I don’t know about you, but Father’s Day really snuck up on me.
No matter, though! Father’s Day is still six days away, so you and I have time to plan a fun gift or activity. And thankfully, living in Grand Rapids, you can always find something fun to do at short notice – or lack of planning. Here are five things you can do with and for your dad this Father’s Day:
1. Grab a Bite or a Beer…or Both?
With COVID-19 subsiding in the United States, it’s easier and safer to go out and grab a bite to eat. If you don’t have time to cook a huge meal, take dad out for lunch to his favorite restaurant. Not only is it a safe choice in a pinch, but he’ll love getting out of the house and eating his favorite meal with you. If he’s not sure where to go, try heading downtown to check out the plethora of breweries and restaurants we have in GR. My dad always said you can never go wrong with a good beer, especially on a hot summer day. Beer city info here.
2. Get Out There and Take a Hike
If your dad is a lover of the outdoors, drive to one of Michigan’s five great lakes and spend the day exploring the trails along the water. This is a great way to spend some quality time together and with nature. If you want to go the extra mile, try bringing waste bags with you to pick up any trash you see on your walk and see who can fill theirs the fastest. What a fun way to clean up our state! A little healthy competition never hurts, either. Find a trail here.
When you’re tired and sweaty from your hike, we dare you to jump into the lake! It’s a nice way to cool off and get some laughs in. For your safety, do not jump off of the piers. We suggest walking — or running– into the water from the beach.
3. Go to the Grand Rapids Public Museum for POPnology
This summer, the Grand Rapids Public Museum is showcasing a POPnology exhibit, a combination of pop culture and technology and how the two worlds have collided to become reality. This is perfect for dad’s who love Star Trek, Star Wars, and the Marvel universe since it features how the seemingly impossible have become epic realities. More information here.
4. Just for Dads at Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
If you have some little ones and you’re looking for a fun thing to do with your family, head over to Frederick Meijer Gardens on June 19th from 10 AM – 12 PM for some special Father’s Day activities including a Family Fishing Fun Game where you get the chance to some create art and listen to special stories that celebrate father’s and the role they play in our lives. Sign up here.
Fun Fact: Grand Rapids was rated the 6th most popular city in the U.S. for fishing in Field and Stream Magazine (2006). Just another reason living in GR is so wonderful.
5. Take Him Out to a Ball Game
You know summer is in full swing when baseball bats are too. If your dad is a baseball lover, head out to the newly named LMCU Ballpark to watch the West Michigan Whitecaps play against the Lansing Lugnuts at 2pm on Father’s day. Enjoy the sun, the peanuts, and the company! More information here.
We at the Lucas Howard Group hope you and your dad have a spectacular Father’s Day and enjoy everything Grand Rapids has to offer. Let us know what you’re up to in the comments! We’d love to know.