Are you still looking for something to do with dear ol' dad this Father’s Day? (Reminder: It’s this Sunday, June 19!). If so, don’t fret too much. There are plenty of last-minute activities in the Bay Area that’ll be fun for the whole family. Here are just a few of our favorites, many of which are low cost or free.
Learn to Fish With Dad in Marin County:
If whomever you celebrate on Father’s Day is the outdoorsy type, then this free event could be a winner. No fishing license is necessary if you plan to fish from the pier (and not the shore), but try and bring your own fishing pole if you can. If you don’t have one, the Department of Fish and Wildlife will have a couple to spare, and free bait will be provided. – Sat., June 18 from 10 a.m. to 12. p.m. Details here.
Nothern California Pirate Festival in Vallejo:
Let your father's inner Captain Jack Sparrow loose at the Northern California Pirate Festival. Organizers have recommended wearing your "scallywagging best" whatever that means (Bandanas? An eye-patch? A parrot on your shoulder? The possibilities are endless.) There will be four stages of live entertainment and a special kids area. Gourmet food will also be on deck. 10 a.m. Sat. to 6 p.m. Sun. $10.
Father’s Day Bike About at SF Zoo:
This event may not be free, but it should be memorable. The docent-led tour of the zoo begins before the park opens, when the park isn’t so crowded and the animals are full of energy, according to zoo officials. Bikes will be provided, but you’ll have to register in advance. – Sun., June 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. $25 to $30.
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Father’s Day Beer Brunch Cruise in San Francisco:
Perhaps more appropriate for families all above drinking age, this Hornblower’s Father’s Day Beer Brunch Cruise will include a buffet and “free-flowing” beer that comes with a souvenir pint glass. The cruise will be two hours, and there will also be champagne, mimosas and live entertainment. Warning: The price may be steep for some. – Sun., June 19 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. $49.50 to $87.
Father’s Day Weekend at Playland Not-At-The Beach in El Cerrito:
If your dad is a child at heart who has a wacky sense of fashion, this odd-ball event may be the perfect activity. Father’s get $2.00 off admission to the arcade, where he can play Skee-ball along with other classics. Organizers say he is also encouraged to bring the ugliest neck tie in his closet to win a prize – Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $10 to 15.
Open Cockpit Day at Oakland Aviation Museum:
Risk takers might enjoy this one. The Oakland Aviation Museum will let attendees try out a flight simulator that mimics the Korean War MiG-15. You can also “let your imagination run wild” in a Navy A-3 Sky Warrior. Movie buffs may also appreciate the Solent Flying Boat from Raiders of the Lost Ark, which will be on display. Food vendors will also be on site. – Sun., June 19 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. $0 to 10.
Palto Alto World Music Day:
This free event boasts that you and your family can “travel around the world without leaving the peninsula.” There will be a slew of musical acts from a range of genres. University Avenue and King Plaza will be more bustling than unusual, with jazz tunes, blues musical and classical favorites filling the streets. There will also be Greek, Balkan and Indian music, in case you feel like getting in touch with cultural roots. – Sun., June 19 3 to 7:30 p.m.
Father’s Day Overnight Camp at Gilroy Gardens:
This is another winner for the outdoorsy types. Gilroy Gardens will be hosting an overnight camping trip for Father’s day. The price includes three meals and unlimited soft drinks. There will also be access to the theme park. It’s a lot more pricey than the fishing trip. 4 p.m. Saturday to 3 p.m. Sunday. $60 per person.
Summer Scamper 5k, 10k, and Kids Fun Run for Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital:
For the active types who enjoy a good cause, this one’s for you. Proceeds from the run will go towards the patients and families at the Lucile Packard Chikdren’s Hospital at Stanford. There’s a mini run for kids aged 3 to 10, so even the little ones won’t feel left out. Sunday, June 19 from 6:30 to 11 a.m. $15 to $45.
Watch the Warriors play game 7 in the NBA Finals:
This one is self-explanatory, and there’s no need to leave your couch. Make dad some nice snacks, grab him a cool drink and watch Dub Nation dominate the Cleveland Cavaliers. The score is now 3-3, so it’s sure to be an intense game -- especially after all the drama from Game 6.
Have a favorite event that you don't see listed? Chime in with a comment and we'll add it to the list.
