Things To Do In San Marcos

Texas Sphere Ride brandishes a novel thrill with its massive inflatable spheres that send adrenaline junkies tumbling along a fenced-in track. The hollow, cushioned plastic balls safely cradle strapped-in pairs as they gather speed, rolling and bouncing along a dirt path. For added excitement, Texas Sphere Ride’s partnership with Helicopter Tours of Texas augments spherical jaunts with a short ride in a chopper for a more heart-pounding adventure than a hostage negotiation in a cardiologist’s office.

A finalist for the 2006 Richard Rodgers Award, Greetings from Yorkville poignantly chronicles the travails and joys of a Midwestern songwriting duo as they move to Manhattan to realize their dream of a life in musical theater. Under the direction of two-time Tony Award–winner Thommie Walsh, real-life couple Anya Turner and Robert Grusecki dramatize the autobiographical narrative with minimal scenery and few explosions, relying on the textures of her voice interwoven with his piano in a tale that “rings true because it is their own” (New York Times). The Brauntex Theatre will host a one-night-only reprise of the original Off-Broadway run in its intimate 600-seat auditorium, feeding families and garnishing West San Antonio Street with a sliver of Big Apple.

Lost Paintball hits its targets of safety and fun with the varied terrain of its fields, detailed defensive instructions, and an emphasis on less waiting and more playing. Full rental packages include unlimited time in the great outdoors, a protective facemask, a Spyder Xtra paintball marker and barrel cover, unlimited air refills, and 500 Valka and Draxxus paintballs. Before games commence, all players—whether brand-new to the joy of spattering paint or well-versed in the art of stalking human canvases—receive a thorough safety debriefing. Players battle through four different environments, marking and shooting to their hearts' content. Meanwhile, Lost Paintball's cheerful, paint-covered staff stands by ready to assist with questions, directions, and heated squabbles over whether that deer knowingly crossed into enemy territory.

While donuts and bagels are delicious morning treats, they simply can't support you like an inner tube can. After you park for free at the float starting point, you'll board the donuty vessel for an adventure of earth sights, sounds, smells, and gentle watery caresses. With river levels sitting high, you're guaranteed an abundant body of crisp water to ferry you down the river. As you float amid the big sky and shimmering water, you'll be closer to nature than you've been since your life form rose from the fertile soil and materialized on your mother figure's porch step. You can choose the route and length of your float, including an optional repeat performance of the first one-hour leg after an epic three-hour odyssey. When you've reached your endpoint, a Whitewater Sports shuttle will be waiting to transport you back to the parking and tube drop-off.

Texas Ski Ranch sends wakeboarders, kneeboarders, and water-skiers skimming across the placid surface of a cable lake—all without the use of a boat. Ropes connected to a circulating cable high above the water pull up to six athletes at a time around the lake, with kickers and sliders stationed throughout to provide opportunities for big air, and a Little Bro cable system is available for beginners. Aside from the cable park, the 70-acre action-filled sports wonderland also boasts a 15,000-square-foot city-style skate park, as well as an indoor trampoline park, beach area, portable rock wall, and Wahoo's Fish Taco restaurant. A staff of coaches and a fully stocked board shop help visitors explore other adrenaline sports, such as wake surfing and extreme sunburning.

John Newcombe Country Club's veranda looks out upon eight lit tennis courts with a sweeping backdrop of Texas Hill Country. While tennis students aged 3 and up scamper over the courts under the guidance of certified instructors, AFAA-certified personal trainers oversee the fitness program, while making sure to reapply bronzing oil every half-hour. They guide trainees through free-weight exercises, as well as classes in Zumba, Pilates, TRX training, and AquaFit conducted in an outdoor pool. While their parents sweat, children can make art and watch movies in the kids' club, or seek out their dream rackets in the pro shop.