Dads and father figures come in all sorts, from the outdoorsy to the intellectual, the food-focused to the fashion-forward. While you’re looking for the perfect way to show appreciation to yours this Father’s Day weekend, check out some of these Lehigh Valley options.
1. Go on a Trek
Head out together for some quality time exploring the summer sights along the Lehigh Valley’s many miles of multi-use trails. The Link Trail Network makes it easy to plan your expedition (picnic, anyone?), with interactive maps of 125-plus miles of interconnecting paths. Sort by activity and find the perfect place to walk, bike or fish!
2. Do a Whiskey Tasting
Whether dad already loves his single malt or is looking to be about that life, what better treat than a whiskey-tasting experience to discover his palate and preferences. A certified whisky ambassador leads the way through pairing and flavor profiles so you’ll know exactly what kind to gift him with in the future! Call in to schedule an hour-long group experience.
3. Go to a Show
For the theatrically-inclined fathers out there, there’s no need to travel as far as New York City for a great production. The PA Shakespeare Festival is putting on Every Brilliant Thing this month, a tear-jerking and comedic tale of family resilience. And for the musical man, Fiddler on the Roof at Easton’s State Theatre plays afternoon and evening on Father’s Day itself.
4. Celebrate Juneteenth
A festival takes place the Saturday of Father’s Day weekend at ArtsQuest’s SteelStacks to revel in the freedom won by enslaved Americans upon emancipation. With live music, ethnic food trucks, activities for kids and relevant cinema with a panel discussion, it’s a time for history-, food- and freedom-loving dads to live it up.
5. Get Ice Cream
Treat your pops to an ice cream waffle sandwich, a fresh waffle taco piled with toppings or just a plain old scoop of his favorite flavor at an area spot like Allentown’s extravagant Udder Bar. There’s an ice cream parlor near you where you can sit side by side on a bench enjoying life’s simple pleasures with the guy who very well may have handed you your first cone.
6. Attend a Car Show
East of Center Valley in Springtown, it’s time for Silver Creek’s 20th annual car show, presenting automobiles old and new, like the 1934 Chevy Sedan that won Best of Show last year. Whether you learned how to keep your car running from your old man or just like looking at cool cars together, entertainment, food and a flea market make this a fun excursion.
7. Garden Together
Some dads live for the pure joy of working side by side. Get outside and work in the garden or landscaping together and you can look upon your shared effort with pride for the rest of the season or the life of the plants! A trip to Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery in Orefield may be in order to find attractive trees, shrubs or flowers that support our pollinators.
8. Try an Escape Room
With themes like The Pirate’s Chamber and The Haunted Theatre, Captured Lehigh Valley Escape Room places you in an immersive environment with the whole family or friends and the challenge to find your way out! Putting your heads together to solve problems makes you feel like a real team. When else will you have the chance to crack a safe together? There are two Valley locations to choose from in Allentown and Bethlehem.
9. Cheer on the IronPigs
Head to Coca-Cola Park for the IronPigs' 1:35 p.m. game against the Buffalo Bisons. This Father's Day celebration at the ballpark honors dads with a super special appearance by the Phillie Phanatic. And on Sunday, kids run the bases!
10. Encourage the Cook
If dad’s known for his lovingly-grilled loin chops, passing on the culinary heritage of his people, or just trying new recipes, consider the gift of a personalized cutting board from Domaci Home in Bethlehem, etched with a local city skyline and text of your choice. Cook together and he’ll teach you his ways!
