1. Leap of faith

Local thrill seekers call it the best cliff jumping in Central Texas: The cliffs at Lake Whitney’s Walling Bend Park. The U.S. Corps of Engineers, who run operations at Lake Whitney, says while cliff jumping is technically legal, they definitely discourage taking the risk. But since they can’t keep people from taking the plunge, they encourage cliff jumpers to wear life jackets, avoid the consumption of alcohol and to keep children away from the cliffs. Directions: Take Gholson Road; go left on Ranch Road 2114; then a left on Hwy 22, exit on FM 56 North, then exit on FM 2841. The park is open for day use only: 6 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. and there is no entry fee.

2. Come skate away

Pompons, check. Leg warmers, check. Gold belt, check. Money for giant Sweetart, check. Comb in back pocket, check. Remember the endless days of innocent fun at the local roller rink? Relive it with the kids — or the whole family — to Skate World, located at 401 Towne Oaks Dr. Tuesday: Retro Night, 7-9 p.m. ($4); Thursday: Christian Music Skate Night, 7-9 p.m. ($4); First & Third Friday Skate Nights, 7-11 p.m. ($10); Saturday: Learn to Skate class, 10-11 a.m. ($8 and includes Saturday session); Sat. Super Session, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. ($7). Sunday: Family Day, 1-5 p.m. ($5). Skate Work is offering a Skate Camp Aug. 4-7 and Aug. 11-14. For more information, call 772-0042 or visit www.skatewaco.com.

3. Race to the top

For a heart-pounding experience, sprint up Jacob’s ladder in Cameron Park.

4. Fall for it

When was the last time you visited a good, old-fashioned swimming hole? That long? Check out the Tonkawa Falls in the beautiful setting of Tonkawa Park in Crawford. Cool seasonal runoff waters from the north cascade over limestone cliffs into a natural rocky pool and provide the perfect place to take a dip. The City of Crawford has recently spruced up the park with a new playground and recreational facilities, including a clubhouse that is available for rental. But hurry: The waters are seasonal and dry up in mid-August. For more information, call (254) 486-2125.

5. New zoo revue

There’s a stir in the jungle as the Cameron Park Zoo welcomes the Komodo Dragons and Orangutans that will be part of the new Asian Forest exhibit. Open Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults; $5 for children and free for age three and under. If you’re zoo pass needs renewal, now is the perfect time ($60 for one-year membership). You’ll want to catch this new exhibit time and time again. For more information, call 750-8400 or visit www.cameronparkzoo.com.

6. Slip ‘n slide

Slip down the 40-foot tower with three giant waterslides, slide the 900 feet of twists and turns and float down the lazy river — all at Summer Fun Water Park in nearby Belton. Admission prices are adults $14.00, children (ages 3-12) $11.00, sitters (non-swimmers) $6.50, toddlers (2 and under) and seniors (ages 65 & up) are free. The park is open every day from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. From Waco: Take I-35 South to the Midway Exit (297); turn right on Midway and follow it a few yards to the stop sign. Turn left at the stop sign on Charter Road and the park is exactly 2.0 miles on the right. For more information, visit www.summerfunwaterpark.com.

7. Go natural

Learn about your natural surroundings in the beautiful lakeside setting of the Reynolds Creek Amphitheatre, located at 2885 Speegleville Rd. U.S. Corps of Engineers park rangers and research specialists give monthly talks on the native flora and fauna of our area. Directions: From Hwy 6, Exit Speegleville Road N.; follow it for three miles. Park entrance is on the right. For more information and a schedule of nature presentations, call (254) 756-5359.

8. Tortilla tossing

You’ve enjoyed the beautiful view of the Brazos from the Suspension Bridge. But, have you tried tossing tortillas from it? Yes, it’s a popular pastime of some wacky Waco youth, we hear. Grab a package or tortillas and fling them into the water below. They make great duck and fish food!

9. Rollin’ on the river

Spend a day paddling, exploring, swimming, fishing and relaxing as you make your way down the Brazos River. Dick’s Canoe offers rental of both canoes and kayaks for a refreshing trip from Lake Whitney, eight miles down the river. For more information and reservations, call (254) 622-8364 or visit www.dickscanoe.com.

