Camps, Rock Music Exhibit Coming to Discovery Park

The summer 2018 is shaping up to be full of educational opportunities and new activities at Discovery Park of America in Union City.  

There are several highlights this summer that should create a buzz in the region, according to CEO Jim Rippy. 

“We have new opportunities through both our Education and Event Departments,” Rippy said. “And we plan to help people get around the grounds easier by adding trolleys this summer,” he added.  

CAMPS

For the first time, Discovery Park of America is offering summer camps for children, with four different camps available. 

A one-day camp on July 7th called “Minecraft.” Educational Specialist Russell Orr said that children ages eight through twelve will have the opportunity to see things that they have experienced playing Minecraft come to life.  
     
On July 10th – 13th the park will offer LEGO Camp for children ages six and up, and will meet from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm each day.  

On July 17th through July 20th children six and up can attend one of two Storytelling Camps. Participants will meet for a couple of hours each day and “build a story.” 

The final summer camp will meet from 9:00 am until 11:00 am on July 24th through the 27th and will focus on all things “Dinosaur.” This camp is geared for children ages six through nine. 

Park members get a reduced rate when signing up for any of these camps, which have a limited number of spots available. Additional information can be found on the park’s website.

Educational Director Polly Brasher said that there are monthly educational offerings at the park including Saturday Morning Science, Family Education Series classes, Kid’s Create Art Classes, Stargazing and weekend long events like Civil War Days and Military Living History.  

“Discovery Park offers parents and grandparents the perfect opportunity to foster learning in a fun environment this summer,” Brasher said.  “In addition to the website, we have an Annual Calendar of Events that we are happy to mail to anyone who request it,” she added.

SPECIAL EVENTS:  

Park officials are super excited about the Featured Exhibit that will be open at the park throughout the summer called “The Science of Rock N Roll.”  The technology that has created the music since the early 1950s will be featured in this hands-on interactive exhibit.  Guests can experience the production studio and play instruments as they learn about the technology behind rock n roll.  This exhibit will be open 10:00 am until 5:00 pm, Tuesday through Sunday all summer.  
    
New for 2018 is the “Member’s ONLY” Park after Dark set for June 15th. Event Director Lauren Jones said that this fun event might be worth purchasing a membership to attend!  

“It is a rare opportunity to experience Discovery Park of America at night,” Jones said.  “We will make it extra fun for families by having all the special attractions open, bounce houses up, unique food options and special treats throughout the park that night,” she added. 

Other summer events include:

 May 12- Cardboard Boat Regatta
 May 24- VIP Dinner for Science of Rock N Roll
  May 25-28- Military Living History Encampment on the Great Lawn
  May 28- $10 Admission for Memorial Day featuring a special Memorial Day Service at 2:00 pm.
 June 15- Members only Park after Dark
 June 23- Fourth Annual Car Show
 June 30- Concert featuring Montgomery Gentry (Tickets for sale at area Casey’s stores) 
    July 4- $10 Day featuring food trucks, bounce houses music and fireworks at dusk
  July 13- Illusionist Dinner- Jason Michaels performs an amazing show
  July 21- Bicycle Parade Day
  July 28- Rockin’ Out at the Museum
   Aug. 4- Second Annual Antique Tractor Show=
  Aug.11- Food Trucks in the Park
  Aug.18- Rockin Through the Ages
   Sept. 3- Labor Day- Open
Sept. 15- The Great American Airshow
Sept. 15- Cornfest Concert
Sept. 17- Cornfest Fashion Show
     
Memberships are $30 for ages four through twelve and $60 for ages 13 and up.  

Discovery Park of America is located at 830 Everett Blvd. in Union City, TN.  You can see the complete 2018 Calendar of Events, including upcoming educational and entertaining events, by visiting the website at www.discoveryparkofamerica.com . The park is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm.