NEW YORK CITY — Doesn't dad already have enough ties, golf balls and shaving kits?
This year, skip the predictable gift and take dad to one of these Father's Day activities around the city, because all he really wants, after all, is to spend more time with you. From going fishing to catching a fly ball at Citi Field, there's an event for every dad, no matter what his interest.
DNAinfo New York rounded up some of the best options:
For the dad who loves to fish
Cast out a line with your dad, and maybe catch your Father's Day dinner, on the Sea Queen VII, "Sheepshead Bay's original 1/2 day boat." The Queen offers three trips daily departing from Pier 5. Those with a taste for fluke can head out at 7:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m., and striped bass seekers should join the crew on the evening excursion from 7:00 p.m. to midnight. Tickets cost $35 for adults, $33 for seniors, and $20 for children under 10. Reservations are required. To sign up, contact the crew here.
For the dad who loves a brew
A less hands-on boating experience can be had on the Father's Day Beer Brunch, a midday cruise presented by Hornblower New York. Adults will enjoy unlimited beer and champagne while the whole family helps themselves to a bountiful brunch and panoramic views of the New York skyline. The cruise leaves from New York Pier 40 at 353 West Street at 12:30 p.m. Tickets cost $91 per person plus additional fees.
For the dad who likes to cook or draw
At the Children’s Museum of Manhattan on the Upper West Side, kids and parents will meet two creative dads who have developed unique ways of combining work and parenting. Children’s book author Steve Metzer will lead visitors in designing original picture books at 2:00 p.m.; afterwards, at 3:00 p.m, Chef Preston Clark (former executive chef of Resto) will cook up simple recipes that kids and parents can recreate later, side by side. Tastings will be provided. The event is free with museum admission, and more details are available on the CMOM calendar.
For the dad who loves a party
For those who prefer the backyard to the bay, New York Botanical Garden is offering its first-ever Big Backyard BBQ and Music Festival on Daffodil Hill. From 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., devour barbecue from two New York smokehouses and sample craft beers from New York State. Families will enjoy putting greens, a family concert, and cooking demonstrations while bands play Americana music (folk, bluegrass, and country) all afternoon long. Tickets to the festival cost $30 for adults and $15 for children under 12 (less for members), and kids under two get in free.
For the dad who's always watching nature shows
In Staten Island, animal-loving locals from every borough can enjoy two-for-one admission pricing from 10:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at the Staten Island Zoo. Dads and kids can enjoy pony rides, explore a simulated African savannah, wander through an aquarium, and and take a close-up look at how a meerkat family gets along. More information is available here.
For the dad who supports the home team
Finally, die-hard New Yorkers know they need look no further than a Mets game for a classic Father's Day celebration. This Sunday, the Mets are playing the Padres at Citi Field, and a variety of kids activies are scheduled at the Mets Plaza at 11 a.m., before the game. Nathan's Hot Dogs will present special Father's Day baseball caps to all dads and kids ages 12 and under. More details on taking Dad out to the ballgame can be found here.
