If you’re still wondering what to buy Dad for Father’s Day, we’ve got some great suggestions. Instead of purchasing a particular item, why not consider an “experience gift,” – something fun you and dad can do together! We’ve put together a list of ways to be active, have fun, and most of all enjoy a day together.
1. Bowling
Take Dad bowling and the whole family can determine who can knock down the most pins. Stop by Kings Entertainment and Dining for a meal and then bowl or visit Franklin Lanes for a traditional bowling alley feel. And you’ll get the bowling shoes at both places.
2. Paddle Dog Adventures
Visit Paddle Dog Adventures for your next adventure on the Harpeth River. They offer canoe and kayak rentals on Westhaven Lake and River Adventures on the Harpeth and West Harpeth Rivers. Unless otherwise arranged, all trips begin and end at the Paddle Dog Adventures boathouse at 1008 Westhaven Blvd. Franklin, TN 37064. A shuttle will take you and your rental equipment to the river. You will be picked up and brought back to the boathouse at the end of your trip.
3. Masters & Makers Trail
The Masters & Makers Trail is a great way to spend time with dad while also enjoying the beauty of the Williamson County countryside. The trail includes Arrington Vineyards, Mantra Artisan Ales, Mill Creek Brewing Company, H Clark Distillery, and Leiper’s Fork Distillery. You will be able to immerse yourself in the local culture while savoring the distinct, locally made flavors at each of the stops that dot the more than 70 miles of the trail. You may not be able to hit all of the stops on the trail but it would make for a scenic afternoon in Williamson County. Before planning your trip be sure to check the availability of each maker, most are open on Saturday but few are open on Sunday.
4. Superspeedway Driving Experience
Does Dad have the need for speed? Take Dad to the Super Speedway Track in Lebanon where he can try his hand driving around the track or he can choose a ride along package. Learn about the options here.
Super Speedway is located at 4847-F McCrary Road, Lebanon.
5. Nashville Sounds
Take Dad to a game at First Tennessee Park. On Father’s Day, the Sounds take on Salt Lake Bees. In honor of Father’s day, you will have the opportunity to receive Sounds autographs. Plus, kids ages 12 and under can run the bases with dad after the game. Buy tickets online here.
First Tennessee Park is located at 19 Jr Gilliam Way, Nashville, TN 37219.
6. Franklin on Foot
Take Dad on a unique tour of Franklin with Franklin on Foot. Each Saturday in June, Franklin on Foot is featuring a tour called “Crime Tours,” in which you will hear stories about bootlegging, blackmail, and murder which includes one murder that wasn’t discovered for 60 years. Meet your tour guide at the Public Square in Franklin at 6:15p on Saturday. Don’t delay in making your reservations online.
7. Dad’s Swim Free at Parks & Rec Pools
Take a break from the heat and spend the day at the pool with Dad. Dads swim for $1 at all outdoor WCPR pools on Sunday. Pools are open 1p-6p.
Outdoor pools are located at:
- Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Road.
- Longview Recreation Center at Spring Hill, 2909 Commonwealth Drive
- Fairview Recreation Complex, 2714 Fairview Blvd
- Williamson County Recreation Complex at Nolensville, 7250 Nolensville Road
Learn more at wcparksandrec.com.
8. Try Axe Throwing
The newest trend of axe throwing is now available in Nashville. You can find two places in Nashville offering axe throwing:
Downtown Sporting Club
BATL- Backyard Axe Throwing
While this is a fun new trend to try, it’s not necessarily something the whole family can do together. You have to be 18 or over to participate; however, Backyard Axe will allow ages 14 and up with parent supervision.
9. A Round of Golf
If Dad is not a golf club member, buy him a round of golf at a public course.
Check out:
Cheekwood Golf Club (285 Spencer Creek Road Franklin)
Franklin Bridge Golf Club (750 Riverview Drive, Franklin)
Harpeth Hills Golf Club (2424 Old Hickory Blvd., Nashville)
Top Golf (500 Cowan St, Nashville)
*Check out their Father’s Day deals here.
10. Arrington Vineyards
Enjoy the picturesque views at Arrington Vineyards on a weekend afternoon. Arrington Vineyard is owned by country music artist Kix Brooks, winemaker Kip Summers, and entrepreneur John Russell and they strive to give visitors a “wine country experience.”
Bring a picnic lunch or purchase food from the food trucks on site and enjoy wine among the picturesque rolling hills of middle Tennessee.
Arrington offers several tasting options:
*Expanded Tasting – Sample 8 wines at the tasting bar with a wine associate for $14.
*Classic Tasting – Sample 4 wines at the tasting bar with a wine associate for $7.
*Picnic Tasting – With this option, you can bypass waiting for a place at the tasting bar. Choose any 4 wines and they’ll pour 2 ounces of each one into disposable glasses placed in a convenient carrying tray for $14. They also include tasting notes and wine crackers. You can take the 8 ounce “Picnic Tasting” back to your outside table or picnic spot. This is a convenient way to taste and enjoy 4 wines at your own pace – without the wait.
Also on Father’s day, enjoy Bluegrass at the Barn with Craig Duncan and friends.
Arrington Vineyards is located at 6211 Patton Road, Arrington. Learn more at arringtonvineyards.com.