10. Hoop it up

Any kid who likes basketball will love spending time at the Hoop Station, located at 7005 Woodway Dr. Kevin Henry (a.k.a. Henry Hoops) and his staff have created an environment that fosters talent and skill at all levels — keeping kids engaged and active throughout the summer. Various camps and skill sessions are available. For more information, call (254) 772-HOOP or visit www.hoopstation.com/waco.

11. Go Camping

Got an RV, but shocked at the cost of filling it up to take a road trip? Or, looking for a great campsite that’s not too far away? Head just down the road to Brazos River RV Park. It’s nestled along the Brazos River, near Gholson at 1055 River Road. You can bring your RV or tent and enjoy the use of a spacious clubhouse, showers and restrooms, fishing, boating and swimming areas, hiking trails with wildlife all around you. For campground rates call (254) 829-1470 or visit www.brazosriverrvpark.com.

12 Catch the sunset

It’s the ultimate relaxing and romantic evening: Dinner, music and an incredible sunset at The Oasis on Lake Travis, located at 6550 Comanche Trail. Grab a table on the huge deck and enjoy yourself. For more information, call (512) 266-2442 or visit www.oasis-austin.com.

13. Stroll downtown

In the heat of summer, evening is the perfect time to stroll Austin Avenue with someone special — or a group of friends. Start at the Suspension Bridge, just after sunset, and make your way uptown, having drinks, dinner, dessert and evening go dancing — downtown Waco’s got it all.

14. Take a dip

The Waco area is dotted with public swimming pools. There’s one near you:

• Waco Water Park. 900 Lake Shore Dr. Open weekdays noon-7 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sunday 1–7 p.m. Admission $4 for 48” and under; $6 for over 48”. Age 3 and under free. 750-7900.

• Oscar Du Conge Pool. 1504 Dripping Springs Rd. Open daily from 1-6 p.m. Admission $2. 750-8679.

• Robinson Pool. East Moonlight Dr. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 1-6 p.m. Admission $5/day. 662-2912.

15. Eye to the sky

Calling all junior astronomers! Amateur astronomer and Waco Tribune-Herald Stargazer columnist Paul Derrick will offer a free weekly class for kids ages 10 and up. He’ll discuss the planets, stars, galaxies and the cosmos, show interesting slides, tell star stories and teach fun songs, as well as talk about how telescopes work. Several field trips will be scheduled, based on interest, including one to a local observatory. For more information, www.stargazerpaul.com or call (254) 723-6346.

16. Get creative

Get out of the chlorine and keep your child’s artistic side alive sending them to the “Art, Science & the World Around Us” summer camps at Art Center Waco. Camps are a unique blend of art, environmental science and traditional camp adventures, exploring exciting themes through hands-on art activities, experiments and outdoor games. Full day camps are $175 and half day camps $95. There’s still time to sign up! Or, just stop by to browse the current exhibits in the main gallery. For more information, call (254) 752-4371 or visit www.artcenteraco.org.

17. A good brew

Take a road trip to the Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, Texas where they brew the famous Shiner Beers. The brewery offers daily tours that take you from the barley to the bottle. Then enjoy a few free samples in the gift shop. The small city of Shiner is between San Antonio and Houston, and the brewery is located just a few blocks off the I-95 and Hwy 90A intersection on John Hybner Way.

18. Go down under

There’s no better place to hide from the summer sun than way down underground — in a cave! Visit Inner Space Cavern in Georgetown and explore this ancient limestone cavern. See nature-perfect artwork, beautiful helictites, ancient flowstones and giant columns. 4200 S. IH-35 — at exit 259 in Georgetown. For more information, call (512) 931-CAVE or visit www.myinnerspacecavern.

19. Just scrap it!

Escape the heat inside the creative place that is Crop-Paper-Scissors. Located at 4316 W. Waco Dr. (near Jason’s Deli), Crop-Paper-scissors has everything you need to make memories come alive in a scrapbook. Or try a “Fabulous Friday” session where you’re sure to leave with a finished project. For more information and a schedule of events and summer camps, call 751-7020 or visit www.croppaper.com.

20. Three in one

Give Lake Waco a rest and head south to Lake Belton. Three great parks await you:

• Sparta Valley Park has a dock, beach for swimming, clean restrooms and ample parking.

