Father’s Day is coming up quick! This year, the big day falls on Sunday, June 20th (so be sure to mark your calendars!). If you’re searching for fun things to do with the dad in your life during this upcoming holiday, we’ve rounded up a few ideas.
Below, you’ll find a handful of exciting ways to spend Father’s Day in Omaha. From outdoor activities like golf or baseball to air-conditioned havens like ice cream shops and must-try brunch spots, it’s all right here. Happy Father’s Day!
After being postponed last year, one of Omaha’s most–anticipated annual events is back! We are so proud to live in the host city for the Collegiate Baseball Championship, which kicks off on Father’s Day weekend this year at TD Ameritrade Park. Take your dad out to the ballgames, hit up the nearby Fan Fest Festival, and enjoy plenty of tasty ballpark food!
Play a round of golf
Omaha’s gently rolling terrain makes it a perfect destination for golfers, and thankfully, we have a number of lush, championship golf courses in the area. No matter what your dad’s skill level is, you’re sure to have a blast. Stone Creek is a high-quality, yet affordable, course that offers 27 challenging golf holes on perfectly maintained land. Another one of our favorites, Indian Creek, consistently thrills visitors with its abundant water obstacles, well-placed bunkers, and lush fairways.
Go camping
Since Father’s Day happens to fall in the summer, why not spend it enjoying the great weather? Our region offers plenty of opportunities for exploring the outdoors, but one of the best ways to take in Omaha’s natural beauty is by pitching a tent and spending the weekend basking in the Nebraska landscape! There are several amazing campgrounds within two hours of Omaha, including the Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, which is located halfway between Omaha and Lincoln and is one of the most popular outdoorsy retreats in the area.
See a drive-in movie
Take a trip down memory lane with a drive-in movie this Father’s Day! Omaha has two great choices when it comes to drive-in movies: Falconwood Park in Bellevue and The Quasar Drive-in in Valley. They haven’t announced specific Father’s Day weekend lineups yet, but you can visit their respective websites to see upcoming shows and to purchase your tickets!
Over the past few years, axe throwing has become an exciting way to pass the time with friends, family and coworkers! It works just like it sounds: you visit an axe throwing facility, book a space and begin throwing large, timber axes at targets across the room. There are several places to try out this unique sport in Omaha this Father’s Day, including Flying Timber Axe Throwing, Craft Axe Throwing and Axe Games!
Make something together
One thing we’ve actually liked about the abundance of time at home over the past 15 months is the time we can dedicate to learning new things! Pottery, woodworking, knitting, baking—there are so many things you and your dad can learn from the comfort of home. We have a list of some quarantine hobbies you can enjoy this Father’s Day, which includes some tips on where to get supplies for your crafts and information on local online classes. Build a bird house, bake some bread, learn how to knit a scarf or tackle a new garden — no matter what you decide to make, you and your dad will love learning how to do it together!
Walk around the farmers’ market
This Father’s Day, spend the morning exploring some of the Omaha area’s many farmers’ markets, picking up fresh produce, homemade bread, artisan goods, and so much more. Even if you don’t plan on getting groceries for the entire week, wandering around the nearest market with the whole family is one of our favorite summer activities. Use our guide to this season’s markets and stock up on fresh produce so you can cook a fresh feast for your dad!
Get brunch
Coffee, waffles, ice-cold mimosas: there’s just something special about brunch. Before you hit up your local farmers’ market and get on with your Father’s Day weekend, make a point to place an order for delivery or head to a local restaurant for brunch! We, of course, have a guide to the best brunch spots in Omaha, some of which serve this beloved meal all day while others only offer it on select days. Regardless, we promise you’ll enjoy all of them!
…Or a fancy steak dinner
It’s no secret that Omaha is known around the country as one of the best sources for steak. So, there is no better place to take your dad out for a great meal! Click here for our list of the best places to get a steak in Omaha—which includes spots like Brother Sebastian’s and V. Mertz. Then, make a reservation, get dressed up and take your dad out for a fantastic night!
Head to the arcade
The arcade isn’t just a kid’s dream come true—it’s fun for the whole family! Enjoy games, laser tag, Glow Golf, paintball, bowling and even a few roller coasters at a local arcade. We love the Amazing Pizza Machine, which is a 60,000-square-foot indoor restaurant and entertainment center full of things to do!
For a more 21+ arcade experience, head over to Beercade for a throwback to the good old days. It’s located in the heart of the artsy Benson neighborhood and features 30 rotating craft beers on tap, a full bar, classic arcade games, pinball machines and skeeball.
Go fishing
Omaha is home to an abundance of outdoor exploration activities, from biking to hiking and camping to golfing. But because of the many lakes and rivers surrounding the area, fishing is an all-time favorite for many locals. If your dad is a hobby-fisherman and dreams of spending his day out on the water, take him to one of our favorite fishing spots around town! We have a full list—complete with an interactive map—that will help you plan your Father’s Day fishing trip. But before you head out, make sure you have a proper fishing license. You can get one from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. And also, be sure that you know all of the size and bag limits for the areas you’ll be fishing in. You can find that information and more in the most recent edition of the OutdoorNebraska Fishing Guide here.
Enjoy some outdoor music
Outdoor music is returning to the Omaha area! After many events were canceled last year due to COVID-19, with the rise in vaccinations and a little creativity from event organizers, many are returning for 2021. Click here to find this year’s guide to live music in the area, which includes both recurring weekly community concerts and iconic weekend festivals. During Father’s Day weekend, you can enjoy The Omaha Freedom Festival as well as a variety of community events around town—just don’t forget your folding chairs or picnic blankets!
Even if you’ve lived in Omaha for years, seeing the city from the water offers a brand-new perspective of the skyline! The River City Star is a riverboat cruise company, offering affordable tours of Omaha’s riverfront all season long. Treat your dad to a tour on one of these iconic riverboats! On Father’s Day weekend, you can purchase a one-hour ride for just $20 for adults. Seniors and veteran tickets are $16 and children are $4-12 depending on their age.
Explore some of Omaha’s many breweries
Omaha is home to so many incredible craft breweries, each with a different style and personality. Spend Father’s Day trying to visit a few local breweries that you haven’t tried yet. A self-guided brewery crawl is flexible and allows you the time to enjoy each space (and share a beer or two) with your dad. You can use our handy guide to plan!
No matter what you plan to do with your dad this Father’s Day, there’s no better way to end the day than with a tasty treat! Luckily, Omaha is packed full of places to get great dessert. For ice cream, don’t miss Ted & Wally’s. For brownies, hit up The Brownie Bar. For some candy and Italian pastries, don’t miss Dolci Old Market. If your pop has a sweet tooth, these Omaha businesses will definitely be able to satisfy it!
Happy Father’s Day!
We hope you have a fantastic Father’s Day! And if you yourself are a father—in any form or fashion—we love and appreciate you. Thank you for all that you do!