High five to all the dads!
It’s a special day for the papas this weekend, and there are a bunch of great ways to celebrate if you’re still looking for ideas. From made-for-the-day events to DIY pursuits, this round-up has something to suit every dad.
Father’s Day at Mount Vernon
Where: Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens | Mount Vernon, VA
When: June 16-17, 8am – 5pm
Admission: $20/adult, $10/ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under
Spend the day with the Father of our Country! This coming weekend, guests can enjoy a meet-and-greet and photo ops with “General Washington” as well as a special “Father to the First Family” program. And at George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill, located three miles from the estate, demonstrations by costumed distillers take visitors through the historic process of whiskey-making in the reconstructed 18th-century facility.
Tiny Houses, Big Fun
Where: Prince William County Fairground | Manassas, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $25/age 13+, free for kids
Celebrate the day at a unique event: TINY Houses across America, a nationwide celebration of the Tiny Living Movement is bringing its one-of-a-kind, for-charity Tiny House Festival to the area. There will be a large assortment of tiny houses and micro homes, work shops, presentations, LOTS of vendors, music entertainment, fire performers, children’s activities, and more.
Behind the Scenes at the Ballpark
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: June 16
Admission: $15/adult, $10/child
Dads who are Nats fans will dig a behind-the-scenes tour of Nationals Park. It’s a chance to visit parts that aren’t open to all, like the press box and locker rooms, and get the inside scoop about neat features of the stadium. Tickets are available for Saturday, or you can get them for a future date to give as a gift. Read more about the tour in this KFDC post.
Free in the Trees
Where: Adventure Park at Sandy Spring
When: June 17
Admission: Starts at $42, Dads are FREE!
For adventurous dads who love the outdoors, particularly being in the trees, an afternoon in the aerial adventure forest of the Adventure Park at Sandy Springs is the perfect way to spend the day — especially when admission is on them. Get dad’s ticket free when accompanied by a paid climber using the promo code DAD18. (FYI: This is one of our very favorite adventures in the area — read more about it here.)
Soccer Festival
Where: Tyler Elementary School | Capitol Hill, DC
When: June 17, 12-2pm
Admission: Free
Kick it with DC Way on Father’s Day — the goal of this festival is to gather parents and children to play soccer, socialize, and have fun! It’s a great chance to introduce kids to the magnificent game of soccer, test your own skills, participate in fun competitions, and ask the DC Way coach questions regarding the game and sports in general. Festival programs will include multiple games and activities such as soccer tennis, a kids vs. parents game, sharpshooters game, 2v2 tournament, penalty and accuracy contests, and obstacle courses. Plus, there will be prizes like drawstring bags, water bottles, T-shirts, bracelets, soccer squeeze balls, and sunglasses, gift cards, and more!
Take Dad Out to the Minors
Where: Prince George’s Stadium | Bowie, MD
When: Father’s Day Weekend
Admission: Starts at $10
Just because the Nats aren’t in town, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some Father’s Day baseball. The Bowie Baysox, one of the local minor league teams, are hosting the Portland Sea Dogs all weekend, and there’s extra fun and special promos to enjoy — Star Wars Day, post-game fireworks, and giveaways among them. On Sunday, take Dad early to meet your favorite players during a pre-game Meet The Team Autograph and Photo event from 12:30-1pm. You can also bring gloves and a baseball and head out onto the field to Play Catch with Dad before the game from 12-12:30pm. After the game, all fans and Dads are invited to run the bases!
Father’s Day Fish-a- Rama
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: June 17
Admission: $8/child, $10/adult
Treat Dad to a fun-filled weekend with BBQ and catch-and-release fishing. Guests can compete in the Fish-a-Rama contest, fishing for catfish, bass, and blue gill in the stocked ponds, and prizes are on the line for the largest fish hooked and the most fish caught during the power hour. Bring your own pole and gear to fish (no drag hooks). GCF has worms for purchase in the country store. The amusement continues on the five-acre farm-style playground featuring the Giant Jumping Pillow, Triple Threat slide, corn bin, animal barnyard and loads more fun for all.
BBQ & Bowl
Where: Pinstripes | Georgetown, DC
When: June 17, 10am – 4pm
Admission: $40/adult, $15/child, free/5 & under
Give your favorite grill master a break this Father’s Day and treat Dad to a backyard barbecue brunch. Pinstripes’ grand brunch buffet includes made-to-order omelets, bottomless mimosas, a waffle bar, carved prime rib, fresh seafood, salad bar, and a chocolate fountain and delectable dessert station. Plus, they’re grilling summer favorites like BBQ ribs, Italian sausage, pesto. Be sure to book a lane for some bowling or bocce after your meal!
Walk in the Woods
Where: Around the DMV
When: All the time
Admission: Varies by locale
Celebrate the day and dad on the trail! Tramp in places with scenic views, walk and explore history at interesting locales, see flowers in bloom, 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.
Go With the Flow
Where: Around the DMV
Admission: Varies by locale
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. Fletcher’s Boathouse is a popular place to go, and you can also row from the Ballpark Boathouse next to Yards Park. Quiet Waters Park showcases beautiful nature in Annapolis that you can view from the South River. Bladensburg Waterfront Park also has vessels for rent along with pontoon boat tours on weekends from 5-5:45 ($2-3). See this round-up for even more places to put in and flow.
Disc Golfin’
Where: Parks Around the DMV
When: Father’s Day weekend (or anytime)
Admission: Varies by locale (usually free)
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. Bring along a picnic for lunch in the fresh air, too.
Family Scavenger Hunt Adventure
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: June 17, 11am
Admission: $19.50/adult, $17.50/child
For dads who love some sleuthing (a penchant for Harry Potter helps, too), the next Wizard School Scavenger Hunt by Watson Adventures happens to fall on Father’s Day. The fun, unique activity for families has you on a mission competing against other teams to find art that echoes characters, places, and enchanted objects in the famed Harry Potter books and movies, with the help of clever Harry Potter-themed clues. And while the website says it’s for ages 10 and up, kids younger than that definitely can partake, too! This KFDC post has more about this awesome adventure.
A Grand Feast
Where: Crab houses around MD
When: June 17 (or any day)
Admission: Cost of the meal
Steamed crabs, cold beer, scenic waterside views… that’s a recipe for a great Father’s Day for at least one dad I know. The 2018 Summer Guide has several suggestions on where to feast on Maryland’s best dish. I recommend making reservations if possible — this is always a popular way to celebrate.
