Father’s Day is fast approaching and if you’re having trouble thinking of the perfect way to celebrate your dad this year, we’ve come up with a few suggestions we hope will help.
1. Golf at Ol’ Colony Golf Course
What dad doesn’t love to golf? This Father’s Day hit the course with your dad and relieve a little stress. Spend the day bonding over 18 holes, and learn some pointers from the old pro. If 18 holes sounds like a bit too much, you and your dad can choose to enjoy 9 holes, or just a basket at the driving range instead. Either way, golf is a great excuse to spend time with your dad and pick up a few tips to improve your game.
2. Take a shot at Tuscaloosa Shooting Sports
Tuscaloosa Shooting Sports just opened in 2015 and has been a hit with Tuscaloosa’s residents ever since. The facility features driving ranges from 50 to 300 yards and 20 covered shooting positions. If this isn’t enough, there is also four handgun bunkers with two metal targets. Whether your dad is an expert with a firearm or just beginning, the range has everything he needs to sharpen his aim. This is the perfect way to enjoy a little friendly competition with your dad this holiday.
Let your old man take a break from the grill this Father’s Day and head over to The Avenue Pub for a meal cooked up by the experts. The Avenue Pub’s Bacon Burger has made headlines all across the state of Alabama and it will definitely entertain your dad’s taste buds this weekend.
With the relaxed atmosphere, delicious food and endless beer list, your dad will savor the opportunity to let someone else work the grill and pour the beer,
4. Fish for dinner at Lake Tuscaloosa
Lake Tuscaloosa is home to hundreds of aquatic wildlife and the perfect place to cast a line this Father’s Day. You and your dad can look for a secluded spot along the banks of the river or rent a canoe, kayak or even a pontoon boat to float in while you hunt for some dinner. Take your dad and take a break from the city crowds this holiday, and enjoy a peaceful afternoon catching fish and floating along.
5. Take a flight at Loosa Brews
Let your dad be the beer enthusiast that he is and take him for an enjoyable evening at Loosa Brews. He can choose from over 60 craft beers, most of which are brewed in Alabama. If he’s in the mood to try several he can order a flight, and if he really wants to heighten the experience, he can indulge in some competition with arcade games such as pinball, ring toss, and ping pong. At the end of the night, after he beats you in all the arcade games, you can reward him with a growler of his favorite beer.
And because we couldn’t just stop at five and leave out one of the best events of the entire weekend, we’ve added one more to the list.
6. Super Dad Day at Children’s Hands-on Museum
If you’ve got small kids and need a way to make Father’s Day special for both Dad and kids, this event is perfect. Take them to Super Dad Day where the kids can dress up in their favorite costumes, make gifts for Dad and meet Batman. This is the perfect event for Dad’s who just want to spend the holiday with their little ones.
According to reliable sources, there are almost 20% children living among the Tuscaloosa population – which is more than you think! The city has countless schools and daycares, so we know where the little ones spend their time while the parents are at work, but what about the more fun parts of the day, free time and weekends? Playing in the own backyard or doing sports activities is already fun, no question. Now, how about something more special for your kids to spend their precious free time? Tuscaloosa provides tons of amazing places and activities that are children-friendly!
It should be pretty safe to say that all children love animals. Maybe yours are lucky and have a dog or a cat around the home, but when do they have the opportunity to experience all kinds of other animals, too? There is a unique and amazing place in Tuscaloosa that makes it possible: The Tuscaloosa Barnyard! At this petting and fun farm 30 minutes outside of town, you can get in touch with bunnies, ducks, lambs, ponies, pigs and many other cute animals! It also provides a pool, a splash pad, wagon rides and more. During the summers, the Barnyard even turns into a summer camp!
2. The Children’s Hands-On Museum
You can’t start early enough to introduce your kids to arts and culture! “CHOM” is where children explore, create, and discover every time they visit. This unique museum in downtown is tailor made for the little ones, to introduce them to arts, crafts, and exciting exhibits in an interactive and exploring way! It provides fun for kids of all ages and they will never ever get the idea of calling a museum boring afterward!
If you are looking for some indoor fun instead, you should check out the bowling alley Bama Lanes on 15th Street! They help kids of all ages to get familiar with the balls, even the very little ones. Whether you rent a couple of lanes for a birthday party or just play on a random day, there’s always a good time ahead at the bowling ally! And if anybody gets hungry, just grab something to eat right on site. Pause your game to enjoy burgers, wings and more at their amazing grill, or take your snack popcorn to the lane and let it support you while you take on your kids for 10 frames!
As the days are getting hotter, it’s a good idea to look for some water to cool off! Did you know that there is a great beach just a few miles outside of town? The beautiful Lake Lurleen offers not only campsites, fishing, and paddling board rentals – it also provides a sandy beach that children love! The water is clean and refreshing, and there is a sectioned off zone in which it is absolutely safe to splash and swim. The sand is also a perfect playground! On site, you can also find bathrooms and some picnic tables to rest, eat and gain some new energy. Drive out and enjoy a one-day beach vacation!
Last but not least, go back to that old-school excitement of childhood summers bouncing around at Upsurge. Jump from each trampoline inside the giant warehouse with obstacle courses and deep foam pits to try to escape. Not only will your kids love it, but they will also wear you out as you jump along with them! It’s the ultimate adventure for you and your children and right down the road!
Written By: Katharina Horvath – Intern