Seven ways to be active and have fun in April

Get off the couch and get outside this spring with a variety of exciting activities to do on a college students dime

Amanda Hall, Reporter

April is an opportune time for outdoor activities in the warm, spring weather. Whether your gym routine is getting stale or the retreat of winter has put a spring in your step, there are many ways to get outside this April. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Intergenerational Kayaking: The City of Denton Parks and Recreation offers kayaking trips from April through July. On April 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., you can paddle up Elm Fork to Clear Creak for $20. No experience is required. The fee includes transportation, guides, kayaks, life jackets and paddles. Just bring sunscreen, lunch and water. Register online with
Denton Parks and Rec.    

Pioneer Pace 5K: On Sat. April 2, the Food and Nutrition Network is hosting its 22 Annual 5K fun run and walk at 2:30 p.m. Student registration can be found online at www.runsignup.com for $18. All proceeds are donated to the Tarrant Area Food Bank and North Texas Food Bank.

Backpacking at Dinosaur Valley State Park: The Fit and Rec’s Outdoor Adventure program offers a trip to Dinosaur Valley State Park on Sat. April 23 for $10. On a five mile hike, learn basic backpacking skills with the trip leaders. Register at the Fit and Rec by Friday, April 15 at the latest.

5K Walk / Run for Awareness: Join TWU’s Chronic Illness Alliance for a run on April 30 starting at the TWU Redbud Theater. Online pre-registration is $15 on www.eventbrite.com, and race day registration is $25. Proceeds benefit Chronic Illness Alliance Scholarship fund and Otis Uduebor Sickle Cell Foundation.

Denton Branch Rail Trail: Get your bikes ready for a relaxing paved trail that runs 8 miles from E. Hickory Street in Denton to Lake Dallas. The trail runs along the Denton A-Train line. With safe road crossings, you can ride your bike with a friend from Hickey St. to Target on Loop 288 for a refreshing stop at Starbucks. Don’t have a bike? The trail is fully walkable, or you can rent a bike for $8/day from the Fit and Rec Outdoor Adventure program.

Tennis at TWU: Want to get together with a group of friends and play a match of tennis? Look no further than TWU’s very own tennis court. Located north east of the soccer field, the courts are open from dawn to dusk. Check out tennis racquets and balls from the Fit and Rec.

Sand Volleyball by the Dorms: For some sandy spring fun, get your friends together to play sand volleyball on a court located next to Guinn Hall. The courts are open 24/7, and outdoor volleyballs can be checked out at the Fit and Rec.