10 things to do with dad for Father's Day in Toronto that are actually fun

Jun 1 2017, 8:33 pm

Father’s Day lands on June 18, so you’ve only got 5 days to figure out how you’re going to celebrate the fine occasion with that dad of yours.

Every dad has his favourite thing to do, sure, but if you want to take him out of his comfort zone we’ve also got some suggestions to consider. Whatever you end up doing with or for him, Toronto houses a bountiful selection of attractions and activities to make the special day and night memorable.

Here are 10 ideas for you to work with.

Ripley’s Aquarium


Ripley’s offers a variety of activities that you and your dad can partake in. There’s plenty of fish and aquatic life to follow around and it isn’t much of a headache to sort, which is always a bonus. If you want to step up your game though, you can choose to bundle the Ripley’s experience with the CN Tower tour; there’s a promotion where you can see both attractions for the price of one, so why not?

Do it for Dad’s Day

2017 Father's Day Events Toronto

Courtesy Do it for Dad’s Day

You can get active for a good cause on Father’s Day this year, and this 5km walk/run raises money for men battling cancer and the families that are supporting them. You can register right here and the event kicks off at 10:30AM at Ashbridges Bay Park.

Luminato Festival

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The Luminato Festival is always a surefire way to get your artistic fix in for the week, and this Father’s Day you can choose from a variety of events and performances to see, many of which are free. Check out the Canadian premiere of ‘Notes of a Native Song’, which is a “homage to the original black punk novelist, James Baldwin.” Or, maybe take him to see the theatre performance of “King Arthur’s Night” at the Berkley Street Theatre. There’s a ton of live fun for you guys to enjoy together. Also, there will be a licensed patio near the Drake for all your drinking needs.

Polson Pier

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Depending on the weather, venturing to this venue will provide you with numerous opportunities to entertain and relax with dad. You can take him to the driving range and shoot some balls for hours or you can play some pool or ping pong outside. Or just keep it simple: lay out and enjoy the view. Duke Dumont plays at Cabana during the day, too. Stay around at night and check out some of the drive-in movies available. On Sunday you can bring a car load for only a $25 admission fee, so gather the family or whoever you can crowd in the car for the outdoor cinema experience.

Gun Range

Head outside of the city and take your father to the gun range for some targeted shooting. There are packages and programs that accommodate both licensed and un-licensed shooters and if you two end up getting really into it, there are courses you can take and leagues you can sign up for. The facility is open from 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays. There’s also gear and products available, should you want to stack and suit up.

Jays Game

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When in doubt take dad to a ball game. On Father’s Day weekend there are three games you can choose to see (or do them all if you fancy) with the Jays facing the Chicago White Sox. On Friday, June 16 the ballgame kicks off at 7:07 pm while Saturday and Sunday the game starts at 1:07 pm. Tickets start at $28.50. From 12 pm to 1:30 pm, Hall of Fame legend and former Blue Jay Roberto Alomar will be signing autographs. The first 20,000 fans to enter the Rogers Centre for the Father’s Day game will receive a ‘Fire Up the Grilli BBQ Apron’ and the 200 level WestJet Flight Deck will celebrate all-things Dad. Grab your tickets here.

Yorkville Exotic Car Show

2017 Father's Day Events

Courtesy Facebook/YorkvilleECS

Car enthusiasts can see over 120 cars from the likes of Porsche and Lamborghini, among many others. The event takes places from 12 pm to 5 pm on Sunday, June 18. Also, funds will be raised for Prostate Cancer Canada and the event is free.

Father’s Day Buffet

You know he’ll need to eat so why not make that meal a buffet? Old Mill Toronto is throwing both brunch and dinner buffets on Father’s Day, all delivered at the helm of Executive Chef Martin Buehner. Expect options like roast beef, poultry, pasta, seafood and desserts from tortes to mouses to cakes, all available to indulge in. Tickets are between $40.95 – $43.95 for adults and $19.95 for children, with kids under five getting in for free. You can’t really go wrong with food in a historical, extravagant hotel like this. You can also take him on the water as part of a Father’s Day cruise, if that’s more his style. Or, you can just walk around Kensington Market shoving your face with food as part of the Father’s Day Food Tour, which runs from 11:30 am to 2 pm.

EscapeZone

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Take on a challenge with dad and get out to EscapeZone on his special day. The central location is easily accessible and there are four different rooms ranging from the beginner-styled, ‘Billiard Room Murder’ to the super challenging ‘Da Vinci Code’ room. Can you escape in 45 minutes? Tickets are $25 for adults and $22 for students. You can team up with others if you wish, or go at it with just dad.

Dave & Busters

Dave & Busters offers endless entertainment and on Sundays there’s an eat and play combo starting at $17.99. If you couldn’t make the Jays game in person, you can take in the game here too, while you break from letting dad beat you at bowling. If you need a facility that offers food, entertainment and enough competitive spirit to keep your dad’s ego thriving, you’ll find what you need here.

Kathryn KyteKathryn Kyte

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