Father’s Day in Atlanta: Water Activities

Run the Rapids

Take a guided whitewater rafting trip with the Nantahala Outdoor Center on the Chattooga River near Clayton. The Section III trip is perfect for those ages 8 and up with no previous whitewater experience. For something more challenging, book the Section IV trip designed for anyone 12 years old and up.

This Father's Day, float down the Chattahoochee River and get close to nature.

Shoot the 'Hooch

If you want to stay in town, the Nantahala Outdoor Center's Chattahoochee Outpost provides tube, kayak, and paddleboard rentals at its Johnson Ferry and Powers Island locations. All gear and shuttle transportation is included in the price.

Canoe Race

Attend the Father’s Day Family Canoe Day at the Chattahoochee Nature Center on Sunday, June 19. Designed for anyone ages 5 and up, guides will teach paddling strokes to novices, host races, and lead games on Beaver Pond. Purchase required advance tickets by June 16 for $25.

Make a Splash

The Oasis Pool at Cherokee Aquatic Center, with beach-entry access, two water slides, and a water playground, is offering free admission for fathers accompanied by a paying child guest from noon-5pm. But if Dad would prefer swimming at a lake, head to one of these Swimming Lakes and Beaches near Atlanta for Georgia Families.

Father’s Day in Atlanta: Extreme Fun

Zip Across the Trees

Dad can pretend to be "King of the Jungle" when he soars across the trees at one of the area’s ziplines or ropes courses.

Go Skydiving

Let dad fly like a superhero at iFly Indoor Skydiving. Appropriate for anyone three years or older, participants don flight suits and attend an orientation before flying with a trained instructor in the wind tunnel. Upon completion, you’ll receive a flight certificate.

Learn the history of Delta at the Delta Flight Museum. Photo by Rebecca Leffler

Fly a 737

Delta Airlines offers the only full-motion flight simulator open to the Atlanta public. Originally training Delta pilots on the Boeing 737-200, the simulator offers a one-hour thrilling experience for one to four participants ages 16 and up at the Delta Flight Museum. The museum also provides a comprehensive overview of the airline’s history.

Father’s Day in Atlanta: Cars and Racing

Pedal to the Metal

Treat dad to a Father's Day session at the Porsche Driving Experience. Drive times vary from 90 minutes to four hours and encompass a 1.6-mile circuit. Or book a session in the simulator lab which allows guests, even those not old enough to drive, to experience famous racetracks across the globe.

Don't miss a screening of Cars 2 at the Savoy Automobile Museum on Father's Day.

Tour a Car Museum

The 37,000-square-foot Savoy Automobile Museum opened in Cartersville at the end of 2021. Current exhibitions include “American Racing” featuring a 1956 Hillegass Sprint Race Car and “American Art Deco” featuring a 1930 Cord L-29 Cabriolet. On Father’s Day, the museum is showing the movie Cars 2, complimentary with museum admission.

Go Karting

If Dad has a need for speed, take him to Andretti Indoor Karting and Games. Offering adult, intermediate, and junior races based on age and height minimums, as well as a mini-Mario track for kids 4-7, everyone will have fun. Activities also include laser tag, arcade games, bowling, and simulator experiences.

Attend a Car Show 

Head to the Avenue at Peachtree City for the Father’s Day Cruise-In from 10am-1pm. The event features a wide variety of cars, models, and years, as well as live entertainment. Or attend the Oceans and Autos Aquatic Car Show at the Georgia Aquarium June 18-19. Take photos of cars positioned in front of sharks, whales, and other sea creatures in the Oceans Ballroom from 8am-9pm.

Father’s Day in Atlanta: Food, Arts, and Self-Care

Cook Together

What could be better than eating Big Daddy Double Bacon Cheeseburgers and Crème Soda Shakes? Book a reservation for Big and Little Chef: Father’s Day Edition at Publix Aprons Cooking School in Alpharetta beginning at 10am on June 19.

Try New Food

Enjoy tasty food samples at Family Food Fest’s Father’s Day and Juneteenth Celebration from 3-6pm at the Georgia Freight Depot. Hosted by Atlanta Culinary Charities, the annual multicultural event raises funds to teach culinary skills to at-risk boys.

Tea for Two

Let your little princess dress up and take to the Father’s Day Tea Party Picnic at Abernathy Greenway. Hosted by The Cheeky TeaCup, the $99 ticket includes tea, sandwiches, scones, and dessert for a father and one child (additional children may attend for $25 each).

Listen to Live Music

If Dad enjoys jazz, take him to hear Robin Latimore at City Winery’s Juneteenth Weekend Celebration Father’s Day Brunch at noon. All tickets include the brunch buffet.

Go to the Theater

Book tickets for the Father’s Day Show at the Dinner Detective at 6pm on Saturday, June 18. If you purchase the additional suspect package, a member of your group can become one of the major characters! Children under 12 years old are not allowed.

Pamper Dad

Dads need pampering, too! Book the seven-step facial shave at Roosters Men’s Grooming Center where he’ll leave looking and feeling like a king. Other services include beard trims, head shaves, and haircuts.

Set up for a day of fishing at Unicoi State Park in Helen, Georgia. 

Father’s Day in Atlanta: Sports and Outdoor Activities

Cast a Fishing Line

Many Georgia state parks offer excellent fishing holes, perfect for dad who love spending a day on the water. Try your luck at Sweetwater Creek State Park, Red Top Mountain State Park, or Unicoi State Park.

Take dad to play a round of duckpin bowling.​ Photo by Rebecca Leffler

Duckpin Bowling

Try duckpin bowling for a date night, complete with dinner and drinks, at The Painted Duck. Or bring the entire family from noon – 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays, when it opens to those under age 21. With smaller (and less heavy) balls, younger kids have an easier time and each participant gets three rolls per frame.

Hit Some Balls

If dad loves to golf, head over to Topgolf —everyone gets their own microchipped golf balls and tries to hit various targets. With climate-controlled bays, you won’t have to worry about hot summer temperatures!

Play Miniature Golf

With two 18-hole courses, The Fringe Miniature Golf in Roswell is offering FREE admission to fathers with at least one paying guest on June 18-19. Check out our list of other miniature golf opportunities sure to please the entire family.

Explore Nature

The Chattahoochee Nature Center is offering FREE admission to fathers and grandfathers on Sunday, June 19 from 12–5pm. With 127 acres, families can explore the great outdoors with hiking trails, picnic grounds, and zipline.

Run for a Cause

Register together for the I Am a Father 5K at Grant Park on Saturday, June 18. Founded in 2015, proceeds from the walk/run benefit local organizations that promote male role models for children. In addition to a warmup session with Stepp Stewart, a personal trainer on the Dr. Oz Show, the event features a health fair and live entertainment for the entire family.

Explore Outdoor Trails

If you’d rather hike at your own pace, check out these Atlanta hikes. Or get out the bicycles and explore these 7 Great Bike Paths in Atlanta for Family Rides.

Attend a Soccer Match

Watch Atlanta United play against Miami at 3pm on Sunday, June 19 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Go Camping

Consider a camping trip at one of these Atlanta Campgrounds to Take the Whole Family —you'll find it's the perfect opportunity to unplug, relax, and connect with each other.

Unless noted, photos by Bill Leffler