Father’s Day in Erie PA – Fun Things to Do with Dad
Tuesday Jun 14th, 2022
If you’re scratching your head over what to do for dad this Father’s Day, never fear! The Erie region has some great ideas to help you along. Show the Dads, Pops, Old Man, Daddy, Pa or other father figures in your life that he is admired and appreciated this day and every day by spending quality time with him, treating him to a fantastic meal or getting him something he will treasure forever. From barbecue to ball games, here are some awesome suggestions on how to make dad feel like a million bucks.
Thrills, Spills and Ear Plugs
The thunderous roars and rumbles of the All Star Monster Truck show return to the Lake Erie Speedway for a special Friday/Saturday night Father’s Day weekend performance. Watch Wild Side, Krazy Train, Terminal Velocity and Get ‘Er Done among others, battle for best trick, side-by-side racing and freestyle competitions. It’s fun-filled LOUD monster truck excitement! Purchase tickets here. Photo provided by @LakeErieSpeedway via Instagram
Give a Local Gift
If your Dad is one of those hard to buy for guys, consider giving him a handcrafted work of art from Moose Head Pottery. Visit their new gallery and browse their selection of one-of-a-kind coffee mugs, pour overs, bowls, plates and beer growlers, all made right here in Erie. All of Moose Head’s creations are specialty glazed, microwave/dishwasher safe functional pieces and come in a variety of colors and designs including the Brig Niagara, various wild life, Presque Isle, military branches, first responders and more. Personalize your gift and create your own unique custom piece online or in-store.
Walk with the Animals
Bring your dad to the Erie Zoo and say hello to some fellow furry-faced fathers! On Father’s Day June 19, all dads, granddads and relevant father figures will receive 50% off regular zoo admission. The Zoo is home to many doting dads including Manny the black and white ruffed lemur, Pumori the red panda, Dandy the Siamang monkey and brand new dads Brillo the prehensile-tailed porcupine and Ricky Bobby, the African black-footed penguin. If you can’t make it on Father’s Day, plan a trip for upcoming zoo events: Sweet Safari (July 9), McDonalds Day (Aug 6) or Wild Dog Pounce! (Aug 27). Get Zoo information, tickets and the Zoo’s full schedule here. Photo provided by The Erie Zoo.
Hole-in-One Fun
Whether it’s a friendly family foursome or a competitive one-on-one game, the Erie region’s golf courses welcome everyone and every skill level. Book a tee time at courses such as Peek’n Peak, Harbor Ridge Golf Course or Riverside Golf. Visit our Golf page for a full list of recommended courses. There are several miniature golf courses in the area that are ideal for younger families. Check out the Fun Park at Erie Sports Center or Sunview Golf at Nick’s Place and schedule your family outing! Pictured: Lakeview Country Club
Fill Your Belly!
Enjoy some mouth-watering barbecue at Underdog BBQ or Federal Hill Smokehouse. Their barbecue masters are dishing out heaping plates of ribs, brisket, pulled pork, smoked turkey and a wide variety of yummy sides. Wash it all down with a frosty glass of local beer from the Lake Erie Ale Trail. All 15 Ale Trail breweries take great pride in producing quality craft beer with unique flavors and funky names like Feisty Seagull (Erie Ale Works), Apparition Amber (Brewerie), Super Brut (Nostrovia Brewing) and The Belgianator (Black Monk Brewery). Put it all together and treat your dad and the entire family to St. Nick’s Grove for barbecue AND beer during the annual Father’s Day Weekend Erie BBQ and Brew Fest.
Photo credit @r0ckfaerie via Instagram.
Catch a Ball Game
Although the Erie SeaWolves AA baseball team aren’t in town for this year’s Father’s Day weekend, there are still plenty of games and fun promotions left for you to enjoy America’s favorite pastime. Upcoming SeaWolves home game promotions at UPMC Park include Erie Piñatas nights (June 29 and July 13), Star Wars Night (July 1), Christmas in July (July 16), Howl-O-Weekend (July 29-30) and Bark at the Park (June 22 and August 31). To view the SeaWolves full schedule, and to purchase tickets, click here. Pictured: UPMC Park
Share a Laugh
Throughout Father’s Day weekend, reserve your seats for two special performances at Kellar’s Modern Magic and Comedy Club and All An Act Theatre. Kellar’s hosts psychic comedian Peter Antoniou, an “America’s Got Talent” alum bringing his hilariously engaging and interactive show to the stage. Click here for tickets. All An Act Theatre presents “Harvey”, a classic comedy tale about the friendship between Harvey, an imaginary six-and-a-half-foot rabbit and Elwood, a very real person. Click here for tickets.
Fathers + Felines
Happy Father's Day to all the cool cat Dads! Head over to the Purrista Cat Café Sunday June 19 from Noon to 5 p.m. for a fun Father’s Day exPURRience. Tickets are $35 per person and include free beer tastings from Erie Brewing Company (you must be over 21 to participate), a five ounce Purrista tasting glass, your choice of a free beer can from Erie Brewing Company, one hour of cat lounge time and savory snacks from Herb & Honey Bakery. Tickets and more information can be found here. Reserve your space MEOW!
