Ideas for Father’s Day Fun

Still looking for ways to celebrate dad’s big day? Don’t stress — you’ve got plenty of time and lots of options to plan something great. From medieval entertainment to outdoor pursuits, special events to everyday fun, freebies to splurges, here are some ideas to make Father’s Day an awesome one.

Get Medieval
Medieval Times invites families large and small to celebrate dads in an epic way: Dinner theatre featuring a grand battle of steel and steed and a four-course meal fit for a king. It’s like their own personal Game of Thrones adventure. The best part: Dads are FREE with the purchase of a full priced adult admission. In addition, you can treat him to a special Father’s Day package that includes a framed photo, cape, and 25-ounce glass beer stein with your choice of beer for $25. The offer is running now through June 19.

BBQ & Bowl
Pinstripes in Georgetown is offering a backyard BBQ brunch on Sunday, featuring a carving station, fresh seafood, waffle bar, made-to-order omelets, a dessert station with a chocolate fountain, and endless mimosas. They’ll be grilling up summer favorites including, BBQ ribs, Italian sausage, pesto chicken, corn on the cob, and much more. Don’t forget, they have bowling and bocce inside, so you can make a day of it! Sunday, The brunch will be available 9:30am – 3pm. Cost is $34/adult, $15/kids 6-12, kids 5 & under eat free. Bowling and bocce is extra.

Take Flight
Treat dad to a whirl in iFLY’s wind tunnel or make it a family adventure to celebrate his day. This is a good time to go — you can get 20% off a first time visit or return flight packages using the promo code FATHERSDAY2016 at checkout. Note that the deal won’t last forever; you must book and fly by June 19 before the special offer flies away! Read more about the iFLY experience in this KFDC post.

Play it Up
If dad is a theatre buff and/or a fan of Dumas, take him to see The Man in the Iron Mask at Synetic Theatre. This Sunday, dads get in FREE to the 2pm performance — simply show up to the box office and mention the promotion! Tickets for other family members are $20-60.

Go With the Flow
Spend quality time with the man of the hour on the water, where you can paddle and explore. A bunch of places around the area rent kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and pontoons. We just had a terrific Mother’s Day at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis, where we hiked then kayaked on the Smith River. Fletcher’s Boathouse is a popular place to go, and you can also row from the Ballpark Boathouse next to Yards Park. Bladensburg Waterfront Park also has vessels for rent along with free pontoon boat tours on weekends from 5-5:45.

A Boatload of Fun
If you’re up for a bigger boating excursion, you can rent your own pontoon at Solomons Island. We did this for Mother’s Day a few years ago and had a blast. Make a whole day of it there, and plan on dinner at one of the waterside restaurants when you’re back on land.

Walk in the Woods
Take a hike as you celebrate the dad! See flowers in bloom, tramp in places with scenic views, walk and explore history at interesting locales, and enjoy a day of active fun. Bring along a picnic for lunch al fresco, too. This go-to KFDC post has a bunch of recommendations for good places to hit the trail with kids.

Disc Golfin’
Celebrate the day by hitting the links, the chain links, that is! Disc golf is a great way to enjoy a day outdoors with the family. We’ve enjoyed outings at Calvert Road Park in College Park, Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, and Burke Lake Park. Not only is it fun and challenging, the courses are set up in pretty parks with opportunities for more recreation at all of them.

Trekkie Time
Indulge dad’s inner Trekkie at a special screening of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Smithsonian Theaters are celebrating 50 years of Star Trek by providing the opportunity to view an iconic film in an IMAX theater with a state-of-the-art projection system on Sci-Fi Sunday. The screening will take place at the National Air and Space Museum’s Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater at 4:15pm. Tickets are $15/adult, $14/senior, and $13.50/children under 12.

A Grand Feast
Steamed crabs, cold beer, scenic riverfront views…that’s a recipe for a great Father’s Day for at least one dad I know. The 2016 Summer Guide has several suggestions on where to feast on Maryland’s best dish.