Things to Do in The Colony

Four Winds Aviation's team of veteran sky jockeys vaults passengers skyward for white-knuckle stunt rides and easygoing introductory flights. Intent on maintaining high safety and training standards, Four Winds’ seasoned flight instructors all hold high-level ratings and have earned hundreds of flying hours from service in the military, careers with commercial airlines, and years of entering aerobatic competitions. On any given day, the crew can be found imparting their passion for soaring upon pupils during training courses ranging from basic aerobatics to discovery introductory flights and flight-training courses. Students spend time on terra firma reviewing safety basics before taking flight in one of Four Winds’ meticulously maintained cloud slicers including Piper Archer airplanes, Pitts S2B aerobatic biplanes, and saddle-equipped flying squirrels. Along with beginner and recreational courses, the instructors also help more experienced flyers accrue the hours, experience, and know-how required to work toward sport, instrument, and commercial pilot's licenses.

While attending Austin College, two important things happened to Kirby and Kristi Carmichael: they fell in love with art, and with each other. When Kirby moved to Italy after graduation to expand his pottery education, Kristi followed. During that time, she discovered she had a knack for majolica painting––a craft that Renaissance-era artists used to decorate vases, jars, and plates, all of which Leonardo da Vinci invented. The couple realized they had a sturdy link between their talents, and eventually returned to the United States jobless, engaged, and ready to share what they'd learned.

In October 2005, the Carmichaels opened Quiggly's Clayhouse, where potters and painters alike have since been crafting masterpieces and sharpening their skills with lessons. The studio's flexible walk-in availability encourages artists to visit whenever inspiration strikes—be it for painting pottery, sculpting clay, fusing glass, or forging mosaics. Frequent themed events also bring groups together in the name of casual creativity, including adult wheel nights, ladies’ nights, and kids’ nights.

Canyons Climbing Gym, a climbing center plastered in hand-and-foot holds top to bottom, challenges guests with 80 bouldering obstacles and 90 top-rope and lead-climbing routes fit for all skill levels. Once safely strapped into a harness, climbers make their way up one of the various routes, building up bicep strength by resisting gravity’s pull more forcefully than a jet-propelled magic carpet. Eighty obstacles bedeck the facility’s climbing floor, allowing guests to also try their hand at climbing rounded rock faces without the use of a rope.

Children have flipped, tumbled, jumped, and hurled themselves into the air for more than 20 years at The Gymnastics Place. Kids practice their all-around skills on equipment that includes the vault, beam, and bars. They can also break out into specialized classes that focus on tumbling and trampolining, cheerleading, and hip-hop dancing. The center encourages adult involvement, with Mom & Tots classes—in which tots as young as 18 months old begin learning the basics of gymnastics—and boot-camp classes that ramp up fitness. Or moms and dads can get a night to themselves with Footloose Fridays: kids play and eat pizza at The Gymnastics Place, and parents can stay at home and debate the pronunciation of "Nadia Comăneci."

When a building starts to sway, it's generally a sign of stiff winds or poorly maintained architecture. At Pump It Up, however, it's merely an indication that another energetic child has occupied one of the bouncy fortresses. The facility boasts a climate-controlled indoor playground, complete with inflatable slides, obstacle courses, and, of course, houses that beg kids to safely bounce off the walls. The staff invite parents and kids for open playtime and also help host private birthday parties and camps that combine playtime with arts, crafts, and pizza.