Travel & Recreation: We double-dog dare you to …

Climb a (fake) mountain

Sacramento Pipeworks

No matter how much you love the sun, there’s always a point during each Sacramento summer where it becomes unbearable to even think about stepping foot outside. For those who want outdoorsy adventure without suffering from heat stroke, there’s Sacramento Pipeworks. One of the biggest and best indoor rock-climbing facilities in the area, Pipeworks offers day passes, 10-visit passes and equipment rentals. It’s great for beginners, groups or anyone who just wants to check it out. If you’re not sure about the 40-foot climbing wall, you can always get your fitness on in a group exercise class. No sunscreen needed. 116 N. 16th Street, (916) 341-0100, http://touchstoneclimbing.com/sp.html. (K.H.)

Rumble down under

Aussie rules football

Those who enjoy Australian curiosities like Foster’s beer and Vegemite can add Aussie rules football to the list. The players look like pirates in shorts and cleats, and play like pirates as well. The sport seems to involve dribbling (the ball and the face), kicking (the ball and each other) and dog piles (just people it seems, but there might be a few mutts in the mix as well). If all this sounds like your idea of a good time, stock up on the Vegemite (reportedly a killer hangover cure), salute a marsupial and get out on the field. www.sacfooty.webs.com. (H.B.)

Complete a triathlon

Eppie’s Great Race

It touts itself as the “no swim” triathlon and the “world’s oldest triathlon.” Eppie’s Great Race is a great tradition every July for local iron men and women to run, bike and kayak along the American River Parkway. The best part is it’s not that difficult. There are only 5.82 miles of running (less than a 10k), 12.5 miles of cycling (less than half the American River Parkway) and 6.35 miles of kayaking. This year’s race is July 23. Register before July 20 to avoid higher fees. www.thegreatrace.org. (J.M.)

Say it and spray it

Public spray grounds

It can be tough to keep cool in Sacramento’s notoriously torrid summers, especially with many public pools shuttered due to budget cuts. Local splash pads are a cheap alternative. Also known as “spraygrounds,” splash pads are essentially mini water parks with creatively designed water jets. There are a few in the Sacramento area, including Bridgeway Lakes Community Park in West Sacramento and Swanston and Seely parks in Sacramento. Check the parks for hours and availability, though they are generally open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Splash pads are also free—one more thing that makes them cool. (H.B.)

Cheer a soapbox to victory

Nevada City Soapbox Adult Derby

Here’s the plan for a spectacular spectator weekend: Journey a mere 60 miles northeast of Sacramento to the charming historic mining town of Nevada City to witness its first soapbox derby on Saturday, June 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pioneer Park. The race has two goals: raising money for the community park and having fun. After you watch the creative homemade vehicles speed through the city on Saturday, watch cycling pros race through on Sunday, June 19, during the annual Nevada City Bicycle Classic. Pioneer Park, 421 Nimrod Street in Nevada City; www.ncderby.com. Nevada City Classic, downtown Nevada City; (530) 265-2692. (S.S.)

Put your hips in it

Hula-hooping meet-ups

Join the Sacramento Hoopers, Sac’s officially unofficial hula-hooping squad, every Sunday between 2 and 4 p.m. at McKinley Park in East Sacramento. This fun activity will have you working up a sweat in no time. Bring your hoop, some water and a few friends—or make some there. Hula-hooping is a perfect activity for people of all ages and genders. (C’mon, fellas, we know you’ve got moves!) www.meetup.com/sacramentohoopers. (L.B.)

Activate your social life

Xoso Sport & Social League

What sounds better: going home after work, eating a microwaved meal and watching TV until you fall asleep on the couch, or playing dodgeball with some friends and hitting up Streets of London afterward to score cheap drinks and play more games? The choice is easy, and Xoso Sport & Social League knows it. Xoso offers indoor and outdoor weekly sports like dodgeball, kickball, bowling and volleyball, with drink specials right afterward at some of Sacramento’s best bars. This summer, form or join a team with a group of friends. Those of you who are extra outgoing can sign up individually and get assigned some new friends. www.xososports.com. (K.H.)

Make a public pool seem private

McKinley Park’s Clunie Pool

There’s a secret to navigating the world of public pools. If you go at the wrong hour, you’ll be swamped by minions of screaming water rug rats. Figure out the kids-free swim hours, and suddenly it’s like you’ve gained access to a great gym membership perk on the cheap. McKinley Park’s Clunie Pool, nestled in a sprawling park known for its gorgeous rose garden and serene lake, is particularly prime. The pool is open for recreational swims June 21 through September 4 and costs $1 a day per child and $2 per adult. Indulge in the adult-only lap swims (for those ages 16 and up) from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekends. Aquatic lessons are also available. If you’re already an accomplished swimmer, check out the park’s swim league. 601 Alhambra Boulevard, www.cityofsacramento.org/parksandrecreation/recreation/aquatics/pools.htm. (R.L.)

Golf where you’re at

DIY disc golf

Playing sports with friends is a great way to spend a summer day, but what if you’re not looking to exhaust yourself by running up and down a grass field all afternoon? Try a fun yet meditative game of disc golf. Sacramento offers a handful of legitimate courses, like Albert Schweitzer Park in Carmichael and Shady Oaks Park in Orangevale, but you can always make your own. Just bring some discs to a park near you, pick a tree and see who can make it there first. Just be careful not to bean other park-goers. http://sacramentodiscgolf.com. (J.C.)

Hike on the RT

Granite Regional Park

Even if you’re light-rail-bound, it’s possible to access the great outdoors this summer. The Power Inn stop takes you to the edge of Granite Regional Park. Although it is surrounded by industrial development, rolling park trails make it possible to forget such things. Formerly rock quarries, Granite Regional Park is now home to tule marshes, wild mustard, butterflies, vernal pools and cottonwood trees. You may come across coyote or deer, but are just as likely to encounter dog walkers. The only fee is the cost of the ticket on the RT. 8200 Ramona Avenue, www.cityofsacramento.org/parksandrecreation/parks/sites/granite_map.htm. (H.B.)

Root for international tennis champions

Sacramento Capitals World TeamTennis

Co-founded by Billie Jean King in 1974, World TeamTennis allows fans to see favorite players up close without having to traipse over to Wimbledon, Melbourne or New York. There is music, raucous fans and untraditional scoring, but the professionals are out to play. “It’s really more like an NBA atmosphere than a traditional tennis match,” said Matt McEvoy, general manager of the Sacramento Capitals. The Capitals are Mardy Fish, Vania King, Mark Knowles, Yasmin Schnack, and Dusan Vemic, coached by Wayne Bryan. The Capitals play seven home matches at Capitals Stadium at Sunrise Mall, July 8-21. Fans can also see visiting marquee players Serena Williams, Martina Hingis and the Bryan brothers. Capital Stadium, 6055 Sunrise Mall; (916) 488-5000; www.saccaps.com. (K.Y.)