Want to spice up your life (cue Spice Girls throwback!) with some adrenaline-fueled activities?  From zip-lining through treetops, zooming around a go-kart track, or rock climbing in some of Austin’s prettiest spots, here’s our list of Adventurous Things to Do in Austin for Thrill-Seekers.

Soar through the trees with Zip Lost Pines!

Zip-lining

Zip Lost Pines | 1760 State Hwy 71 W, Cedar Creek
Shake up your normal routine with the rush of gliding through the skies and taking in Austin’s gorgeous views. Zip Lost Pines, located in McKinney Roughs Nature Park, has a unique side-by-side zip line experience.  The staff at Zip Lost Pines will guide you as you take in views of the forest, canyons, and Colorado River valley below.  Participants must be at least 50 pounds to zip line, but there’s no age minimum.  You can get more details and book your experience here.

— Lake Travis Zipline Adventures | 14529 Pocahontas Trail Leander, TX
Hailing as “The Fastest Zipline in Texas”, LTZA has five ziplines that you can experience during the day, or evening for a sunset tour.  They’re family-owned and operated and take pride in providing world-class service. Book your reservation here.

Photo from Waterloo Adventures’ Facebook page

Water Ninja Warrior Course
Lake Travis’ Waterloo Adventures | 14529 Pocahontas Trail, Suite A, Leander
This unique, locally-owned water adventure island is an all-encompassing outdoor experience.  Their all-day admission pass includes a boat excursion, five giant stand-alone water obstacles, lakefront amenities, and 50 minutes on their 600-foot Pulse Pounding Obstacle Course Track.  Other complimentary amenities include resort-style chaise loungers and umbrellas, floating picnic tables, personal drink coolers, free lockers, hammocks, beach games, and more.  Lake Travis Waterloo Adventures opens May 13 for the season, and participants must be 7 -years old and 45″ to enter.  Water shoes are recommended.  Check here for all the info and to make your reservation.

Photo from eFoil Austin’s Facebook page

eFoil “Surfing”
An efoil is a surfboard with a foil and an electric motor attached; no kite, boat, or waves are required. It’s a unique way to fly over water on Lake Austin or Lake Travis.  Make reservations for lessons at eFoil Austin (512) 477-6555), or Unhooked Sports.

 

Photo from the Texas Ski Ranch Facebook page

Wakeboarding
Boat or no boat, there are a few places around Austin where you can learn and practice your boarding skills using cables — whether on a wakeboard, wake skate, kneeboard, or water skis.  Check out the opportunities at Texas Ski Ranch or Quest ATX.

Photo courtesy of iFLY

Indoor Skydiving
iFLY Austin | 13265 US-183 Hwy Suite A
Interested in the adrenaline rush of jumping from a plane without the actual jump?  Try indoor skydiving at iFLY Austin.  Whether you want to fly solo or with the family, iFLY offers lots of options for families.  Indoor skydiving is a thrilling and non-intimidating way to experience the real deal.

Photo from Rock-About Climbing Adventures’ Facebook page

Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is a great way to get some exercise and have some fun.  For outdoor climbing lessons, check out Rock-About Texas Climbing Adventures.  Austin is home to a few different indoor locations, too, including Austin Bouldering Project, Crux Climbing Center, and North Austin Rock Gym.  The family can take classes and enjoy a new way of staying active.

Race around the go-kart track! Photo by Roger Ho

Go-Karting
Need for speed?  Scratch that itch at:

  • K1 Speed Austin.  They offer a premiere experience in Formula One racing that is unique to Austin.  Their high-performance go-karts reach speeds of up to 45 mph and will get your adrenaline pumping.  Check them out on their website for tickets, height requirements, and more.
  • COTA Go-Karts offers kiddie karting for kids aged 5-12, as well as a 15-turn course for Kart drivers 13+.
  • Zoom around the outdoor track at Austin’s Park!  For $39.95, you get unlimited attractions including Go-Karts, Laser Tag, Bumper Boats, and more.

*Thanks to Johnnie Losoya for contributing to this article.