Head’s up, Toronto, Father’s Day is coming and it’s time to celebrate all things Dad! Quick reminder: This year, Father’s Day falls on Sunday, June 19.) But let’s be honest for a minute: Dads can be tricky to celebrate. How many times has he said some version of, “The only gift I want is to spend some time with my family.” Of course, that’s a wonderful expression of love to his family but sometimes you want to express your love to Dad in a more tangible way.
Below, we’ve tried to solve that dilemma with over a dozen best bets for this Toronto Father’s Day. While we’ve mostly focused on things to do, we’ve also included a few physical gift ideas.
Toronto Father’s Day Activities & Things to Do
Evergreen Brick Works
Open seven days a week
550 Bayview Ave., Toronto
A daytrip to the Brick Works is a great way to get in some physical activity, enjoy a simple meal out on a patio and even do some shopping. This picturesque spot features multiple hiking and biking trails that are suitable for kids and the on-site café and real washrooms make a day out with the family just that much easier. During the weekend of June 18-19, the Evergreen Garden Market is open, and on the Saturday, a farmers’ market set up shop, providing a couple of opportunities to score a last-minute Father’s Day gift.
Golfing
Various Options
Toronto is surrounded by some beautiful public golf courses that make for a great day of self-care for golf-loving Dads. A couple examples include Lakeview in Mississauga and Cardinal in King. Just don’t expect to treat dad to a day of golfing
on Father’s Day; many courses are already booked up for the big day.
If Dad would like to hit the greens with the kids, consider the family-friendly Bathurst Glen Golf Course, which offers a kids-play-free deal for children 13 and under on Mondays and Wednesdays. Another option is The Docks Driving Range, where Dad can teach the kids how to perfect their swing at an outdoor driving range. Check out our list of mini golf and driving ranges in Toronto for more options.
Northern Heat’s Ribfest
June 17-19 @ Chinguacousy Park, 9050 Bramalea Rd., Brampton
June 24-26 @ Woodbine Park, 1675 Lake Shore Blvd .E, Toronto
North America’s largest rib and beer tour has a couple of appearances in June that could serve as a tasty Father’s Day outings. It’s in Brampton over the actual Father’s Day weekend and then the next weekend, sets up shop in the Beaches. Both events feature tons of live music, a kids’ zone, giant yard games and tons of vendors selling everything from ribs to roasted corn to classic carnival foods. Entry into Ribfest is free.
Mac and Cheese Festival
June 17-19
Scarborough Town Centre, 500 Progress Ave., Toronto
Does Dad love mac and cheese? If yes, he’ll love this food festival, presented by Street Eats Market, “Canada’s largest launchpad of its kind for emerging independent street food businesses.” In addition to various takes on classic versions of this beloved dish, expect to see creative spins that will incorporate flavours from around the world. There will also be plenty of non-mac and cheese options, just in case not every member of your family shares Dad’s passion for cheesy noodles. Kids under 12 get into the event for free but everyone else will need a ticket, which costs $5 with advance online purchase.
Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees
June 17-19
Rogers Centre, 1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto
A trip to a ball game is classic Toronto Father’s Day activity and this year, we’re lucky to have not just the Blue Jays in town but to also have them taking on the New York Yankees. On Friday, June 17, the first 15,000 attendees to the game will receive a Blue Jays Vintage Short Sleeve Sweatshirt. Then on Sunday, June 19, the Junior Jays program is up and running and packed with various activities to keep the kids busy. Tickets for each game over the Father’s Day weekend start at $26 for a seat in the 500 level.
Antler Takeout Dinner
Open seven days a week
1454 Dundas St. W, Toronto
Celebrate Dad with a meal he won’t forget: Dinner from Antler. With its goal of, “defining Canadian cuisine and highlighting local seasonal and wild foods,” the critically acclaimed Antler serves up such entrees as roasted duck breast, venison au poivre and Wild Boar cavatelli for takeout or delivery (dine-in is also available but note that this a cozy restaurant that might not be a great fit for kids). The restaurant also sells seasoned, 10oz dry aged bison striploin steaks that are ready to be popped on the grill, in case Dad would prefer to cook his own special meal.
Dinner at Storm Crow Manor
Open seven days a week
580 Church St., Toronto
Would dining on something call the Hulk Smash! Burger put a smile on Dad’s face? Then book a table at Storm Crow Manor. It’s home to a menu packed with references to Star Wars, Dungeons and Dragons and all things fantasy, sci-fi and super heroes. And while some of the names might be a bit silly, the food is tasty and there’s a dedicated kids’ menu. The drink menu is also pretty impressive (check out the Pi Me To The Moon, which features exactly 3.1415 ingredients). Storm Manor is currently open for indoor dining as well as takeout and delivery.
Toronto Zoo
Open seven days a week
2000 Meadowvale Rd., Toronto
Does Dad want a Toronto Father’s Day out with the family where he doesn’t have to do too much entertaining? Then head out to the zoo, a fantastic place that will keep the kids busy while giving dad (and you) a bit of a break. If the weather is looking hot, pack the kids’ swimsuit and hit up Splash Island, the zoo’s spacious water play area that’s ideal for cooling off (for both kids and adults). Tickets start at $18.30 for children, with parking costing $14.
Toronto Father’s Day Gift Ideas
Board Games from Toronto’s Top Game Shops
Various options
Board games are a fantastic way to spend time together with family, friends or even just as a couple. Toronto is home to several top-notch game shops staffed by friendly consultants who will be happy to recommend a game that works with Dad’s interests and skill levels. In the east end, stop by Face to Face Games at 1398 Danforth Ave.; if you’re near downtown, head to 401 Games at 750 Yonge St.; if you’re in the west end, try Sweet Thrills at 399 Roncesvalles, and if you live north of the city, check out Board Game Bliss at 245 West Beaver Creek Rd Unit 5 out in Richmond Hill.
Drink Kits from BarChef
472 Queen St. W, Toronto
One of the country’s best bars has an online shop filled with delicious and boozy options that are sure to wow any Dad who appreciates a fine cocktail. Pick up a Best of BarChef kit that features a trio of the hotspot’s best-known drinks (complete with alcohol). Or opt for the fancy Toasted Old Fashion Set that includes with elegant yet practical glassware.
Toronto Father’s Day Spa Days for Dad
Various options
Why should moms be the only ones who get to spend a few hours solo, relaxing and being pampered? At Elmwood Spa, located near Yonge and Gerrard, special packages designed just for men are available and include massage, an “urban detox facial,” access to the spa’s water therapies and more. If Dad’s not quite ready for the full spa experience, consider starting him off with hand and/or foot repair experience, from Menicure, a men-only grooming space.
Treats From Dank Market
399 Queen St. W, Toronto
Does Dad love trying out new candies, treats or just wild flavour combinations? Then put together a gift basket of items from Dank Market, the exotic snack shop that recently opened its first Toronto location. Dank Market sells everything from hard-to-find cereals to exotic chocolate bars to drinks like Mountain Dew Flamin’ Hot (no, we have also no idea how this would taste). Intrigued by this suggestion but not up for a trip downtown? Then take advantage of Dank Market’s online shopping option.
MEC
300 Queen St. W & Sheppard Ave. E, Toronto
Scrambling for a last-minute gift idea for Dad? Don’t worry, MEC most likely has something that will do the job. From a surprisingly wide range of clothing to camping gear to everyday items like reusable coffee mugs, MEC’s inventory is deeper than you might expect. It even sells freeze-dried food, in case your family is looking for a unique at-home culinary experience. Yes, MEC does only sells to members, but that membership program is now free.
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Category: events,restaurants,attractions,active
