All adoring eyes on dad this weekend
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 suggestions, with something to suit every honoree. Happy Father’s Day!
Take Dad Out to the Ballgame
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront & Shaw, DC
When: June 16-19
Admission: Ticket prices vary
For Dads who are Nats fans, take them to the ballpark for a game against the Phillies. They are hosting them Thursday through Sunday, so if the actual Father’s Day doesn’t work, you’ve got your pick of other days — and there are special promos and activities on some of them, including Ryan Zimmerman’s retirement ceremony on Saturday.
Walk in the Woods
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Ongoing
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 DC area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by place
Just mentioned above, but these specific recommendations for hikes are great if you want to extend the day to include food and drinks 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.
Free Beer!
Where: All Purpose Pizza | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: June 19
Admission: Cost of your meal
According to All-Purpose Pizza, “all he wants is a hot slice (or 5) and a cold beer, trust us … we know.” Both their Riverfront and Shaw restaurants will have their respective brunch menus on offer; even better, they are gifting dads with a pint of their DC Brau collab, Full Count Lager — on the house! And their brunch is delicious — trust me. Make a reservation here.
Columbia Pike Blues Fest & Juneteenth Walk
Where: Arlington, VA
When: June 18-19
Admission: Free (some activities are extra)
If your honoree likes the blues, take him to the annual Columbia Pike Blues Festival. Starting on Saturday at 1pm and going through Sunday, the event will feature performances by many local blues bands and artists along with more family-friendly activities. Interact with the Arlington Art Truck, and enjoy food, beverages, arts, and a KidsZone. On Sunday, join a Historic Juneteenth Walk through the neighborhood in collaboration with the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington and Walk Arlington from 9-10am, visit the Columbia Pike Farmers Market for the live performance of Rick Franklin, followed by a special “Blues Brunch Menu” at Café Sazó. Close the weekend with a free screening of the musical-comedy The Blues Brothers at the Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse at 3pm.
Father’s Day Fish-a- Rama
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: June 19
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 from 9am – 2pm. 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.
Food & Drink Filled Festivities
Where: Around the DC Area
When: June 19
Admission: Cost of your meal
You really can’t go wrong with plans focused around food and drink, and there are a bunch of restaurants and other places around DC that are offering something special for the big day, from Juneteenth-inspired menus to five-course feasts to whiskey evenings to meals that you can pick up and enjoy at home. This Washingtonian article has a great round-up of them. And if you just want to go out for a good, fun meal with the fam, here are a few of my recs: Ivy City Smokehouse, The Salt Line, Lupo Marino, Cactus Cantina, and Farmers Fishers Bakers, and Tabard Inn. Be sure to make reservations.
Fun in the Trees
Where: Adventure Park at Sandy Spring
When: Ongoing
Admission: Starts at $42
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 — it is hands down the best aerial ropes course in the area. 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 favorite adventures in the area — read more about it here.)
Juneteenth Freedom Celebration
Where: National Harbor, | Oxon Hill, MD
When: June 19, 2-4pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate dad and Juneteenth at National Harbor, where there will be performances on the Plaza stage from the Prince George’s County Poet Laureate and Youth Poet Laureate, local dancers, live music, artists, and more. The property is partnering with the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council for a day of education, reflection and celebration. Food truck Mardi Gras Tyme will add to the festivities and offer a variety of southern cuisine samples, plus there are dozens of nearby restaurants. And there are even more fun activities to enjoy at National Harbor — read more about all of them here.
Thee Phantom and the Illharmonic Orchestra
Where: Wolf Trap | Vienna, VA
When: June 19
Admission: $27
This show family-friendly show celebrating Juneteenth is a great evening activity on dad’s big day. Hip-hop and classical music collide when Thee Phantom and The Illharmonic Orchestra come to Wolf Trap for a special performance. The all-star lineup features some of the most outstanding Black orchestral musicians from across the country performing works by Beethoven, Donny Hathaway, Jay-Z, Rossini, Wu-Tang Clan, Mozart, Mary J Blige, and William Grant Still.
Take Dad Out to the Minors
Where: Prince George’s Stadium | Bowie, MD
When: Throughout Father’s Day weekend
Admission: Starts at $16
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 Binghamton Rumble Ponies all weekend, and there’s extra fun and special promos to enjoy — post-game fireworks, a Roberto Clemente Latin celebration on Saturday, and giveaways among them.
Go With the Flow
Where: Around the DC area
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. The Wharf is a great starting place for a paddling excursion. 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 (the post is about a Mother’s Day excursion, but can obvi be for Father’s Day, too). For even more recommendations, see this round-up of places for recreation on the water.
Disc Golfin’
Where: Parks Around the DC Area
When: Ongoing
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. This post has info about our favorite in College Park, and there are also great courses at Patapsco Valey State Park in MD, Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton, VA, Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, MD, and Burke Lake Park in Burke, VA. 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: Ongoing
Admission: Cost of your 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 2022 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.
