In the pantheon of parental holidays, it is safe to say that Father’s Day takes a backseat to Mother’s Day. Trust me. I am the proud father of two, and while we conspire to honor the matriarch of our home each May, it seems my big day often gets lost in the shuffle. And you know what? I don’t mind. Like most dads, I don’t need fussed over. I don’t need gifts or cakes. What I would like is time.
So, I urge you to carve our time to share an experience with your dad this Father’s Day. Here are five ideas for making your old man feel special this weekend:
- Take Dad for a Ride: I love adventure, and there is no better way to explore Indy than on two wheels along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. The trail is wide and has ample buffer from the street, making it safe for kids. Moreover, it has many family-friendly stops along the way: Mass Ave, American Legion Mall, White River State Park and the Central Canal, and Monument Circle.
PRO TIP: Climb the stairs to the top of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument and reward your family with candy and soda at Rocket Fizz or ice cream at South Bend Chocolate Company. - Take Dad to the Ballpark: The Indianapolis Indians are home at Victory Field to face off against the Pawtucket Red Sox this Father’s Day. Treat dad to a day of baseball and bond over hot dogs, peanuts, and cracker jack. Kids eat free on Sunday, so this a budget-friendly way to celebrate.
PRO TIP: Sign the kids up for the Knot Hole Kids Club so dad can proudly watch on as his kids run the bases after the game. - Take Dad to Italy: If your dad is anything like me, he likes to eat. Italian food holds a special place in my heart, and Indy’s Italian Street Festival is an opportunity to indulge with homemade spaghetti, pizza, cannolis, cheesecake, and Italian beer/wine. The festival takes place at Holy Rosary Church, June 14-15.
PRO TIP: Be there on Saturday at 6:45 pm to see a traditional Italian religious procession before the special 7 pm Mass. - Take Dad to a Museum: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis may be designed to entertain young ones, but it has plenty of ways to entertain dad. Spend time outside at the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience to shoot hoops like a Pacer, pass a touchdown like a Colt, or hit a home run like an Indian.
PRO TIP: Play a round of mini golf on the course with holes inspired by Pete Dye’s most legendary designs. - Take Dad to a Brewery: You could just take dad to lunch, but step it up by not only sharing a meal but letting him enjoy a cold one. Many of the city’s breweries are family-friendly and designed to entertain kids while letting dad enjoy a range of beer styles. Stop by one of Sun King Brewery's two locations, downtown and Fishers. Both offer games for kids and “Fresh•Local•Beer” for dad.
PRO TIP: Pack your growlers and take home some beer for him to enjoy while watching the U.S. Open.
Forget buying dad a tie or cuff links. Give him the gift of your time this Father’s Day weekend by enjoying a family outing in Indy.