Givers of piggyback rides, tellers of bedtime stories, teachers of life. Dads are pretty important people. To show the man in your life how much he means, a nice card is great, a card that plays a song is awesome, but an unforgettable experience is, well, unforgettable. Here are some ways to treat Dad like a king this Father’s Day.
photo: Eli Christman via flickr
Take Dad Out to the Minors
Nats?! Nats Who?! The Bowie Baysox, one of the local minor league teams, are hosting the Trenton all weekend, and there’s extra fun and special promos to enjoy — Stranger Things Night with Cara Buono, post-game fireworks, and giveaways among them.
Where: Prince George’s Stadium (Bowie, MD)
When: Father’s Day Weekend
Cost: Starts at $16
Online: milb.com
Father’s Day Fish-a- Rama
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.
Where: Great Country Farms (Bluemont, VA)
When: Jun 16
Cost: $8/child, $10/adult
Online: greatcountryfarms.com
BBQ & Bowl
Give your favorite grill master a break this Father’s Day and treat Dad to a backyard barbecue brunch. Pinstripes’ is grilling summer favorites like BBQ ribs, Italian sausage, pesto. Be sure to book a lane for some bowling or bocce after your meal!
Where: Pinstripes (Bethesda, MD)
When: Jun 16, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: $40/adult, $15/child, free/5 & under
Online: pinstripes.com
Spirit Cruises Father’s Day Brunch
Delicious buffet-style brunch menu, stunning views of D.C. iconic sights, onboard entertainment and interactive games. All dads receive a complimentary drink!
Where: Departs from Pier 4, 600 Water St., SW
Cost: $40
Online: spiritcruises.com
Father’s Day at Mount Vernon
Spend the day with the Father of our Country! 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.
When: June 15-16, 9am – 5pm
Where: Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens (Mount Vernon, VA)
Cost $20/adult, $12/ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under
Online: mountvernon.org
photo: kbrookes via flickr
Father’s Day Campfire
Spend your Friday evening at a campfire learning about some “wild” fathers as you enjoy dinner for Dad. Bring your own hot dogs and drinks. They’ll supply buns and the fixins, and s’mores for dessert!
When: Jun 14, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Where: Meadowside Nature Center (Rockville, MD)
Online: montgomeryparks.org
Dad’s Day Challenge
Celebrate Father’s Day colonial-style! Help dad learn how to be a proper 18th century gentleman. Try hands-on activities highlighting different colonial trades. 18th-century entertainment, colonial cooking and more!
When: Jun 16
Where: Darnall’s Chance House Museum (Upper Marlboro, MD)
Online: mncppc.org
Fit Father’s Day Celebration
10 a.m.-noon. Free. Register. A fun-for-all group exercise and health celebration. Enjoy Zumba, healthy snacks, fitness games, $2,500 in prizes, “Mr.. Fit Father” Contest, and more!
When: Jun 16, 10 a.m.-noon
Where: Silver spring Civic Center at Veterans Plaza, 8525 Fenton St. (Silver Spring, MD)
Cost: Free
Online: http://fitfathersday.com
Gadsby’s Tavern Father’s Day Museum Open House
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is pleased to offer free tours for all visiting fathers on Father’s Day! Notable visitors (other than your beloved Father) include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams.
When: Jun 16, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Where: N. Royal Street Alexandria (VA)
Cost: $3-$5
Online: alexandriava.gov
Beer Tasting Day with Old Ox Brewery
Celebrate Father’s Day at Algonkian Golf Course with a round of golf and some ice cold beers! Old Ox Brewing Company will be visiting with beer tasting’s for dad all day.Book your tee time!
When: Jun 16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Algonkian Golf Course (Sterling, VA)
Online: novaparks.com
photo: iStock
DC JazzFest: The Jazz Academy Orchestra
The Jazz Academy Orchestra is a large ensemble where students learn and perform the big band charts of Duke Ellington, Glen Miller and other writers of the big band era and beyond. This talented group of musicians are in grades 7th through 12th, from cities across the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
When: Jun 16, 4:30 p.m.
Where: Pearl Street Warehouse, 33 Pearl St., SW
Online: dcjazzfest.org
Run 4 Your Dad Father’s Day Four Miler
Scenic, beautiful views of the Potomac River – tree-lined – shaded – out’n’back. Start and finish at Fletcher’s Cove. Enjoy a lovely day on the C&O Canal Towpath! See displays about the historic C&O Canal before and after race.
When: Jun 16, 6 p.m.
Where: 4940 Canal Rd., NW
Online: active.com
Dad’s Brew and BBQ
Juniper Restaurant, at Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown, is honoring all Dads on their special day with Dad’s Brew and BBQ. On Sunday, June 16th from 11:30 am until 2:30 pm, Executive Chef Jordi Gallardo and Sous Chef Mitch Eldridge are firing up the grill for a special Father’s Day Brew and BBQ.
When: Jun 16, 11:30 a.m.
Where: Fairmont Hotel, 2401 M St., NW
Online: fairmont.com
Linganore Winecellars FreeState Beer, Wine and Seafood Festival
Pre-celebrate Fathers Day at The FreeState Festival which brings together Maryland’s best seafood, multiple Maryland craft brewers, delicious Linganore Wines, awesome live music and an array of MD-state-themed vendors. Price of admission includes a souvenir glass for tastings.
When: Jun 15, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 13601 Glissans Mill Rd. (Mt. Airy, MD)
Cost: $35
Onlin: visitmaryland.org
Photo: Great Country Farms
Father’s Day Fish-a-Rama Fishing Contest and Fly Fishing Demonstrations
A Potomac River fishing guide will demonstrate fly-fishing techniques at this annual event at Great Country Farms. Look for catfish, bass and blue gill as part of catch-and-release fishing, or compete to win a prize for catching the biggest fish or the most fish during an hour-long competition. Bonus: An on-site restaurant will serve barbecue and the farm has a 5-acre play area, that includes slides, rope swings and a 2,800-square-foot jumping pillow.
When: Jun 16, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Cost: $8-$10
Online: greatcountryfarms.com
Ladew Gardens’ “Groovin’ in the Grass” Summer Concert Series
On Father’s Day Ladew welcomes Jazz Caravan a 5-piece jazz, rhythm and blues band offering pep and musical punch with a broad array of swing classics and bluesy favorites.
When: Jun 16
3535 Jarrettsville Pike (Monkton, MD)
Cost: $9 adults/$5kids.
Online: ladewgardens.com
Hagerstown Aviation Museum’s Open Airplane Afternoon
Bring the family out to the Hagerstown Regional Airport and climb aboard the Fairchild C-82, C-119 Flying Boxcar and PT-26 Trainer. See exhibits and other museum aircraft such as the 1928 Kreider Reisner KR-31 biplane, 1943 Fairchild PT-19 WWII Trainer and Fairchild 24, all built in Hagerstown, MD.
When: Jun 16
Where: 14235 Oak Springs Rd. (Hagerstown, MD)
Cost: Free
Online: hagerstownaviationmuseum.org
—Guiomar Ochoa and Stephanie Kanowitz
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