• Westcliff Park, on the south shore of Lake Belton, has nice waterfront campsites where you can park your boat right at your site.

• Belton Lakeview Park has a picnic area with many tables, a playground, water, restrooms and a boat ramp.

Find out more about the camping facilities on Lake Belton by calling (254) 939-2461.

21. CFS — worth the drive!

For the best chicken fried steak (CFS) in McLennan County — maybe in Texas — make the 20-minute drive to Tradinghouse Bar & Grill, located at 4553 Lake Felton Parkway near Elk. Recently refurbished, but still very rustic, this dive has an outdoor patio and bar, playground for the kids and offers live music. Their onion rings are a must-try! Open Wednesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.; Saturdays 11 a.m.-midnight. For more information, call (254) 863-5251.

22. Snow Business

Cool off at one of Waco’s hottest show cone shops:

• Bahama Bucks, 5201 Bosque Blvd. 399-6622

• Coco’s Shaved Ice, 3824 Bosque Blvd., 752-4966

• Mr Snow, 817 Tulane St. (just off New Road) 235-7250

23. Ride it, hike it or bike it

With 3,000 acres of open space at McCown Valley Park, many visitors take their horses and ride along beautiful Lake Whitney. But, the sights are just as nice from your bike or on foot. McCown Valley is a great family park with screened-in cabins, a playground for kids, sandy swim beaches and campsites with large shady trees. It’s open for day activities from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. for a $4 entry fee. Overnight camping fees range from $8 - $20, depending on the site. Directions from Waco: Take FM 933 through Whitney then go West on FM 1713. For more information, call (877) 444-6777.

24. Mindful of motion

Check out “Machines in Motion” at the Mayborn Museum. Experience the genius of Leonardo da Vinci through forty machines based on his visionary designs. Each machine has been faithfully constructed from Leonardo’s notebooks by a modern team of scientists and craftsmen in the heart of the Renaissance-Florence, Italy. This exhibition, which will be on display until August 16 in the Thomas E. and Emilyne Weed Anding Traveling Exhibition Gallery, is the world’s largest interactive exhibition of Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions. Don’t miss the Da Vinci ‘Fun-Filled Thursdays’ at the Museum: July 16, Renaissance Day; July 23, Weapons of War; July 30, Art. Admission: Adults $10; seniors (65+) $9; children (18 mo. - 12 yr) $5. For more information, call (254) 710-1110 or visit www.maybornmuseum.com.

25. Ride like the wind

Gallop the green pastures of Faith Rest Ranch, 4361 Cedar Rock Parkway in Crawford. Open to the public for private horseback rides, the ranch is located about 15 miles outside Waco I-35 and less than 5 miles from Crawford and Highway 6. Cost is $50 an hour — and that includes the whole family. Reservations are required. For more information, call (254) 486-2453.

26. Café chill

Cool off with an iced latte or cappuccino from your favorite coffeehouse or restaurant. Waco Today recommends Common Grounds, Café Cappuccino and The Olive Branch and Starbucks (though not locally-owned, they are good to the community!)

27. Go wild

Discover Fossil Rim — where you can see animals living in their near natural environment. Just over an hour from Waco in Glenrose, the 1,700 acres of open space lets you interact with deer, rhinos, giraffes and other wildlife. Drive your own vehicle through the 9 12 mile tour. You will see long distance views of savannah-like pastures, forested areas and hillsides for the animals to roam. If you are lucky, you might see the Aoudad or Sable approaching one of the many watering holes. Fossil Rim gives you nature at its best: beautiful vistas and wildlife living in the open. For more information, call (254) 897-2960 or visit www.fossilrim.com.

28. What’s that horn?

You can hear the sound from blocks away: the horn on the Kiddieland train as it roars into Broken Toe Junction at Waco Lion’s Park. Ride the train at least once this summer — it’s a must for every Wacoan! Located at 1716 N 42nd St., Lion’s Park also has putt-putt golf, go-karts and fun rides kids. It’s not fancy, but it’s a Waco tradition. For more information, call (254) 772-3541.

29. Big league you

Waco is smack dab in the middle of two major league baseball teams: Texas Rangers and Houston Astros. Make plans to head to the ballpark for an all-American experience by visiting the team web sites for ticket information and schedules: texas.rangers.mlb.com and Houston.astros.mlb.com. Check www.stubhub.com for good deals on tickets.

