We all know the greatest gift for dads is time spent with their kids. Bring the whole family together for a fun activity to celebrate Father’s Day. From classic pastimes like fishing to exciting outings like go-kart racing, we’ve got you covered with this list of fabulous ideas for celebrating dad.
Drop a Line
Don’t know how to fish? No worries! The Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department is offering free fishing classes for kids this summer. The Hooked on Fishing class will teach young anglers basics like knot-tying, casting, fish identification, ethics and fishing regulations. Classes are open to boys and girls ages 5 to 15 with supervising adult. Poles, tackle and bait are provided. Classes are free but reservations are required. Call the H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery at 297-1426 to register. Classes this month are hosted June 13 at Edwards Park Lake (1515 N. Bryant), June 20 at Metro Tech Springlake (N.E. 36th & Springlake Dr.) and June 27 at Dolese Youth Park Pond (N.W. 50th & Meridian). Visit www.okc.gov/lakes for more information.
Take Tag to the Next Level
DodgeCity Paintball & Laser Tag (16425 N.W. 150th, Piedmont) offers the perfect opportunity for older kids and their dads to be active together. The facility offers an expansive 10-course field for playing paintball or outdoor laser tag. You don’t need your own equipment to enjoy paintball here as equipment rentals are available. Junior paintball is even available for kids as young as 5 years old. DodgeCity also has grills on-site so pack a picnic and make dad’s day extra special. Visit www.oklahoma-paintball.com for more information.
Visit the River
The Oklahoma River is quickly becoming a hub of family activity. Take dad to RIVERSPORT Adventures (725 S. Lincoln Blvd.) to do something daring with the whole family. Younger kids can enjoy a free playground and older kids and adults can purchase an all-day adventure pass ($35)to enjoy climbing the SandRidge Sky Trail adventure course. Once you climb to the top, take the slide, zip line or 80-foot free-fall to get back to solid ground. Your pass also allows you to enjoy a day of cycling, stand-up paddle boarding and more. Visit www.boathousedistrict.org for more information and find a coupon for admission at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/kids-pass.
Go on a Run
Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W. Reno) is welcoming dads and their little ones for a memorable 5K race and fun run on Father’s Day, June 21. The inaugural Oaks & Acorns Father’s Day 5K will follow a scenic course through the gardens and downtown Oklahoma City. Think you and your dad are the fastest pair in OKC? Special awards will be given to the fastest father/daughter team and the fastest father/son team. The 5K starts at 8 a.m. and the fun run begins at 8:30 a.m. Registration includes a shirt and is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Fees increase by $5 after June 5. Learn more at www.myriadgardens.org.