By Julia Train
Father’s Day is this weekend and let’s face it, it’s easier to plan gifts for Mother’s Day. A simple bouquet of flowers and you are set. Men are notoriously harder to shop for. Rather than a gift this year, an experience is sure to put a smile on Dad’s face. Here are 20 ideas for what you can do with dad this weekend.
Go to the rides. – At Playland’s Castaway Cove in Ocean City, dad rides for free on his special day.
Visit Historic Cold Spring Village’s Annual Military Timeline Weekend in Cape May – The annual features encampments, weaponry displays and demonstrations from living history groups depicting various conflicts throughout the centuries.
Mini golf – There are a ton of mini golf places along the Ocean City boardwalk including Goofy Golf, Haunted Golf, Congo Falls and more.
Visit a local park – Lake Lenape Park has countless activities to choose from. Have a picnic, hike, and kids can play on the playgrounds.
Wander around a shopping district such as Smithville or Downtown Ocean City,
Go to The Point in Somers Point for Reggae Sunday
Go to a local brewery. – There are tons in Atlantic and Cape May counties! There’s Garden State Beer Company in Galloway, Tuckahoe Brewing Company in Egg Harbor Township and Cape May Brewing Company in Cape May, to name a few.
Go to the Zoo. – This is a great idea for families with young children (and it’s free!).
If you’d rather stay home and hangout by the pool (if you have one) or on the deck. Make sandwiches, salads and fruit salad (or even grill hamburgers and hot dogs) and spend quality time with dad in the comfort of your backyard
See live music. – Ventnor and Somers Point both have free concerts on the beach.
Go to Charlie’s in Somers Point. – They have dinner specials on the weekend starting at 4 p.m. and they’re well known for their wings and bbt’s (boneless wings)
Go for a hike. – Is your dad more of an outdoorsy type? Find a local trail in Mays Landing, Estell Manor or Egg Harbor Township
Go to the beach. – We are lucky to be so close to the beach! That’s a fun all day activity.
Get ice cream. You can’t go wrong there.
Try Axe throwing. – Go to Westecunk Axe Throwing in Atlantic City for a different kind of Father’s day activity. It’s food and drink friendly and BYOB. It’s right near a distillery and micro brewery so you could stop there before or after.
Go to the movies. – A plethora of movies were just recently released. Have dinner and a movie with the family.
Father’s Day Car Show for Pancreatic Cancer at Racks Williamstown. – If you’re up for a little drive, Racks Williamstown and HotRod Garage are teaming up to raise money to support Pancreatic Cancer research. There will be a DJ, Door Prizes, 50/50 Ticket Auction and more.
Go fishing. – Does your dad like more of a quiet day? Is he a fisherman? Maybe he would enjoy his family joining him (or not). It’ll be a bonding experience, especially if you don’t know how to fish.
Spadaforas – If you’d rather enjoy the seafood without the work, check out Spadafora’s and bring it home.
Absecon lighthouse – If you’re feeling brave and fit, climb New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse and get your steps in.
There are so many different activities to do with dad this weekend. Whether you’re planning something for your husband and kids or for just you and your dad, Atlantic and Cape May counties are abundant with different activities for a variety of different familial situations!
No matter what you plan for dad this weekend, remember all that matters is the quality time spent together.
Happy Father’s Day!