30. Field of dreams

Catch a nearby Roundrock Express minor league baseball game at The Dell Diamond. It’s a quick drive and a really good time. For schedules and tickets, visit www.roundrockexpress.com.

31. Paddle along

Central Texas has some of the greatest kayaking spots in Texas, Waco Tribune-Herald editor Carlos Sanchez told Waco Today. His favorite put-in spot: The MCC Marina. “It sits on the Bosque River, just a vigorous round of paddling away from the confluence with the Brazos,” he wrote in a recent Sunday column. The City of Waco Pars and Recreation Department hosts seasonal introductory kayaking courses for a nominal fee. For more information, call 750-8080.

32. Get happy

Enjoy Happy Hour drink specials from around 4-7 p.m. at one of Waco Today’s favorite bars and restaurants. We’ve also listed our fave drinks!

• Don Carlos Restaurant, 719 S Jack Kultgen Expy (Central Texas Marketplace) Their Amaretto Sour is the bomb!

• La Fiesta, 3815 Franklin and 1201 Hewitt Dr.. Can’t go wrong with their top-shelf Margarita!

• Elite Circle Grille, 2132 S. Valley Mills Dr. We love their Cosmo!

• Cheddar’s Restaurant, 4208 Franklin. We recommend the Peach Bellini!

33. Lakeside leisure

Whether by boat or by car, head to the Slippery Minnow at the Lake Waco Marina for the ultimate after-the-lake experience. Enjoy a cold beverage and an out-of-this-world burger on the deck as you watch the boats go by and the sun go down. Open Thursday 4-10 p.m.; Friday 4 p.m.-midnight; Saturday 10a.m.-1a.m., Sunday 10a.m.-9 p.m. Ask about their houseboat tour to the nest of Lake Waco’s Bald Eagles. $15 for adults and $10 for kids. Directions: from Interstate 35: Take Highway 6 across the twin bridges over Lake Waco. Take the first exit off the bridge (exit name Lake Waco Speegleville Park). The exit ramp makes a “T” with the access road. Turn left on the access road, continuing west. Turn right on overflow road. Follow signs to the “Lake Waco Marina.” For more information, call (254) 848-4471 or visit www.lakewacomarina.com.

34 Rock out on the river

Mix the cool-water setting of MCC’s Bosque River Stage with the hot tunes of local and national artists and musicians — and you’ve got one great evening. For an event schedule, visit, www.mclennan.edu/bosque.

35. Milk it

Grab a homemade milk shake at one of Waco Today’s favorite local establishments: Health Camp on the Circle.

36. Wet, wild West

The West Playdium Pool is 15,000 square-feet of wet, wild fun, including a high and low dive, water slide, water trolley, 125-foot sun deck, three volleyball courts, four horseshoe pits, live bands, air-conditioned snack bar and grill. Open seven days a week from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Admission — $9 (13 and over); $7 (ages 6-12); $5 (age 5 and under). Just take the West Exit off I-35 to stop sign; take a right, go over train tracks to FM 2114 and go left 3/4 mile. (254) 826-5773

37. Get cookin’

If you can’t take the heat, get into the kitchen! Gourmet Gallery, a kitchen and cookware specialty shop located in Ridgewood Village, offers cooking classes taught by experienced cooks and chefs. For more information and a class schedule, visit www.gourmetgallerywaco.com.

38. Get the boot

Keep that bathing suit body in shape with one of the most-talked-about workouts in Waco: Texas Ultra Fit (TUF) boot camp. Drill sergeant Jimmy Stewart pushes women and men to their physical limits with a combination of stretching, running, core work and nutritional education. This workout is not for sissies: Bleacher running and tire dragging are part of the regimen. For more information, visit www.tufbootcamp.com.

39. Walk with legends

Pay tribute to the Texans who’ve excelled in their sports — on and off the fields and arenas — at the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, located on the Baylor University campus. Adults and kids alike will enjoy this interactive tour of the history of Texas athletics and the people who’ve made that history. Open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Admission — $6 for adults, $3 for students and free for age 6 and under. For more information, visit www.tshof.org.

