicle-hurdling competitions.

Tally Ho Equestrian Centre, a member of the United States Equestrian Federation, educates its students on the fundamentals of horsemanship and riding form. Head instructor Amara Packwood boasts two quarter-horse world championships and more than 12 years of showing, experience that she passes on to her pupils through lessons and camps. Riders enjoy use of the center’s extensive facilities, tearing across the 140’x170’ outdoor arena and 40-acre riding pasture or practicing for the Olympic pommel horse inside the 60’x170’ indoor arena.:m]]

Founded in 1994, Hickory Creek Ranch immerses riders and horses in an idyllic natural landscape, further solidifying the bond between man and animal on the trails and pastures. During trail rides, visitors set off across more than 40 acres of grassy pasture in the early morning or early evening—the time when the sun streaks brilliant colors across the sky, fauna roam the woods, and horses won't miss their favorite mounted-police show, CLOPS. After setting out, steeds meander through regions of dense forest home to wild flowers and trees as well as blue heron, red-tailed hawks, and wild turkey. Along the route, white-tailed deer may even bound across the fields as frogs croak improvised jazz melodies at the pond.

Back at the ranch, students of all experience levels learn horsemanship or improve their skills with private and group lessons or summer camps. Collectively, the trainers and instructors at Hickory Creek have amassed more than 30 years of teaching, showing, and breeding experience—a pedigree that has spawned numerous regional and national champions from past protégés.