Things to Do in Collierville

Inspired by cosmologist Carl Sagan's historic discovery that everything looks totally awesome under strobing blacklights and smoke machines, cosmic bowling turns an ordinary bowling ball into a glittering planet hurtling through a vast and unknowable universe before exploding into a supernova of scattered neon pins. Your Groupon lets you choose one of FunQuest’s two late-night cosmic options, depending on which night you roll. On Friday nights after 10 p.m., you and a partner get two hours of bowling, a large pizza, and two pitchers of soda for dipping—because hungry bowlers leave happy pins, and when pins are happy, an angel slaps a kitten. On Saturday nights after 9 p.m., you and your friend get three hours to bowl, a large pizza, and one pitcher of soda. Shoe rental is included on both days.

During the fall, Priddy Farms welcomes families to stroll through its 23 acres of farmland to enjoy picnic lunches, pick pumpkins, and bask in cool autumn breezes. Leisurely hayrides escort visitors to the farm's pumpkin patch, where they pluck orange gourds to carve or to transform into a very tiny carriage. At the play area, children can ride on a barrel train, climb aboard Noah's Ark, swing on tire swings, or run around the open area. Families equipped with flashlights can explore the grounds at night, possibly spotting deer, foxes, or farm owls. Families are encouraged to bring cameras in order to capture their own memories.

The interactive exhibits and programs compiled by the Pink Palace Family of Museums reinforce a mission that has stayed constant for 80 years: to "inspire people to learn how history, science, technology, and nature shape the Mid-South." Attached to Clarence Saunders' mansion built in the 1920s, the museum's permanent exhibits take an eclectic approach to chronicling the past, revealing everything from ancient fossils to contemporary southern history. Inside, visitors can chart the history of Memphis from the early Spanish explorers through the Civil War or walk through a replica of Saunders' original Piggly Wiggly—the country’s first self-service grocery store, and even see a shrunken head. Global adventures are chronicled on a four-story screen at the CTI-IMAX theater, and the Sharpe Planetarium explores the cosmos from the comfort of a 130-seat theater.

Traveling to east Memphis, one can discern the natural side of the Pink Palace Family of Museums. Lichterman Nature Center encompasses 65 acres of lush gardens filled with native wildflowers, trees, and wildlife. The center combines self-guided nature walks with plant sales and educational activities to expose visitors to the natural world.

The staffers at Yarniverse understand that it often takes more than yarn and needles to see a knitting project through to the end. With this in mind, they man a round table inside the two-story shop where they help clients master tricky patterns, inspire them to try new techniques, and fuel knitting sprees with friendly conversation until each wooly endeavor is complete. Before starting new projects, clients stock up on yarns and knitting tools or refresh their skills in a class that covers how to make socks, dog sweaters, or vintage scarves.

Range USA brings together the local community of shooting enthusiasts on its range and during special events while welcoming new marksmen with informative and confidence-bolstering classes. The 20,000-square-foot Memphis facility houses a shooting range divided into two climate-controlled areas—one with nine lanes at 50 feet deep, the other with 14 lanes at 82 feet deep—with one of the two areas always open to the public. Further afield, Range USA's team also operates a 10-lane shooting gallery in Jackson. Besides overseeing the ranges, the staff also teaches classes, from basic handgun and advanced tactical training to women-only and youth programs. A FAQ page anticipates visitors' questions, such as "What calibers are allowed on the shooting range?" and "Do you have ear muffs to match my belt buckle?" When spending a day at Range USA, the facility's own 1776 Deli & Eatery keeps hunger from interfering with focus.

Paula’s Yoga is all about flexibility. In fact, Paula’s Yoga is so flexible that its owner and yoga instructor teaches three types of yoga classes at locations around town, including Wellworx Sporting Clubs, Mullins United Methodist Church, and Singleton Community Center. From these centers, Paula helps students of all levels increase their flexibility and reduce stress. In the therapeutic Viniyoga class, students focus on breath work and form, whereas the Coreball Challenge class builds strong core muscles with fitness-ball exercises instead of having students push a wrecking ball down the street.