Austin Sports and Recreation

This sports-minded city of Austin has just the ticket for you, whether you want to watch a team in action or get in on the action yourself.

Pro Sports

Hook 'em Horns! The Texas Longhorns include varsity teams in eight men's sports and 10 women's sports. Collegiate sports never looked so exciting: The university was named as "America's Best Sports College" in 2002 by Sports Illustrated. Learn more...

Address: UT Athletics Bellmont Hall, 2100 San Jacinto Blvd. Austin, TX 78712 - MAP
Phone: (512) 471-4602
Web: www.texassports.com

Have a ball at a Round Rock Express minor league baseball game. It's the feeder team for the Houston Astros, so you'll find plenty of action at Dell Diamond field.

Address: 3400 East Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock TX 78665 - MAP
Phone: (512) 255-2255
Web: www.minorleaguebaseball.com

Attend a University of Texas football game in traditional burnt orange. Don't forget to stroll the parking lot and enjoy the pre-game tailgating action.

Web: www.texassports.com

Whip it with the TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls, an old-school roller derby league that has sparked a nationwide roller derby revival. Stars like Dawna Destruction and Maya Mayhem guarantee plenty of banked-track action.

Address: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd.,
Austin TX 78701 - MAP
Web: www.txrd.com

Hiking, Biking & Trails

Hike, bike or jog along the Lady Bird Hike & Bike Trail, a 10-mile greenbelt that winds completely around the city's landmark Lady Bird Lake. The trail is one of the oldest urban Texas hike and bike paths.

Web: www.townlaketrail.org

Watersports

Take a dip in the 3-acre Barton Springs Pool, fed from underground springs where the water temperature averages 68 degrees. Austinites from all walks of life relax and frolic here year round.

Address: 2101 Barton Springs Road., Austin TX 78704 - MAP
Phone: (512) 867-3080
Web: www.ci.austin.tx.us

Tour the downtown banks of Lady Bird Lake with Lake Austin Riverboats. The nostalgic style of transportation - paired with air-conditioned cabins - make for a comfortable, relaxing trip every time.

Address: 1605 W 5th St., Austin TX 78703 - MAP
Phone: (512) 345-5220
Web: www.austinriverboats.com

Paddle your way around some of Austin's most popular attractions with the folks at Live Love Paddle, who coordinate Kayak Tours year round. Choose from Guadalupe River tours, Congress Bridge Bat tours and more.

Address: 1600 City Park Rd., Austin TX 78730 - MAP
Phone: (512) 346-1831
Web: www.livelovepaddle.com

Plenty Of Thrills

Fly through the air with the greatest of ease at Trapeze Austin. You don't have to run away to the circus to enjoy a few hours of high-flying thrills with an experienced trapeze artist.

Address: 9501 Manchaca Road, Austin TX 78748 - MAP
Phone: (512) 507-7920
Web: www.trapezeaustin.com

Have a blast at the fields at Texas Paintball, where you'll choose from a variety of terrain and challenges that'll make you feel like you've stepped into a live video game.

Address: 18300 Medina Vista Lane, Jonestown TX 78645 - MAP
Phone: (512) 219-3281
Web: www.txpb.com

Cool off at Chaparral Ice, Austin's only indoor ice skating venue. Choose from hockey, figure skating and open skating sessions.

Address: 2525 Anderson Lane, Austin TX 78757 - MAP
Phone: (512) 252-8500
Web: www.chaparralice.com

Reach new heights at the Austin Rock Gym. Arrive in shorts and a t-shirt, and they'll supply all the gear and safety training you'll need for a good time.

Address: 4401 Freidrich Lane, Suite 300, Austin TX 78744 - MAP
Phone: (512) 416-9299
Web: www.austinrockgym.com

Fly through a canopy of old-growth cypress trees with Cypress Valley Canopy Tours. Trained adventure guides will show you the ropes as you glide on steel zip lines from platform to platform high in the treetops.

Address: 1223 Paleface Ranch Rd, Spicewood TX 78669 - MAP
Phone: (512) 264-8880
Web: www.cypressvalleycanopytours.com

Leisure

Swim, hike, picnic, bike, jog, water-ski - if it's an outdoor activity, you can do it at Emma Long Park. The park is one of the largest and most popular in Austin. Learn more...

Address: 1600 City Park Rd., Austin TX 78730 - MAP
Phone: (512) 346-1831
Web: www.ci.austin.tx.us

Saddle up for some fun at Bear Creek Stables, located just outside of downtown Austin. Choose from Horseback riding lessons, hay rides, guided rides, parties, horse camp, BBQs and more.

Address: 13017 Bob Johnson Lane, Manchaca TX 78652 - MAP
Phone: (512) 282-0250
Web: www.bearcreekstables.com

Austin, TX