Taylor, TX Outdoor Activities

As members of the NBA Development League, the Toros serve as the minor-league affiliate of the San Antonio Spurs, fostering the NBA's future stars from the moment they hatch from their locker-room cocoons. In 2012, the franchise won its first-ever D-League championship, spurred by the home crowd's raucous celebrations, which are led by the Capital City Dance Team and mascot Da Bull. As an extension of their commitment to developing young talent, the Toros also host youth development camps, providing players in grades 4–9 with the opportunity to develop their potential before high-school physics class teaches them that slam dunks are impossible.

From 1927 until 2009, the Piper Aircraft company produced 144,000 airplanes. Of those, 90,000 are still flying. One is a 1978 single-engine Saratoga that can often be seen soaring over the hills and lakes of the Texas landscape.

Inside that Saratoga, the Air Tours Texas pilots lead up to five passengers on scenic tours and adventures, sharing scenic aerial views of Lake Travis, Canyon Lake, Austin, San Antonio, and Enchanted Rock with their awestruck human cargo. The group of pilots also offers sunset flights, stunningly romantic marriage-proposal flights, and copilot experiences that introduce aspiring pilots to flight basics.

Since sprouting into existence in 2006, Ideal Tennis Academy has fostered future stars by offering training programs throughout the year for all ages and skill levels. The toddler program, for instance, puts rackets in the hands of kids as young as aged two-and-a-half years and strives to develop important motor skills on miniature courts. The academy provides a junior-varsity program for adolescent players, which preps teens and preteens for higher levels of competition. Aside from offering programs at its facility, Ideal Tennis Academy hits the road with Tennis Delivery, a mobile program that teaches tennis by launching coaches from high-powered ball machines to locations across San Antonio.

One inch off the asphalt, roaring by at 65 mph. Because On Track Xperience houses a fleet of NasKarts powered by Honda engines, this kind of wind-in-your-hair action is possible. Helmets, of course, keep wind out of hair, though, while drivers 16 and older zip around Thunderhill Raceway's banked oval track. Each race burns up 10 laps and lasts about five minutes. Those looking to master their lap times can attend speed school and learn the ins and outs from a former pro racer and trainer. And those interested in a little competition can join eight-week racing leagues. Groups can also navigate the oval circuit for birthdays or corporate events that can accommodate up to 400 for team-building racing events where winners are showered in a business-card tickertape parade.

As the AHL affiliate of their big-league Dallas namesake, the Texas Stars spared no time claiming their birthright. In its very first season—2009–10—the team conquered the Western Conference, hoisting the Robert W. Clarke Trophy and earning a place in the Calder Cup finals. Since every faceoff was past the newborn Stars’ bedtime, they ultimately fell short of the league championship, but they continue to entertain crowds of up to 6,800 at the Cedar Park Center.

Each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the cycle shepherds at Bike Nation open their doors to unite riders with a well-maintained fleet of rental bikes. Their Schwinn Sporterra cruisers feature aluminum frames, steel forks, and Sport Ergo saddles ideal for smooth and leisurely rides. For riders taking on the varied roads, trails, and Lego-riddled carpets of central Texas, the staff also lends Schwinn multispeed cruisers. As a partner of tour group Segway Nation, Bike Nation also organizes self-guided tour routes showcasing historic sights and modern attractions around Austin.