Father’s Day falls on Sunday, June 21, 2026. How will you be celebrating Dad and/or Grandpa? If your plans include time spent together, here are some ideas around town to make his day extra special:
Things to Do On Father’s Day in the Twin Cities
We love that Father’s Day falls in mid-June because the Twin Cities are alive with summer family fun. Whether you enjoy festivals, concerts, outdoor movies or getting out into nature, there is so much to do.
Free Father’s Day Celebrations
Stone Arch Bridge Festival
West River Parkway, Minneapolis
While not technically a Father’s Day Celebration, this annual event is always held Father’s Day weekend and is fun for the whole family. It features a classic cars car show, art vendors to shop, bands to listen to, and kid-friendly activities.
The festival is free to attend. While in the area, arm yourself with 10 Things for Kids: Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis (but keep in mind that construction has closed the bridge to through traffic). June 20-21, 2026.
Ski Otters Water Ski Show
Little Goose Lake, intersection of Hwy. 61 and County Road, White Bear Lake
Here’s a rather unique Father’s Day idea: take Dad to see a water ski show! Bring lawn chairs and a no-fuss picnic dinner. Ski Otters perform Sundays throughout the summer. June 21, 2026 at 6pm.
Crystal Airport Father’s Day Open House
5800 Crystal Airport Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55429
Aviation buffs! Check out the aircraft and displays, kids can bounce in the inflatable house, enjoy a Belgian waffle breakfast ($10/pp) or splurge on plane and helicopter rides ($60+). June 21. 2026. FREE admission.
Drop-In Discoveries: Pond Exploration
Richardson Nature Center, 8737 East Bush Lake Road, Bloomington, MN 55438
Richardson Nature Center’s weekly Drop-In Discovery activities will focus on exploring the pond this Father’s Day. But there is so much more to do at Hyland Lake Park. Make a fun family day of it for Father’s Day. 10 Things for Kids: Richardson Nature Center & Hyland Lake Park. Free. Drop in June 21, 2026 between 1-3pm.
Free Father’s Day Concerts
Minneapolis Music in the Parks
Lake Harriet Band Shell Park, 4135 W Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55409
Bring a Father’s Day picnic to the Band Shell at Lake Harriet (or grab a takeout dinner at Bread and Pickle) and let the kids have at the adjacent playground. Enjoy a 2pm country music concert by Saddle Sores and/or a 5:30pm 60s pop concert by RetroFizz. June 21, 2026 at 5:30pm.
Father’s Day at the Gideon Pond House
401 E 104th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
The rousing John Philip Sousa Memorial Band will play it’s annual Father’s Day concert in full period costume. The grounds of the Gideon Pond House are perfect for a family hike, too. June 21, 2026, 6-8pm.
10 Father’s Day Activities That Require No Pre-Planning or Registration
- Explore the great outdoors. We’ve made a list of 10 Kid-Friendly Hikes on Twin Cities Hiking Trails That Are One Mile or Less
- Go on a bike ride: Anne and her family have tested out biking trails all over the Twin Cities:
- Have a day of fun at a local park. Have a barbecue picnic, fly a kite, get a baseball game going, or just do fun things while spending time together: Twin Cities Parks & Playgrounds Search.
- Go out for ice cream. Gianna has taste-tested and approved the Best Ice Cream Shops in the Twin Cities
- 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.
- Disc golf – One of our favorite dads, wrote Fun With Dad: Disc Golf in the Twin Cities.
- Archery – Father’s Day could be the perfect time to learn a new skill. Take dad to an Archery Range and practice together.
- Visit a family-friendly brewery. Local Taprooms and Breweries can be fun family outings. Many offer board games or yard games as well as fun sodas for the kids.
- Hang out in the backyard. Play card games at the picnic table, have a backyard barbecue (maybe young chefs can help make salads or cookies), play backyard games and maybe screen a favorite movie outdoors.
More Ways to Celebrate with Dad
What Do Dads Really Want for Father’s Day? We polled some of our favorite Minnesota dads to see how they would like to celebrate this year.
Our very own FFTC Dad Christo Peters: A cold drink, a steak, and a hammock nap. (Husband to our Joy Peters and dad to four terrific FFTC team kids, Christo dreams of a day when he can peacefully nap in a hammock.)
KTIS Radio host Andy Youso: “A great Father’s day gift would be letting me just choose the movie we all watch for once! I don’t know if I can handle watching Frozen on Disney+ one more time!”
Local video producer, music teacher, and communications director Luke Olson: “A great fathers day would include:
- Yummy breakfast, bacon required
- Time together as a family
- Going for a walk, maybe include a picnic time
- Playing a board game
- Flying kites
- Reading a chapter book together
- Building something (Lego, K’nex, puzzle)
- Instead of ordering out dinner like normal, making something fun and new together
- Instead of getting a gift, choosing an organization that is helping those most affected by the pandemic and donating.”
Dads!
What do you really want for Father’s Day? Let us know in the comments so we can share!
Forget the cruises they are booked way ahead of time
Thanks for letting us know its sold out. I’ve updated our article. If you want to take dad on a cruise a little later, regular Sunday brunch cruises seem to be available with a week’s notice.
Father’s Day Festivities at Fourpost in Mall of America
Hang out and relax with the awesome dads in your life just in time for Father’s Day!
June 14 6-9 pm
Tickets $5 on eventbrite
At Fourpost, we’re bringing you the best Father’s Day festivities, including:
The Art of Shaving demos where experts will teach you how to get the perfect shave with their renowned grooming products
Real Wisconsin cheese samplings from Cheese Brothers
Father’s Day gift ideas from our curated collection of men’s brands, including Faherty, Blind Barber, Fulton & Roark, and many more
Artisanal soda tasting from North Star Craft Soda
Fun puzzles and prizes
10% shopping discount for you or Dad!
So stop on by for a night of relaxation with your favorite dad.
Thank you Karen, we’ll add this to the article.
Sorry, in referance to my previous comment, it appears the offer for 2019 Father’s/Mother’s special for the SandVenture Park is June 16 – Father/Mother’s Day Special: Free admission for parents with paid admission for child
Sorry for the confusion, Annie. I’ve fixed the broken link as well.
Hi this event says the link for the sandVenture Aquatic Park offer is not found & the date is for 2019 that you have: 6/16/19: Father’s Day Discount @ SandVenture Aquatic Park, 1101 Adams St, Shakopee • 11am-7 pm • Details: Free admission for dads. (Mom’s get free admission, too. The waterpark wasn’t open on Mother’s Day.)