Now that Christmas is over, winter break is behind us and all the decorations are put up (well, most anyway) it’s been a bit dull around the house. As a very busy family with two working parents, a vivacious six-year-old and a very active four-year-old, getting out of the house is a must. Since we moved here a decade ago, Clarksville-Montgomery County has grown quite a bit and there are so many great things to do, see and eat! I did my best to narrow it down to this family’s top four, but be sure to check out everything on the Visit Clarksville website.
We have found ourselves many a Saturday at The City Forum spending hours in the arcade, racing go-carts and playing mini-golf. Depending on the day, we have also squeezed in a game of bowling or two. Our little guy is a major sensory seeker, so the go-carts are his absolute favorite. Fortunately, they have multiple levels that allow families to ride together at a mom-approved pace or, for people like my husband, get their need for speed fulfilled. My daughter and I like the arcade since it spans generations. I can enjoy some Pac-Man while she tries her hand at all the games that produce those coveted prize tickets. They also have an amazing laser tag course that is great for older kids. We are never disappointed when we go, and it also helps the kiddos sleep extra well that night, which every parent knows is an added plus! Oh, and the pizza and pretzels with beer cheese at the Streatery are a hit with the whole family.
I think just about every kid loves a trampoline so when we discovered there is an indoor trampoline park, our daughter couldn’t get there fast enough. Planet 3 Extreme Air Park is a great exercise for the whole family disguised as fun. There is even a designated area specifically for the little ones under the age of four. (NOTE: Planet 3 is now DEFY Clarksville.)
One of the most amazing things to watch these last several years is the transformation of Downtown Clarksville. It is impossible for me to pick the one best part because it is easy to make a day of Downtown. After checking out what’s new at the Customs House Museum (the Bubble Cave is a must!) we pop over to Strawberry Alley Aleworks for a great locally sourced burger and homemade chips. Just a few blocks away is the Downtown Commons, where in the winter, you can enjoy ice skating. Throughout the year there is something going on that appeals to the young and young at heart. If you’re in the mood for a cold, sweet treat, then stop by the newest location of Golly G’s Ice Cream – it’s right there on the grounds of Downtown Commons. Their salted caramel milkshake won’t disappoint, I promise! While we wait to take in a show at the Roxy Regional Theatre (family favorite, Charlotte’s Web is playing now), a good place to relax is Yada on Franklin. There are delicious coffee treats for the grown-ups and hot chocolate or fruit smoothies for the kids.
I’m shifting gears a bit from fun for the four of us to fun for the two of us. If you have a budding artist in your family then you can’t go wrong with an afternoon at Horsefeathers. My daughter loves all things art, especially painting. Horsefeathers is a paint your own pottery studio located in the heart of Downtown Clarksville. I personally love mommy-daughter time, but I especially love that she shares my creative genes. There are so many pottery projects to choose from and the end look is only limited by your imagination. And, since it’s right there Downtown, you have so many options to grab some lunch or a snack before you head on to your next adventure! (NOTE: Horsefeathers is now Courtney's Creative Palette.)
This only scratches the surface of the fun that can be found in Clarksville any given weekend! Every season there are events, concert series and festivals that appeal to just about anyone. So, if you’re making plans to get away with your family soon, make your way, our way.
