Father’s Day is fast approaching on Sunday, June 18 and we want to wish all the dads and father figures a very special day.  You know the dad in your life best – so whether he’d love to see a movie or show, do something active, have a nice meal at a restaurant, or order take-out for home, we’ve rounded up our best ideas for how to make his Father’s Day uniquely special.

Photo by Dominika Roseclay

Fun Things To Do With Dad

Go camping. Get out your camping gear and take Dad for an overnight adventure in one of the Best Camping Spots Around Austin.

Go swimming. Everyone loves a little fun in the sun. Check out our roundup of local natural swimming holes for some ideas on where to take a dip. Or read which Austin pools are open right now, and which splash pads can cool you off.

Go to the movies.  (These will sell out – grab tickets early!) Alamo Drafthouse has three special movie brunches for dads, or check out Violet Crown for their new releases, and extensive food and bar menu.

Grab brunch or dinner.  Check out these ATX favorites:  Perry’s Steakhouse, CARVE American Grille, The Original Black’s BBQ, Treaty Oak Distillery Father’s Day Weekend, Acre 41, Cru Food and Wine Bar’s Father’s Day Brunch, or impress him with your knowledge of the latest restaurants to hit Austin with a reservation at Bill’s Oysters.

Go fishing. Find a shady spot to post up with a fishing pole and reel ’em in! Check out this list of Kid-Friendly Fishing Spots.

Get him a class.  Roosevelt Room’s Cocktail Master Class, Toybrary’s Daddy and Me Playdate, or Omni Barton Springs’ specials like Sunset Swing (and other golf-focused packages) or Gelly Ball (Dad v. the whole Family).  You can also check out Pioneer Farm’s Father’s Day Game Day – dad gets FREE admission and can learn 1800s card games and watch a bladesmithing course.

Buy him a beer. With so many breweries in Austin, there is sure to be one Dad will love. Make a reservation at one of the breweries with giant yards to spread out in.

Take him for some thrills. Glide through the treetops on a zipline tour with Zip Lost Pines, rent electric bikes from Austin Biker Gang to ride around the city, or try the “ninja warrior course on water” at Lake Travis Waterloo Adventures. Check here for a list of activities for adventure-seekers.

Go to the lake. Go paddling on Lady Bird Lake. Here’s a list of Where to Rent Kayaks, Canoes & SUPs. Go for a walk together on the Hike & Bike Trail or enjoy a leisurely riverboat ride to See the Bats! Or check out Things To Do on Lake Travis for some fun ideas.

Go for a hike. Get out and enjoy the fresh air on a trail that you and the kids can navigate together. Check out our picks for Best Hikes for Families.

Treat Dad to a Spa Day.  Check out Lake Austin Spa’s Men’s Facial or a Swedish Massage, or milk + honey’s 15% discount on all products with the code Dad15.

Special Events During Father’s Day Weekend

Brass Quintet Concert @ Long Center City Terrace
The Austin Symphony Orchestra is presenting a summer concert as part of their summer series.  Set up a blanket for your family on the Long Center lawn for the Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park at 7:30 pm on Sunday, June 18, featuring the Brass Quintet. FREE!

Father’s Day Concert by the Austin Symphonic Band @ Zilker Hillside Theater
Join in the fun for a special Father’s Day concert by the Austin Symphonic Band. Bring your family and friends to enjoy an evening of beautiful music under the stars. Admission is free, open to all, and you can get more info here.

The Music of Bob Marley for Kids @ The Far Out Lounge and Stage
The Rock and Roll Playhouse presents The Music of Bob Marley for Kids featuring Deadeye on Sunday, June 18 at noon. This family concert lets kids move, play and sing along. More info and tickets.

Colin Jost @ Moody Theater
Snag some tickets for Dad to see a comedy show and catch the legendary, Colin Jost, a head writer of Saturday Night Live, take the stage live from Austin, Texas on Saturday, June 17th!  Grab your tickets here.

Father’s Day Hog and Goat Roast @William Chris Vineyards
Join in the fun for this annual Hog and Goat roast in celebration of Father’s Day!  William Chris Vineyards’ culinary team will slow-roast a whole hog and goat over an open fire pit until it’s perfectly ready to enjoy!  Take in the views of the vineyards, pour some Texas wine, relax in the sunshine, and enjoy the company of your family and friends.

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial in Concert @ The Long Center for Performing Arts
On Saturday, June 17, treat Dad to a performance of a full symphony accompaniment to E.T. on a huge HD Screen.  Tickets start at $19 and can be purchased here.

Meanwhile Brewing Father’s Day Party with Thinkery
From 11 am – 2 pm at Meanwhile Brewing on Father’s Day, Thinkery is hosting two activities: Prints and Pints, where you and your child can make custom koozies using stamps; and Imagination Playground, where kids can make structures using a variety of large blocks.  This event is FREE and all ages are welcome, but the age recommendation for the activities is 7 and under.  The food trucks will be open during the party serving brunch and lunch.


Special Deals
Check back for updates and email us at [email protected] to add to this list

  • Gelato Paradiso is giving every dad a free cup or cone of gelato on Father’s Day
  • Newk’s Eatery is giving all dads free dessert on June 18
  • Dad’s get a free draft of Dos Equis with the purchase of an entree at Z’Tejas
  • Dean’s Italian Steakhouse will be giving father figures a complimentary cigar after dining at the restaurant

Click here for an even bigger list of Father’s Day events.

No matter how you celebrate, we hope Dad has a great day!