13 Things to Do With Your Dad This Father's Day in Ann Arbor
Father’s Day is on June 20th and will be here before you know it! While we think dads should definitely be celebrated year-round, we aren’t going to pass up a chance to show them how much they mean to us.
While the big day is coming up fast—don’t worry! We’ve rounded up a list of some of our favorite dad-friendly activities. From hitting the golf course to spending the day at the spa, there are plenty of things you can do this Father’s Day in the Ann Arbor area to show your appreciation!
Enjoy some local coffee
If your dad can’t function without at least one cup of Joe in the morning, you may need to take him out for some coffee before you start your Father’s Day adventures. Luckily, Ann Arbor isn’t a stranger to great coffee. In fact, we’re home to some of the best coffee shops and roasters in the state! Click here for a list of our favorites and stop by one (or two) this weekend to help jump-start your day.
Hit the arcade
For a fun and affordable Father’s Day activity, head to Pinball Pete’s! This nostalgic pinball arcade opened its doors more than 30 years ago and has since become the A2 destination for old school fun. Spend your quarters along the entire wall of pinball machines, play video games, and challenge your dad to a game of pool or air hockey!
Ann Arbor’s terrain makes it a perfect destination for golfers, and thankfully, we have a number of lush, championship golf courses in the area. No matter what your dad’s skill level is, you’re sure to have a blast. Stonebridge Golf Club is a high-quality course that offers 18 holes and a driving range. Another one of our favorites, Leslie Park, is one of the top municipal golf courses in Michigan featuring a variety of holes at all levels of difficulty.
Go axe throwing
Over the past few years, axe throwing has taken the world by storm! This fun—slightly dangerous—activity can be done in Ann Arbor at Axe Ventura, an exciting axe throwing studio that will teach you the art of throwing axes at targets. They are currently only taking pre-booked reservations. You can make yours here!
Float down the Huron
It wouldn’t be a summer holiday in Ann Arbor without a floating expedition on the Huron River! Some of the best places to get on the river can be found in Argo Park and Gallup Park, which are connected by the Huron River and home to the Argo Canoe Livery and the Gallup Park Canoe Livery, respectively. Want to learn more? We have a complete guide to kayaking in Ann Arbor!
Have a spa day
Spa days aren’t just for the ladies—so why not take your dad to get pampered on his special day? Start with a facial and full body massage from Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa. Then, head over to A2 Nails Spa for one of the best mani-pedi combos in Southeast Michigan. For an at-home spa day, fill a box with some local, self-care essentials: a candle from FOUND, a bar of luxurious soap from the Little Flower Soap Company, body scrub from Jessica’s Apothecary & Spa, and some tea from the TeaHaus for good measure.
If you’re looking to continue the Father’s Day fun into the next week, GrieveWell hosts Ann Arbor’s only kite festival each year in June at Pioneer High School! This free community event—which falls on June 26th this year, a week after Father’s Day—shares the joy of the outdoors and the whimsy of kites, while remembering and honoring lost loved ones. Attendees include a mixture of community members, kite enthusiasts, GrieveWell supporters, and family members sharing the joy of the outdoors. Head to this exciting event with your dad and watch kite enthusiasts showcase their favorite hobby!
Peruse a bookstore
If your dad is a certified bookworm, there’s no better place for a book shopping spree than Ann Arbor! We’re home to some of the best bookstores in the country, including Literati, The Dawn Treader Book Shop, Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tea Room, and so much more. Click here for a list of our favorites and start mapping out your bookish Father’s Day!
Go on a summer hike
Summer is all about the outdoors, so why not enjoy a bit of it with your dad this Father’s Day? Pull on your hiking shoes and take him out into nature for a leisurely family hike in the woods. The Ann Arbor area is full of amazing trails and Metro Parks, each offering a quick and easy escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Click here for a list of our favorite places to go hiking near A2.
Take a drive
Sometimes, your dad just needs to get away. If you think he could use a little vacation this Father’s Day, try taking a short road trip. To give you a head start, we’ve gathered up some of our favorite scenic drives within easy reach of Ann Arbor. We also have a guide to our favorite small towns near Ann Arbor worthy of a day trip. So, grab your sense of wanderlust and hit the road—adventure awaits!
Go fishing
The state of Michigan is made up of more than 40 percent water. Here in Southeast Michigan, much of that acreage is the Huron River, a designated National Water Trail that winds through the entire region and has been developed into one of the best, most beautiful, and most accessible recreation opportunities in Michigan. And where there’s water, there’s fishing!
Because we are a region that loves fishing, we have an entire guide that includes information on how to get your fishing license, the best fishing spots in the area, and places where you can learn how to cast a line! Check out Your Guide to Fishing in the Ann Arbor Area.
Grill outside
Grilling is an iconic staple of Father’s Day. Lean into the stereotype by letting your dad run the grill all day long. Grab some ground beef or vegan-friendly burgers from the store, some buns from Zingerman’s, and barbecue sauce from Cherry Republic — and get to grilling! If you’re looking for some recipes, Michigan blogger Foxes Love Lemons has an entire post about epic summer barbecue foods that includes an Heirloom Tomato & Beet Salad, Beer Brats with Beer Queso, and Peach Pie Ice Cream Bars. You can read it here.
Have a movie marathon
No matter how old you get, you just can’t beat watching a movie with your dad. Whether it’s a trip down memory lane or a brand-new release, we recommend pulling up Netflix, popping some popcorn and sitting down to watch a film together this Father’s Day. Here’s a list of our favorite movies and TV shows set in Michigan if you’re looking for some recommendations!
Happy Father’s Day!
We hope you have a great day with your dad! And if you yourself are a father, we love and appreciate you!
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