2019 Twin Cities Father’s Day Events & Activities

I have a theory on why Mother’s Day seems to be a bigger deal than Father’s Day each year. It’s so much easier to find Mother’s Day activities and kids make a bigger deal, too. I think this is because Mother’s Day falls during the school year. Teachers have kept the tradition alive and passed it on to future generations. Father’s Day falls at the beginning of summer. There are no school projects. Is it a coincidence that there are less activities that are specifically Father’s Day related? I don’t think so, but we have found plenty of opportunities for family traditions.

How will you be celebrating Dad this Father’s Day? If your plans include time spent together, here are some ideas around town to make his day extra special:

Looking for: Father’s Day Events or Father’s Day Gifts?

FATHER’S DAY EVENTS – FREE FOR THE FAMILY

Crystal Airport Open House
Check out the aircraft and displays, enjoy a pancake breakfast ($7/pp) or splurge on plane and helicopter rides ($40/pp). 6/16/19, 8am-4pm, FREE admission.

Minnesota Children’s Museum | St Paul
Father’s Day is always on MCM’s Free Third Sunday – make it a Father’s Day tradition. 6/16/19, 9am-8pm.

Ski Otter’s Water Ski Show | White Bear Lake
Little Goose Lake is located at the intersection of Hwy. 61 and County Road F in White Bear Lake. 6/16/19, 6pm.

Stone Arch Bridge Festival | Minneapolis
Take a stroll across the bridge to seek out the Family Activities Area with birdhouse-building, games, and a family photo opp. While in the area, arm yourself with 10 Things for Kids: Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis. 6/14/19-6/16/19.

Father’s Day Craft Event | Maplewood Mall
Join Maplewood’s KidX program for a fun afternoon of crafting a special keepsake for Dad just in time for Father’s Day. Saturday, June 15th, Noon – 2pm. Free for Kids 12 and under.

Putter Around Downtown | White Bear Lake
Celebrate Father‘s Day weekend with a fun free mini golf course in downtown White Bear Lake. Play for fun or go for the best score – We just want you to get out, enjoy THE BEST TOWN IN MN and have FUN! And win PRIZES donated by local businesses. All ages welcome. Saturday, June 15th, 10am – 3pm. Free for Kids 12 and under.

FATHER’S DAY EVENTS – FREE FOR DAD

Crayola Experience | Mall of America
Free admission for dads on Father’s Day w/ purchase of one child’s admission ticket. 6/17/19 only.

SandVenture Aquatic Park | Shakopee
Enjoy a  Father’s Day Discount with free admission for both Dad & Mom! (The waterpark wasn’t open on Mother’s Day.) 6/16/19, 11am-7pm.

The Works Museum | Bloomington
Dads & Grandpas receive FREE admission this weekend. 6/15/19-6/16/19, Fri 9 am-3 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12 pm-5 pm.

FATHER’S DAY EVENTS – PAID

Bunker Beach Water Park | Coon Rapids
Receive half-off admission on Father’s Day only, 6/17/19 (reg $12-$15/pp). Find more Twin Cities pools & waterparks to choose from if the weather agrees!

James J. Hill House | St Paul
Take a Father’s Day Weekend Tour exploring James J. Hill’s life as the father of 10 children. Last tour starts at 3:30pm. 6/15/19, 10am-5pm, $6-$10/pp.

Snapology | Minneapolis
Father’s Day Robotics Workshop: Build, program, and interact with the robotic builds, add sounds and sensors, make them move and have a ton of fun. 6/15/19, 1-3pm, $20/father-child team.

Father’s Day Festivities | Fourpost in Mall of America
Hang out and relax with the awesome dads in your life with Art of Shaving Demos, Wisconsin cheese sampling, curated Father’s Day gifts and Artisanal soda tasting. June 14 6pm-9pm; Tickets $5 on eventbrite.

Rock and Roll Playhouse: MUSIC OF THE GRATEFUL DEAD FOR KIDS Father’s Day Celebration | First Avenue
Give Dad the gift of the (almost) Dead at a Sunday morning concert at the Twin Cities’s most famous nightclub. Doors 11am. Show starts 11:30am. Tickets: $17. Babies under 1 free.

ROAD TRIP!  Harkin Store | New Ulm
Father’s Day with Crafts lets you visit with artist Dan Cochran who will discuss and display his leatherwork. Then learn about what hobbies were popular among men in the 19th century. 6/9/19, 1-4pm, $4-$6/pp. 

MORE IDEAS ON CELEBRATING WITH DAD

Minneapolis Music in the Parks | Lake Harriet Band Shell
Bands play Sunday, June 16 (Father’s Day!) at 2 & 5:30pm. Bring a picnic to the Band Shell at Lake Harriet and let the kids have at the adjacent playground.

Camping – This is the preferred way to celebrate for the Dads in our lives. State Forest campgrounds are first-come-first-serve, so they often have last minute openings.

Take a Hike at various parks around the Twin Cities. Trails are usually open from sunrise to sunset. Some of our favorite trails include:

• Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis
• Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary, Minneapolis
• Wood Lake Nature Center, Richfield
• Fort Snelling State Park, St. Paul

Fishing – If you are not sure where to fish, star here: The Best Fishing Holes in the Twin Cities written by one of our own FFTC dads. And this is an awesome deal from the DNR and the Minnesota Twins:

GIFTS FOR DAD
(Made from supplies around your house)

“Love You To Pieces” Picture Frame
Build a square with popsicle sticks and glue. Around the square glue puzzle pieces to cover the popsicle sticks.   Cut out a nice label and write “Love You to Pieces”.  Glue it on the bottom of the frame.

Dad Poster Cut out large letters for D-A-D.  Approximately 4 inches wide by 6 inches high.  Ask each child why he/she loves dad and write on strips of paper.  Glue all pieces to a large piece of poster board.  Add a string on the back to hang it on the wall.

Nuts About Dad
Fill a clean jar with Dad’s favorite nuts.  Use this label that reads, “We’re Nuts about you Dad” and paste it on the front with washi tape or glue.

More ideas from around the internet

• Easy Father’s Day Shirt
• Super Dad Pop Box Set
  

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More Family Fun Ideas:

Community Entertainment for Kids 

Twin Cities Guide to Beaches, Pools and Water Parks