Father’s Day is June 18; literally just around the corner. If you’re looking for something to do to celebrate Dad, look no further than the Garden. Whether your Dad wants to hike, sleep, read or eat there’s a little something for everyone here this Father’s Day. Below is a list of six activities to mix and match for a fun-filled Father’s Day.

  1. Enjoy a meal from Dottie’s:
    • If your Dad is a foodie, or simply enjoys delicious food, then you have to stop by Dottie’s for lunch. We’re cooking up something special for Father’s Day this year. So grab a drink and one of our delicious menu items to enjoy with your Garden visit. Our menu consists of:
      • BBQ pulled pork sandwiches with a side of potato salad and coleslaw
      • Beer braised bratwurst or Vegan Dog on a sesame bun with sauerkraut on the side
      • Turkey pesto ciabatta with Himalayan sea salt chips
      • Cheesy paninis
      • Beer and Wine
  1. Play some yard games:
    • If your Dad is competitive and young at heart, come play some lawn games.  We will have a few set up for you, or feel free to bring your own board games, deck of cards or charade games during your Father’s Day visit. You can set up a blanket, set up your game and start some family-friendly competition. 
  2. Explore the Garden:
    • If your Dad is someone who wants to spend the day in nature and escape the noise of the city, exploring the Garden is the perfect activity. With 87 acres of natural beauty and more than 5 miles of hiking trails, the Garden is a great place to bring a dad who is up for an adventure. While we may be working on some upgrades to parts of the Garden towards the front, the back 40 acres are still filled with dirt trails, large trees, and the sounds of nature. So lace up those hiking boots and come explore the Garden.
  3. Relax in one of our meadows:
    • If your Dad is someone who loves reading, drawing, painting, or even napping in the great outdoors, then we suggest setting up a blanket in one of our many meadows. If you venture further into the Garden, you’ll find Hidden Meadow, Memorial Meadow and Sakura Meadow. All of these are great locations for some quiet time in nature. Stop by Dottie’s to grab a glass of beer or wine to enjoy on the walk over then bask in the serenity of the Garden.
  4. Be immersed in the world of butterflies:
    • If your Dad is all about immersive experiences then we highly suggest visiting SOAR-Tropical Butterflies. This exhibit is filled with colorful, fluttering friends of all sizes. From huge blue morphos to the smaller long wings, the pavilion is truly an experience like no other. To buy tickets to SOAR, click here.
  5. Take the Washed Ashore Adventure Tour:
    • If your Dad loves dad jokes, nature and not walking, then make sure to hop aboard the Washed Ashore Adventure Tour. Join Sage or Blossom as they entertain you with puns about the Garden and our latest exhibit, Washed Ashore. If a family-friendly comedy show on wheels sounds like something Dad would enjoy, then get your tickets here.

Celebrating or not, the Garden is a hub for outdoor fun. Click here for Garden Admission tickets.