Dear, old dad. What can you do to show appreciation for the man who helped raise you? The person who spent so much time dispensing all that well-meaning, if sometimes unsolicited, advice? What’s the best way to say thanks to the gentleman who boggled the mind with his seemingly endless barrage of cringe-worthy, pun-studded jokes?
A tie? A coffee mug? Come on, you’re better than that. Dad deserves so much more. There’s a wealth of fun stuff for you and your father to enjoy right here in Atlanta. There are even a few paternal-appreciation-themed events and special offers around the city on June 16, Father’s Day. So, if you’re feeling like putting forth a little more effort this year for dad’s only holiday, here are a few options.
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Chattahoochee Nature Center – Father’s Day River Canoe Trip
If you’re planning a special Father’s Day outing for a dad who loves the outdoors, then a canoe trip down the river might be a good choice. The Chattahoochee Nature Center is hosting a Father’s Day River Canoe Trip on the rippling waters, offering an opportunity to enjoy natural vistas and maybe even spot some wildlife along the way. And, just in case the river water isn’t frigid enough to cool down dad on a sweltering June afternoon, the staff at Chattahoochee Nature Center will be distributing water squirters to help beat the heat.
1-4 p.m. June 16. Age 6 to adult, $35; CNC Members, $30. 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. Anyone interested must register by June 13 at ecommerce.chattnaturecenter.org.
Credit: From chattnaturecenter.org
Credit: From chattnaturecenter.org
College Football Hall of Fame – Legendary Dads
If you want to give dad the chance to re-live the glory days – or just live out a personal sports fantasy – the College Football Hall of Fame is holding a pigskin themed Father’s Day event, and dads get in free with the purchase of a regular-price ticket. Take to the venue’s 45-yard indoor playing field, pretend to be a sportscaster at the ESPN College GameDay desk and bask in the haven of all things college football. Complimentary chair massages will also be offered to dads who show up on Father’s Day.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 16. Adults, $21.99; kids, ages 3-12, $17.99; children under three, free. 250 Marietta St. NW, Atlanta. 404-880-4800. cfbhall.com.
Credit: Jason Getz
Credit: Jason Getz
Braves vs. Phillies
If playing catch with dad in the backyard is a warm memory, take him out to the ballgame – specifically, go see the Braves play the Phillies at SunTrust Park on Father’s Day. The National League East titans have been battling it out this year for the coveted title, and watching them go head to head could be a whole new memory for you and dad to share. Survivors who have battled prostate cancer will be honored during the June 16 game to raise funds for research and education, and the first 5,000 kids, 14 and under, through the gates get a free Freddie and Ozzie Height Chart.
Game starts at 1:20 p.m. June 16. Tickets $15 and up. SunTrust Park: 755 Battery Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-577-9100. mlb.com/braves.
Credit: Todd Kirkland
Credit: Todd Kirkland
Six Flags Over Georgia
Part of dad’s responsibilities can sometimes include helping children overcome their fears. The two of you can take on a few terrifying roller coaster rides together at Atlanta’s favorite thrill ride spot. Tackle Goliath, the Great American Scream Machine, the new Twisted Cyclone or –gasp– Monster Mansion (Stay out of the marsh!) as a team, and since the amusement park has been around now for quite some time, maybe even relive a few childhood memories. Perhaps pop can try his hand at a couple of carnival games too and win one of those big, plush bears as a thank you. As part of the special Father’s Day promotion at Six Flags Over Georgia, dads who enter the park with a 2019 season pass holder get in free.
Open 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; and 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Tickets bought in advance are $51.99. Tickets purchased at the park are $71.99. Children two and under enter free. 275 Riverside Parkway, SW, Austell. 770-739-3400. sixflags.com/overgeorgia.
Zoo Atlanta
Ever hear dad reminisce on famed gorilla Willie B.? Many fathers took their children to the zoo when they were young, opening young eyes to the many, varied natural wonders. Here’s an opportunity to return the favor. Take dad to the zoo, and together, experience the wild variety of animals offered – from the giant pandas and elephants to 300-pound tortoises. Zoo Atlanta is offering a Father’s Day promotion June 16 allowing dads to get free admission with the purchase of any regularly-priced child’s or adult’s general admission ticket.
Open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Advance tickets are $22.99 ($25.99 at the gate); children ages 3-11, $16.99 ($17.99 at the gate); and children two and under get in free. 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-624-9453. zooatlanta.org.
