Next weekend is Father’s Day, and the holiday offers the perfect excuse to spend quality time with the man who raised you — whether by blood or not. With the day being a little over one week away, now is the time to start planning.
Whether he loves fishing, great food, golf or simply spending time by the water, the area offers plenty of ways to celebrate every type of dad.
1. Reserve a Father’s Day brunch
Brunch remains one of the most popular Father’s Day traditions, and reservations fill up quickly.. One standout option is the Father’s Day brunch buffet at Cardinal, featuring brunch favorites, carving stations and family-friendly offerings.
Located at 201 S. New York Avenue Atlantic City, the brunch takes place from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and costs $45 per person and $20 for kids under 8. For more information, go to: www.cardinal-ac.com/events-at-cardinal/fathers-day-brunch-buffet
2. Go to dinner
Take your dad to enjoy some of the best seafood in the region! The Flanders’ restaurant, Emily’s, is starting its “All you can eat” snow crab nights on Sunday, June 21 and offering the deal every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. For $72.95 (adults) or $28.95 (kids), treat Dad to a special seafood dinner.
Get more info at www.theflandershotel.com. The Flanders is located at 719 East 11th Street, Ocean City.
3. Book a fishing trip
For dads who would rather spend the day on the water, a fishing excursion is hard to beat. Ocean City offers a variety of charter and party boat options, including Shark Bait Family Fishing Charters at 228 Bay Ave, Ocean City. Visit their website: www.sharkbaitfishingocnj.com.
Whether Dad is an experienced angler or just wants a relaxing day on the bay, booking early can help secure the best departure times.
4. Challenge Dad at an obstacle course
Families looking for an active Father’s Day outing can make a day of visiting The Yard or Aqua Park OCNJ Watersports. Designed specifically for children, The Yard, located at 741 West Ave Ocean City, features aerial nets, climbing obstacles and interactive play areas that encourage kids to explore, stay active and use their imagination in a safe environment.
For even more adventure, head to Aqua Park OCNJ Watersports, located at 228 Bay Avenue Ocean City. Aqua Park is a floating inflatable obstacle course on the bay featuring more than 18 unique attractions for kids and adults. Younger children can enjoy designated “Small Splash” sessions, while older kids and parents can climb, jump and slide their way through the park.
Together, the two attractions offer a fun-filled day that the whole family can enjoy.
Visit: www.theyardocnj.com or www.aquaparkocnj.com for more information.
5. Hit the golf course
Father’s Day weekend is one of the busiest weekends for local golf courses. Reserve a tee time now at one of Atlantic County’s public or private courses and turn the day into a friendly family competition. Pairing a morning round with lunch afterward makes for a classic Father’s Day outing. Many courses even have on-site restaurants, such as The Roost at Harbor Pines Golf Club.
Schedule a tee time at Harbor Pines, located at 500 St. Andrews Drive Egg Harbor Township or check out The Roost’s menu at www.harborpines.com.
6. Spend the day on the Ocean City Boardwalk
Sometimes the best plans are the simplest. A stroll along the Ocean City Boardwalk offers everything from bike rides and snacks to games and shopping. Popular attractions such as Playland’s Castaway Cove and Encounters Ocean City provide fun for dads and kids alike.
7. Catch live entertainment or grab a drink at a pop-up bar
Atlantic City’s entertainment calendar is packed throughout June with concerts, comedy shows and themed pop-up bars. Planning ahead allows families to secure tickets and build an entire Father’s Day weekend around a night out together.
Some options include seeing The Hook at Caesars, visiting America’s Birthday Bar at the 1927 Lounge at Ocean Casino Resort, stopping by the Piggy Bank Bar at Resorts Casino Hotel, or catching a performance by the Blue Man Group at Tropicana.
8. Organize a beach day
If Dad prefers relaxation over a packed itinerary, consider planning a classic beach day. Pack a cooler, bring chairs and spend the day enjoying the sea breeze at one of the countless beaches the area has to offer. The combination of sun, sand and family time often makes for the most memorable celebration.
Can’t decide? Create a full weekend experience!
Why limit the celebration to one day? Combine several activities and spend the weekend celebrating Dad. Start with fishing or golf, enjoy a special brunch, spend time on the Boardwalk and end with dinner overlooking the water.
Regardless of what Dad enjoys, there are plenty of options in the area to celebrate him and let him know you appreciate him. By planning ahead and securing reservations early, families can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time creating lasting memories with the fathers and father figures they’re celebrating.
