If your dad likes to get up and go, check out these fun destinations. Some are even offering deals for dads in honor of Father’s Day (Sunday, June 21).
Hang out with the guys. - Children’s Museum of Memphis has organized a Guys Night Out on Friday, June 19 from 6-9 p.m. Special activities include building a squirrel feeder, making s’mores by a simulated campfire, and a chocolate bug-eating contest. • $25/per person.
Get swinging. - Laser Quest is offering this deal: Purchase one game and Dad plays for free on Father’s Day. Or head to Golf and Games Family Park on Summer Avenue where you can swing a bat, a golf club, or drive a go-kart. (Check out their Daily Specials page for savings.)
Go exploring. • Head to Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park where you can canoe through a bald cypress swamp, get a closer look at birds of prey, or take a ranger-guided hike. Prefer to freestyle? Bring bikes & a picnic lunch; many trails are shaded. Psst, there's even a beach out there, see if you can find it.
Hike: 10 a.m. Saturdays. Free
Raptor talk: 11 a.m. Saturdays. Free
Canoeing: 8 a.m. Saturdays; 9:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. Sundays. $10/canoe, $5/seat.
Uncover Memphis's natural side. • Grab a Family Backpack from the Guest Services desk and see Lichterman Nature Center, located in East Memphis, as a naturalist. The pack comes with binoculars, identifying books, and other cool stuff.
Plan an afternoon of gaming fun. • Get the lowdown on the history of video gaming at the new exhibit, The Art of Video Games, showing at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. Then head over to The Rec Room and get retro by playing Donkey Kong and Pac-Man.
Step back in time. • The Pink Palace CTI 3D IMAX Theatre is premiering Walking with Dinosaurs: Prehistoric Planet, an animated film that reflects a year in the life of dinosaurs from fighting and feeding to migrating and playing. Dino you wanna go? Show opens Saturday.
Get schooled on the birth of rock and soul music. • Did you know Memphis has been mentioned in more than 1,000 pop tunes? You would if you visited the Memphis Rock n Soul Museum. Created by the Smithsonian Institution and located at 191 Beale St. at the FedEx Forum, it traces pop music’s musical roots, which are firmly planted in Memphis and the Delta. From great listening examples to cool costumes and instruments, you'll get in the groove.