Jackson Free Press

When I was a little girl, I remember taking my bright neon bubble paint and going up to my father's bedroom before one Father's Day, where I took out his favorite red polo shirt. I knew he liked fishing and watching television, so I drew a huge TV on the front of his shirt with a man fishing. I waited for the paint to puff up and gave it to him for Father's Day. I was so excited, and I insisted he wear it. The next day, I saw him mowing the lawn in the shirt.

As ugly as it was, I know he loved it because I found it in my parent's closet years later, folded up along with all the other items from my childhood. As I grew older, I would wash his car for Father's Day, mow the lawn and cook him breakfast. My family would go to the movies every year and watch an awesome Steven Segal movie after eating Italian food, then promptly come home and fall asleep.

Spending quality time with dad doesn't have to involve a new tie, trip to the Olive Garden and/or a long nap. Here are some fun and inexpensive activities to do with dad:

Urban Oasis—Lefleurs Bluff (2140 Riverside Drive, 601-987-3923) is a 205-acre state park tucked away in the heart of Jackson. Enjoy boating, canoeing, camping, fishing, picnic spots, nature trails and a nine-hole golf course and driving range.

Picnic at the Reservoir—Pack a picnic basket and head out to the reservoir. Bring your dog, fly a kite and lie out in the sun. This place is really beautiful and probably not thought off too often.

Fishing—Get the family up early and head out to The Spillway. Even if the kids are little, teach them how to bait and cast. Watch the sunrise on the water.

Jackson History—Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St., 601-576-6920) was originally the State House. It has been fully restored and visitors can view exhibits about the Jackson area prior to 1839. Don't miss the beautiful 94-foot high rotunda dome. Museum admission is free; open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

CARA Work Day—Community Animal Rescue and Adoption (960 N. Flag Chapel Road, 601-922-7575, http://www.carams.org) is always looking for folks to come on the weekends and help out with the animals. You and your family can help countless dogs get the love and attention they need and help out a wonderful no-kill shelter.

Splish Splash—Located about an hour and a half from Jackson, the Bogue Chitto Water Park (1068 Dogwood Trail, McComb, 601-684-9568, http://www.boguechittowaterpark.com) provides access to a bathhouse, picnic tables and toilets. Take a swim in the river or just hang out and camp.

Secret Identity and Cape Optional—Explore the Mississippi Southern Fried Comic-Con 2010 June 26 and 27 at the Cabot Lodge Millsaps (2375 North State St.). See artists and comic dealers from around the Southeast, enjoy the costume contest and get an autograph from Larry Kenney (the voice of Lion-O and Jackalman on the popular ‘80s cartoon "ThunderCats"). More info at http://www.facebook.com/southernfriedcomiccon.

Movie night at home—If you have OnDemand and want to skip the high price of movie tickets, order one from home. Make popcorn, order a pizza and spend the evening watching anything dad wants.

Get lost in a book—Spend an afternoon or a day diving into adventures like "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." Consider doing a two-person book club with dad. Read and discuss a book and maybe even attend a local reading or signing wit the author. (See jfpevents.com for upcoming events.) Or learn about history, art or science at the local library. The Jackson-Hinds Library System (http://www. jhlibrary.com) offers plenty of summer programs. Also visit their website to find the library branch nearest you.

Kick, Jab, Block—Learn self-defense and increase your strength, stamina and flexibility with martial arts. This whole body exercise builds increases self-confidence and improves focus and concentration. The Academy of Kung Fu (626 Ridgewood Road, Ridgeland, 601-856-5051, http://www.academyofkungfu.com) and Jason Griffin's Tae-Kwon-Do (125 Dyess Road, Ridgeland, 601-977-9000 or 103 Christian Drive, Brandon, 601-824-0058, http://www.griffinstkd.net) offer classes for adults, teens and kids.

Sweat Together—Have fun exercising with dad at the Hip-Hop Dance-a-thon at the Northeast Courthouse Racquet and Fitness Club (46 Northtown Drive,
601-956-1300), June 19 at 12:30 p.m. Open to ages 15 and older; registration begins at 12:15 p.m.; $15 for early birds, $20 at the door.