Fun Things to Do With Dad in Paradise

When it's time to do something special for your dad, break out of the gift card rut and take your pops out for a day filled with the things he enjoys most. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, experience these father-approved activities in The Palm Beaches, plus some unique deals and offers to make his day extra-special.

Paddle with Pops

What better way to connect than with a day on the water? The Palm Beaches have 125 miles of tropical waterways, so treating him to a paddleboard, canoe or kayak trip is a surefire hit. There are many places to paddle here, including the Jupiter Inlet, Lake Worth Lagoon and sections of the Intracoastal Waterway, with popular paddling parks including Riverbend Park, John D. Macarthur Beach State Park and Snook Islands Natural Area. You can rent gear at places like Jupiter Outdoor Center, Blueline Surf and Paddle Co. or Visit Palm Beach. Odds are that there’s an outfitter near you, no matter where you’re staying in The Palm Beaches.

Travel Back in Time

Historic places and stories about pioneers and adventurers abound in The Palm Beaches. Consider embarking on a historic tour of the region’s great landmarks. Don’t miss compelling attractions like Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens,  the Boca Express Train Station, and several stunning Gilded Age attractions.

Explore Lush Parks

A day at the park with family is a laid-back, low-key way to show how much you care. Explore trails by foot, listen to the sound of the waves or cook up Dad’s favorites on a sizzling grill. A selection of 85 parks is just a drive away from anywhere in The Palm Beaches, from inland favorites like Okeeheelee Park, Lake Ida West Park, and John Prince Park to the beachfront gems of Carlin Park, Ocean Ridge Hammock Park, and Oceanfront Beach Park.

Deep-Sea Fishing

Watch Dad’s face light up when he hears that you’re taking him deep-sea fishing. For the Atlantic Ocean fisherman, the Gulf Stream is closest to land just off The Palm Beaches’ coastline, and that means clear turquoise waters teeming with hungry sport fish. You can set up a private outing with an experienced charter, or you can join a larger group aboard a deep-sea fishing boat like those on the Blue Heron Fleet. 

Play Some Classic Pinball

For those seeking the nostalgia of youthful pastimes combined with modern delights, the Silverball Retro Arcade in Delray Beach is a museum, restaurant and entertainment center in one super-cool location. Tickets include free play on an array of classic pinball machines and arcade games, and the venue also features a full menu of bar food favorites. Add in a stage for live music and TVs for watching sports, and it’s basically Dad’s new favorite place.

Head To The Golf Course

Put Dad’s golf skills to the test in one of our beautiful golf courses. The Palm Beaches boast more than 160 sun-soaked golf courses designed by the greatest architects in the game. Whether you and your Dad are golf pros or beginners, The Palm Beaches offer a great mix of challenging and simple holes.

 

 

 

 

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Savor Local Flavors

For the father that’s also a foodie, The Palm Beaches’ food halls are festive culinary playgrounds, perfect for treating Dad to a variety of tempting dishes complete with coffee and cocktails. Whether you choose the Grandview Public Market in West Palm Beach or the Delray Beach Market, you’ll be in awe of the range of available cuisines in these trendy spaces. If sampling menu items from multiple restaurants while also sightseeing is more the right speed, sign up for a West Palm Beach Food Tour. And if dad prefers a sit-down restaurant, check out our top Asian restaurants in The Palm Beaches and our breathtaking waterfront restaurants.

 

Special Deals & Events for Father’s Day

Chichi Day at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. Encapsulating love and a lifetime of affection for your #1 dad can be a daunting task. Thankfully, on June 19, the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is brimming with Father's Day programming and one-of-a-kind delights that your pop is sure to prize even if he's already received the best gift ever — you. Take your chichi's ("father" in Japanese) green thumb to the Land of the Rising Sun by way of Morikami's Museum Store. Bonsai Seed Kits ($12) are perfect for amateurs and experts, and come stocked with seedlings, potting mix, and gardening instructions. Choose from Black Pine, Japanese Maple, Rocky Mountain Juniper, or Japanese Cherry Blossom seeds. 
Bump up pater’s sumi-e art game with a Buddha Board ($45). Simply dip the included brush into the tray of water and paint the world around you, then watch your mini masterpiece disappear as the board dries. Each kit includes a board, easel, water tray, and brush. 
Raking was a common practice Buddhist monks used to achieve mindfulness and serenity. With a Tabletop Zen Garden ($36), dad, too, can enjoy the calming effects of raking and create delicate patterns using sand and rocks. Additional features include a wooden tray, mini garden rake, and meditation book.
Throughout Father's Day weekend, June 18-19, receive a free tea mug when you spend $50 or more at the Museum Store. One per customer, while supplies last.
For the GQ guy, head over to the Kamiya Room, where, from 12-3 p.m., kids of all ages can design a colorful origami paper tie to showcase their dad's fashionable side. 
Location: Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach.

 

Father's Day Mozzarella Making Class. Join the beautiful Delray Beach Market Food Hall on Father’s Day, June 19, from 6 pm to 8 pm for a fun Mozzarella Making Class! You will receive 1/2 lb. of curd to make fresh mozzarella to taste and then taste again to make your mozzarella perfect to your preference. You will leave with "ready to eat" fresh mozzarella as well as another 1/2 lb. of curd to enjoy making at home! Happy Hour Specials offered for the workshop students include $6 Glasses of Boutique Wine (selection of Red, White & Sparkling) and $3 Montaditos - "Perfect Bites" (3 for $8). Spaces are limited so reserve your place now.
Location: Delray Beach Market, 33 SE 3rd Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33483.

 

Concours D’Elegance in Delray Beach. Does your dad love cars? Then this  event is for him! On Saturday, June 18, 2022, from 11 am to 4 pm, celebrate Father’s Day Weekend at the Delray Beach Concours D'Elegance. The event is free to attend and will bring together locals and neighbors to support our local Delray Beach community and share in the appreciation of classic cars. There will be music, food and more. Tickets here.
Location: SE 2nd Ave from SE 1st St. to SE 3rd St. (2 Downtown Blocks).

 

Father’s Day Sushi Making + Beer Tasting Class. On Father’s Day, join lead sushi chef for a sushi making and Japanese beer tasting class with only 12 coveted seats available. This unique experience includes welcome appetizers, premium Japanese beer tasting, hand-on experience making maki rolls (3 different types of rolls including cooked, raw and vegetable), and savor delectable desserts while capturing it all with a photo of you and dad. Tickets here.
Location: Eat District, 1941 Northeast 5th Avenue, Boca Raton, FL 33432.

 

Restaurant Deals. Several restaurants in The Palm Beaches are offering special offers and menus for daddies! Celebrate Papa at Pistache French Bistro in downtown West Palm Beach. For brunch and dinner, the restaurant will feature specials and complimentary drink for dads. Or, bring your Dad into Lionfish Delray for a Father’s Day celebration fit for a King. Lionfish will even give the first 100 Dads a complimentary Aberfeldy Scotch gift to take home and will offer special Father’s Day Cocktails. Alternatively, treat him with a brunch or seafood dinner at City Oyster. For the occasion, executive chef Jordan Stilley will present a plethora of brunch specialties and exclusive seafood delicacies.