Treat dad this Father’s Day by spending time with him doing activities that will probably bring him a lot more joy than a new tie. Here’s ten experience gifts you can give to the number one man in your life this Father’s Day.
Improve His Home Bar Skills
If he enjoys concocting his own drinks, he’ll appreciate learning how to assemble an at-home bar from the experts. Chas Jefferson and Lukas Smith of local distillery Cotton & Reed will teach a class at Union Market’s Test Kitchen that will walk you through cocktail techniques for four common cocktails (Old Fashioneds, Tom Collins, Daiquiris, and Martinis) as well as the essential liquors, bitters, garnishes, and modifiers every home bar needs. Throughout the class, you’ll be fueled with four cocktails and bar snacks, which are included in the $80 ticket. The class is scheduled for Thursday, June 30, at 6 PM at Union Market, 1309 5th St., NE. Tickets may be purchased here.
Hit the Driving Range
At Topgolf in Alexandria, you can take dad out for a golfing date at the driving range. Even if you’re not a serious golfer yourself, whacking some golfballs while sipping a cocktail should be within your reach. Order some nachos and challenge dad to see who can hit the targets using the microchip-tracked balls. Topgolf is located at 6625 S Van Dorn St., Alexandria, and price per game starts at $5.50.
Go on a Brewery Tour
If his love for beer is second only to his love of family, treat him to a brewery tour around the District. DC Brew Tours’s Original DC Craft Brew Tour will take you on tours through three or four local breweries—potentially including Port City Brewing, District Chophouse, Capitol City Brewing, Hellbender, or City Tap House, depending on the day—feed you lunch, and cover his transportation around town. The five-hour tour is available five days a week, leaving from 801 F St., NW. Tickets are $90, and may be purchased here.
Join a Summer Sports League
Who says Father’s Day has to be limited to one day? Extend the quality time over the next few months by joining a league to play bocce ball or bowling—or any other number of sports—throughout the summer. United Social Sports has listings of sports leagues in the Washington area—you and dad can create your own team or sign up as a pair to join someone else’s.
Take Him Out to a Ballgame
If playing sports aren’t his thing so much as watching them, spend an afternoon or evening at Nats Park. Fuel up with Shake Shack or a half smoke, then soak up some summer sun while cheering on the home team at the Navy Yard stadium. The National’s upcoming game schedule can be found here. Ticket prices vary.
Kayak on the Potomac
Waterfront fun on Father’s Day is possible with a boat rental. Pick up a kayak (or canoe or pedal boat, if those are more your speed) at the Key Bridge Boathouse, Ballpark Boathouse, or National Harbor, and take it out on the water—just remember to pack some snacks and sunscreen. Rentals are hourly, starting at $16 an hour for a single kayak. More pricing information and availability at the various boating locations can be found here.
Sample Some Whiskey
For Father’s Day weekend, Shinola and Filson on 14th Street are opening their doors for whiskey tastings. Spirits will be served by a mixologist at Shinola (1631 14th St., NW) from 1 to 5 PM on Saturday, while Filson (1534 14th St., NW) will host a whiskey tasting with master distiller Becky Harris of Catoctin Creekfrom 2 to 6 PM on Sunday. Swing by either event to sip and shop—the tastings are free.
Try Wood Carving
For the man who likes to work with his hands, Foxwood Co.’s spoon carving workshop will offer a fun challenge. The Annapolis-based handmade goods company is behind these stunning wood planters, and at this three-hour workshop, they’re willing to lend you some of the secrets of their craft, along with a hardwood spoon blank, tools, and organic spoon butter to polish your project off when you’re through carving. The workshop will run from 6 to 9 PM on June 10 at ArtFarm, 45 West St., Annapolis. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased here.
Visit a Baseball Legend
For history buffs and baseball geeks alike, the National Portrait Gallery’s “One Life: Babe Ruth” examines the life of one of the world’s first celebrity sports stars. The exhibit brings together photos of Ruth, his personal belongings, and ads he endorsed. The exhibit will run June 24 through May 21 at 8th and F St., NW.
Hit Up a Beer Festival
Over Father’s Day weekend, Northern Virginia Summer Brewfest is bringing craft brews from over 40 local breweries to Centreville for a two-day tasting event. The $45 Father’s Day Dad’s Special ticket package is comprised of two adult admissions—both come with a sampling glass and six sampling tickets—and two Jersey Mike’s subs. The festival will take place at the Special Events Center at Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centerville from noon to 7 PM on Saturday, June 18, and 11 AM to 7 PM on Sunday, June 19. Tickets may be purchased here.
Caroline Cunningham joined Washingtonian in 2014 after moving to the DC area from Cincinnati, where she interned and freelanced for Cincinnati Magazine and worked in content marketing. She currently resides in College Park.
