Photo courtesy of Eris Cider and Brewery

1. Grab a Pint with Dad at a Local Brewery 

For dads who enjoy a great beer, local breweries are super kid-friendly and great for the entire family. There’s plenty of outdoor seating, and even play spaces for the kids. Parents can enjoy a brew while kids get to spend some time with Dad and Grandpa on Father’s Day. Check out some of our favorite and most kid-friendly beer gardens and breweries for families here. 

 
Photo courtesy of Par-King in Lincolnshire

2. Go Play a Game of Mini Golf

If Dad or Grandpa love to golf, mini golf is a fun and kid-friendly option. There are several mini golf places in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs for Dad to practice his swing. Check out our list of mini golf courses here. 

3. Enjoy a Beach Day 

For the dad who likes to play in the sand and relax in the sun, the beach or a swimming lake is the perfect Father’s Day outing. Check out our picks for best beaches in Chicago; or, if a swimming lake is more your speed, we’ve rounded up our favorite swimming lakes here. 

4. Take Dad on a Day Trip

With so many great museums, nature preserves, and towns around Chicagoland, Father’s Day is the perfect time for a day trip. To help you narrow down a place to explore, we’ve rounded up our favorite day trip options here. Each destination is an easy drive from Chicago. 

 
Photo courtesy of Heidel House and Conference Center, Facebook

5. Go Away with Dad for the Weekend

If you’re looking to extend the Father’s Day fun for the entire weekend, check out our top picks for weekend getaways with the family. Each place on our list is just a short drive in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, or Michigan. 

6. Take a Father’s Day Hike

For the nature-loving dads and grandpas, take them on a Father’s Day hike. We’ve rounded up our favorite places to hike and explore with kids. Every hike on this list is easy to get to and kid-friendly. 

7. Go to a Lakeside Resort or Camp Outside for Father’s Day Weekend

For the ultimate summer weekend with dad, try a lakeside resort or camping trip this Father’s Day. We have a round-up featuring lakeside resorts with water sports, swimming, pools, forest preserves, and more for a weekend of fun. Some resorts also feature campgrounds. Prefer to stay home? Check out our Guide to Backyard Camping.

8. Jump Into a Water Park

For dads who love the water and a thrill, a water park makes a great Father’s Day outing. We’ve rounded up our favorite picks for water parks and splash pads for kids (and dads) of all ages here. 

 
Photo courtesy of the Fox River Trolley Museum

Local Father’s Day Events

For more Father's Day fun, check out these Father’s Day walks, fishing derby’s, museum events, and more.

9. Busse Lake Fishing Derby: June 18, 2022 – Elk Grove

This free fishing derby takes place on Father’s Day at Busse Lake Boasting Center in Elk Grove. Registration is required. Take the whole family and try your hand at fishing for the win. The fishing derby kicks off at Picnic Grove #25. Pre-registration is required. This is a free event. 

10. Foraging Walk Horner Park Father’s Day Edition: June 18, 2022 - Chicago

Join Chicago’s very own professional forager, Dave Odd, at Horner Park in Chicago. Dad and the kids can search for edible plants around Horner Park. On the walk you’ll identify and learn about over 50 different edible plants and berries. Tickets are $40 per person or $70 per pair. Group rates are also available. 

11. Free Father’s Day Fishing Event at Bernas Park: June 18, 2022 - Westmont

If you’re looking for a fun and free Father’s Day event, Bernas Park in Westmont has you covered. Families can enjoy a day of fishing complete with prizes and giveaways while supplies last. No fishing license required. The event is free to attend. 

12. Spend Father’s Day at the Fox River Trolley Museum: June 19, 2022 – South Elgin

If you have any little train lovers in your family, this event is for you. With a paid child’s ticket, Dad and Grandpa get in for free at the Fox River Trolley Museum. You can ride an antique train to the Jon Deurr Forest Preserve along the scenic Fox River. Adult tickets are $8. Children’s tickets are $5 and dads and grandpas get in for free. 

13. Oakbrook Center Father’s Day Classic Car Show: June 19, 2022 – Oak Brook 

For dads who love classic cars, check out the antique car show featuring vintage, classic, and specialty cars on display in Oak Brook. There are over 80 cars to see. This event is free for all. 

14. Trailside Museum of Natural History Father’s Day Family Nature Walk: June 19, 2022 – River Forest 

Take Dad and the family to learn about the different fathers found in nature. You can explore and learn about wildlife parents at the Trailside Museum of Natural History in River Forest. Pre-registration is required. This event is free. 

15. Father’s Day Mini Golf Tournament: June 19, 2022 – Highland Park 

For dads and grandpas who love to golf, there’s a free putt-putt tournament in Highland Park at the Golf Learning Center. Kids and dads can compete for prizes on this 18-hole course. Registration is required.