Camp Days
Relive summer camp as an adult with these 24 Austin-area activities

Maverick Horseback Riding is a local favorite for trail riding with soul.
For adults in Austin, summer might seem like the season that never ends; one long, repetitive Groundhog Day of temperatures over 100 and not a whole lot going on in the city. But when we were kids, summers were the best. Days were spent forgetting everything we learned in school, playing, swimming, and if you were lucky enough — going to summer camp.
To break up this long season, we've decided to put together this à la carte menu of summer camp activities for adults. That's right, all the classics like archery, horseback riding, arts and crafts, and even scavenger hunts are all accessible right here in the Austin area.
Best of all, you can pick and choose as an adult, and then go home at night to sleep blissfully in your own bed.
Archery
Pioneer Farms
10621 Pioneer Farms Dr.
According to its website, Pioneer Farms is a "living history museum" that showcases Texas life of the 19th century. So for Austinites who want to visit a relic of the past, and try their hand at archery, blacksmithing, gardening, and more, Pioneer Farms is a great option. ($110 for archery)
Archery Country
8121 Research Blvd.
Archery Country provides indoor archery lessons for adults; a great option for those looking to avoid the heat. ($38)
Horseback Riding
Texas Trail Rides
8601 Bluff Springs Rd.
Located within city limits at Lonestar Ranch, Texas Trail Rides is an easy option for those wanting to stay local. ($95 and up)
Miraval Austin
13500 FM2769
For a more luxury horseback riding experience with a therapeutic bent, Austinites can check out Miraval Wellness Resort. (Private sessions, rates vary by instructor)
Maverick Horseback Riding
Lockhart, TX — Address shared after booking
Maverick is located in Lockhart, a quick 35 minute drive from Austin. This trail riding center takes a unique approach by teaching visitors to ride for real, rather than asking the horses to follow each other. There's even a "BBQ option" where guests can end their trail ride with some local eats. ($125 and up)
Guided Nature Walks
West Cave Discovery Center
24814 Hamilton Pool Rd.
This stunning natural gem near Hamilton Pool offers a variety of private and guided hikes. As the name suggests, this area is made up of caves and canyons. (Starting at $20)
Honey Creek State Natural Area
3350 Park Road 31, Spring Branch
These two-mile guided tours adjacent to Guadalupe River State Park offer information about the area's animals and plant life, and are offered once a week. ($7)
Swim Classes
Greater Austin YMCA
Multiple locations
For those 13 and up looking to learn how to swim or just brush up on their strokes, YMCA offers adult swim lessons at multiple locations around town. ($92-$184)
Swim School of Austin
1001 W. Anderson Ln.
Swim School offers adult beginner classes, classes for intermediate and advanced swimmers, and even snorkeling lessons. ($120 per month and up)
Pickleball
East Side Paddle Club
979 Springdale Rd. #120
With more than 30,000 square feet of space, East Side Paddle Club is one of Austin's biggest pickle ball spaces. Guests can either book a court ($32/hour) or become a member (starting at $150/month).
Austin Pickle Ranch
11000 Middle Fiskville Rd.
This giant indoor pickleball facility is home to 16 state-of-the-art courts. You can bring your own equipment or use theirs. ($20 per hour)
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Pickleball Courts
Multiple locations
The City has multiple pickleball courts in parks around the city. Using them is free and you'll need to bring your own equipment — often, that includes a net. (Free)
Scavenger Hunts
Urban Adventure Quest
1201 Brazos St.
This two-mile scavenger hunt starts out at the State Archives Library and winds its way through downtown Austin, hitting historic sites like the Driskill Hotel, the Capitol, and more. ($49)
Austin Scavenger Hunt
Downtown Austin
This is billed as a corporate team-building activity, but it's also available for weddings, birthdays, or groups of friends who want to explore the city. ($35 per person and up)
Alley Cat Adventures
Downtown Austin
Alley Cat Adventures are available worldwide, but they're based right here in Austin. These scavenger hunts help groups explore downtown, and uniquely, dogs are welcome! ($25/person, $200/group)
Arts and Crafts
Upstairs Circus
234 W. 2nd St.
Upstairs Circus is a DIY craft-space-meets-bar. They offer both a "project menu," including everything from bracelet- to shelf-making, and a full bar menu. ($42-$48)
The Crafty Adult
Austin Public Library, various locations
For adults who just want to craft in a group, Austin Public Library has an amazing offering: The Crafty Adult. This free series of craft workshops take place at various Public Library locations around town. Some upcoming examples include: pipe cleaner flowers, coaster-making, painting nights, hobbit doors, and more. (Free)
Craft at Canopy Austin
916 Springdale Rd.
Craft is unique in that guests can stop by during open hours, pay a flat fee of $10, and craft away using their supplies. They'll even clean up after you. (Sliding scale, starting at $10)
Ceramigos
4930 S. Congress Ave., Ste. C-301
This new pottery studio opened in April, and already has already drawn a cool community of pottery pros and newbies. Visitors can take a one-time wheel or hand-building class to learn the basics ($95), or take advancement options including an open studio ($18/hour for walk-ins) and three-week clinic ($185). The next clinic is in mid-July.
Storytelling
Merlin Works Storytelling Classes
1023 Springdale Rd., Bldg. 3
Merlin Works is best known as an improv school here in town, but for the past several years they've added storytelling classes to their list of offerings. Classes are series that last six weeks. ($260)
Hyde Park Storytelling
3220 Manor Rd.
Hyde Park Storytelling is a live backyard storytelling event that invites Austinites to share their personal stories — and it was recently voted Best of Austin. To tell your own story, contact hydeparkstorytelling@gmail.com, or just show up and listen. It's located outdoors at Batch Craft Beer and Kolaches. (Free)
Obstacle Courses
Austin Ninjas
200 Buttercup Creek Blvd.
Austin Ninjas offers indoor obstacle course classes for adults, as well as private lessons. This facility has trained competitors on American Ninja Warrior. ($88)
Quest ATX
10815 FM1625
Aside from cable park wakeboarding, Quest ATX has a small water park area, including an on-the-water obstacle course. This obstacle course may be family-friendly, but it really does look fun for adults too. ($25 and up)
Group Singing
Monday Night Song Circle
1701 Toomey Rd.
Each Monday night at Casa de Luz, from 5:30 to 6:30, Austinites are invited to experience the joy of singing in a group. This call-and-response style singing is easy to learn; no lyric sheets needed. (Donation based)