It is time to celebrate Dad! The loveable guy who makes pancakes on the weekend, plays crazy games with the kids, and does countless things for his family. June 17th is Father’s Day and Family Fun Vancouver has got TEN ideas for fun events & activities to keep everyone entertained. Some ideas are in downtown Vancouver and others are spread across Metro Vancouver.
#1 Play a round of Mini-Golf
Whether Dad golfs daily or once a year, everyone will have fun during a game of mini-golf. From Chilliwack to Squamish, there are mini-golf courses to delight everyone. A favourite of our family’s is Whistle Punk Hollow in Squamish. I’ve also heard tell that Giggle Ridge in Chilliwack is highly entertaining as well. If the weather is less than agreeable, you can still have some indoor golfing fun at Castle Fun Park in Abbotsford, and The Great Escape in Langley.
#2 BC Family Fishing Weekend
Fish on! There is something truly thrilling about feeling a fish dance on the end of your line. Just in time for Father’s Day the 19th annual BC Family Fishing Weekend returns to lakes across the Lower Mainland. The FREE event offers expert assistance in the sport of fishing. And for the Father’s Day weekend – and that weekend only – no fishing licenses are required. No one wants Dad’s pants falling down when he bends over to catch the fish he reeled in.
#3 Car Free Day
Ditch the car and discover Vancouver by foot! The annual Car Free Day festivities return just in time for Father’s Day. Stroll Denman Street or Main Street, or check out a new neighbourhood in Kitsilano and enjoy live entertainment, vendors, and lots of kids activities. Just a heads up, the Commercial Drive Car Free Day festival has moved to July 9th.
#4 Go for a Hike
After everyone has stuffed themselves silly at Father’s Day brunch, why not work off the big meal with a hike? Lynn Canyon, in North Vancouver, offers easy hikes perfect for families with young kids. Interested in making Dad’s muscles scream? Take him up the Grouse Grind or the Coquitlam Crunch. If you are looking for a little whimsy in your afternoon stroll, Teapot Hill in Chilliwack is worth the drive. If you do the hiking thing correctly, Dad’s heart will get pumping and his temperature will start to rise.
#5 Bike the Seawall
Nothing beats the Vancouver waterfront. Bring your bikes – or rent one – and bike the Stanley Park Seawall. Pack a picnic or find a restaurant on Denman Street. Try a game of seawall-bingo. Who can spot a harbour seal, a seagull, 10 freighters, 1 cruise ship, the Vancouver Aquarium, a horse-drawn buggy, a totem pole, the miniature train, and Malkin Bowl? Vancouver’s largest park has something for everyone.
#6 Ride the Carousel
Are you outside of Vancouver, not a problem! The Burnaby Village Museum is celebrating Father’s Day. If Dad loves cars, this is definitely the event to take him to. Classic cars and motorcycles, along with a scavenger hunt, an auto shop appreciate program, and a carousel ride or two will have dad grinning from ear to ear.
#7 Play with Trains
Out in Surrey, the Historic Stewart Farm is hosting their annual Father’s Day Open House. For Dads (or kids) crazy about trains, they will love the steam-powered and large scale trains on display from the Greater Vancouver Garden Railway Club. Dad can chat with fellow train enthusiasts, he can also help the little ones make a train craft.
#8 Pops and Props
Bring dad to the Canadian Museum of Flight for his “Superhero Dad” Snowbird/Starfighter photo op. Kids will enjoy the paper airplane craft table. Enjoy a snack at the by-donation Dad’s Cookies and beverage bar. Everyone will enjoy the aircraft demos & tours.