How about a little trail dancing on a Father’s Day hike? 😉
It’s a special day for the dads this coming weekend, and there are a bunch of great ways for the whole fam to celebrate if you’re still looking for ideas. This round-up has a variety of them with something to suit every dad . Happy Father’s Day!
Take Dad Out to the Ballgame
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: June 20, 1:05pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
For Dads who are Nats fans, take them to the ballpark for a game against the Mets. There’s an afternoon game on Sunday (that includes a t-shirt giveaway for kids). Nationals Park is now operating at 100% capacity, so you can cheer the team on with 40,000+ other fans. Plus, the playground is open again for little ones to have some extra fun.
Take Dad Out to the Minors
Where: Prince George’s Stadium | Bowie, MD
When: Father’s Day Weekend
Admission: Starts at $10
The Nats aren’t the only team in town for some Father’s Day baseball. The Bowie Baysox, one of the local minor league teams, are hosting the Akron Rubber Ducks all weekend, and there’s extra fun and special promos to enjoy — post-game fireworks, Witch & Wizardry Night on Saturday, and giveaways among them. On Sunday, the first 500 dads will get a #1 Dad Baysox T-shirt, plus kids and dads can run the bases and play catch on the field post-game.
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, try to spot wild creatures, 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.
Hike+
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
Just mentioned above, but these specific recommendations for hikes are great if you want to extend the day to include a fun meal to celebrate, too. A few awesome combos for that: Sky Meadows State Park and Barrel Oak Winery. Sugarloaf Mountain and The Comus Inn or Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard. Great Falls (MD side) and The Old Angler’s Inn. Patapsco Valley State Park and the Guinness Brewery.
Father’s Day Fish-a- Rama
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: June 20
Admission: $15/child, $17/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.
Kids, Eggs & Kegs
Where: City-State Brewing Company | Northeast DC
When: June 19 & 20, 10am
Admission: Free, but plan to purchase food and drinks
City-State brewing is launching family-focused events this weekend — just in time to toast the dads! Kids, Eggs & Kegs will be held every Saturday and Sunday and includes food trucks, games, and toys, plus tasty non-alcoholic beverages. While City-State is always family-friendly, this event is specifically tailored to families with young children. Options for kids include: board games, arcade games, sidewalk chalk, toys for toddlers, DC-themed coloring pages, free Goldfish snacks, and tasty kid-friendly beverages. City-State has changing tables in the restrooms. The fun starts at 10am at the brewery located at 705 Edgewood St NE.
Fun in the Trees
Where: Adventure Park at Sandy Spring
When: June 20
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. There are still some tickets available for Sunday, but if you can’t score them for that day, think Father’s Day gift and reserve for another day! (FYI: This is one of our very favorite adventures in the area — read more about it here.)
BBQ & Bowl (or Bocce)
Where: Pinstripes | Georgetown, DC
When: June 20, 10am – 4pm
Admission: $29/adult
Treat dad to a special barbeque brunch buffet this Father’s Day! Pinstripes’ grand brunch buffet usually 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 grill summer favorites like BBQ ribs, Italian sausage, pesto. Reserve a lane for some bowling or bocce after your meal (extra cost)!
Brunch Time
Where: Around the DMV
When: June 20
Admission: Cost of your meal
You can’t really go wrong with a good meal, and there are a bunch of places around DC to enjoy an especially great one for the big day. Washingtonian has a round-up of places offering special meals just for the day, and there’s something to satisfy all food cravings.
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. Quiet Waters Park showcases beautiful nature in Annapolis that you can view from the South River. Bladensburg Waterfront Park also has vessels for rent for a great all-day deal. And if you want to go a little bigger, consider a Solomons Island pontoon boat rental. For even more recommendations, see this round-up of places for recreation on the water.
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 savor a day outdoors with the family. We’ve 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.
A Grand Feast
Where: Crab houses around the area
When: June 20 (or any day)
Admission: Cost of the meal
Steamed crabs, cold beer, scenic views… that’s a recipe for a great Father’s Day for at least one dad I know. The 2021 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.