40. Hump-day delight

What better way to get over the hump than Wednesday night at Hog Creek Ice House? Cool down with a cold beer, free nacho bar and live music every Wednesday night. Be sure to order some of their famous fried pickles and ranch. Located at 170 Branson Trail, just across the Twin Bridges on Highway 6 in Speegleville.

41. Be a Pepper

Nothing says “ahhh” and “Waco” like taking a sip of syrupy-sweet Dr Pepper on an already-sticky summer afternoon. So, why not do it at the Dr Pepper Museum? Visitors can learn the story of the invention of Dr Pepper, meet a recreation of the inventor of Dr Pepper in the Old Corner Drug Store, explore the bottling room, enjoy new exhibit areas around the museum, see the soda jerk “shoot a Waco” in the Soda Fountain and sample Dr Pepper float from the soda fountain. Summer sessions for kids offer a chance to develop and market your own soft drink. Admission — $7 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for students and children. There’s no charge for a visit to the soda shop. 330 S. 5^th Street. For more information, call (254) 757-1025 or visit www.drpeppermuseum.com. Also, look for story in next month’s Waco Today: “How Do You Like Your Dr Pepper?”

42. Stop and smell the flowers

Enjoy the tranquility of the gardens at the Carleen Bright Arboretum, located at 9001 Bosque Blvd. in Woodway. Make it your place to escape to read a book, have a quiet picnic or take a stroll through the native plants and flowers. The grounds and gardens are open seven days a week. Call for their summer activities (254) 399-9204.

43. Loco for tacos

Cruise up and down La Salle, sampling the traditional Mexican tacos available at local stands along the street. Wash it down with a refreshing bottle of Barrilito soda — choose from mandarina and limon, plus many other flavors. Several taco stands stay open until 4 a.m. on weekends, making them the perfect spot for ‘after hours’ munchies.

44. Quick draw

Retired U.S. Marshal Parnell McNamara and certified instructor Charlotte Kosub offer a one-day concealed handgun training course that covers all the state requirements, including firearms qualifications, classroom training, photographs and fingerprints. For more information, call (254) 752-5804.

45. Drive-in for fun

After you explain the concept to your kids, catching a drive-in movie is a great idea for a family fun night. Head to Gatesville for The Last Drive-In Picture Show, which first opened in 1950. Admission — $10 a car of Friday and Saturday nights. Just $5 a car Sunday – Thursday. Summer shows begin between 8:30 and 9 p.m. Located at 2912 S. Hwy. 36 Bypass in Gatesville. Call (254) 865-8445 for featured shows.

46. Up, up and away

See Waco from a whole new perspective — in a hot air balloon. Balloon pilot Ron Frusher’s company, Balloon Waco offers you the experience. Learn more at www.ballonwaco.com and read the story on page ?? of this issue of Waco Today.

47. Give it a go

Love go-karts? The H.O.T. Kart Club Track is a thrill for the whole family — with races all summer and classes competing in all age groups on a 3/8-mile, 6-turn, sprint asphalt course. There are divisions for drivers 5-year-old and up at the H.O.T. Kart Track, located at 6900 Airport Dr. Waco, TX 76708. General admission is free. For race schedule, call (254) 753-9325 or (254) 662-5928.

48. Serve it up

Don’t just watch the fanfare of Wimbledon on TV this summer. Get out there and play the game! Waco has one of the premiere public tennis facilities in the state — Waco Regional Tennis & Fitness Center, located at 900 W. Lake Shore Dr. With 18 outdoor lighted hard courts, one center court stadium, USPTA tennis professionals on staff and a tournament pavilion, the Waco are is well-served for tennis aficionados. For more information, call 753-7675 or visit www.wacotennis.com.

49. Need for speed

Whether you’re into stock cars, cruisers — or serious people-watching — head for the Heart O’ Texas Speedway for some fast-paced fun. Located at 784 N. McLennan Dr. (off I-35) in Elm Mott, the speedway has a full line-up of summer events. For more information and a race schedule, visit www.heartotexasspeedway.com.

50. Dam it!

If you’ve never walked the Lake Waco Dam, go for it. This 2.8-mile hike and bike trail offers a fantastic view. The trail opens one hour before sunrise and closes one hour before sunset. Parking is available off Airport Road, just past the H.O.T. Soccer Complex. Fore more information, call 756-5359.