Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 21, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate Father’s Day in Indianapolis. Check out the following ideas for ways to make Dad feel special. You can give a gift from the heart at no cost whatsoever by making coupons, or take Dad to a special event. Or, if you subscribe to the theory that the stomach is the way to a man’s heart, you’ll find restaurant specials that cater to his tastes.
Take Dad to an Outdoor Concert
The Lawn at White River State Park will be featuring the band 311 with special guest Ziggy Marley on Father’s Day, and is offering one free child’s lawn ticket with the purchase of a full-price adult ticket for $35 in advance or $40 the day of the show.
June 21, 7 p.m.; The Lawn at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis 46204; phone 317-233-2434
Give Dad a Coupon or Two
I’m not talking about gift cards here, but rather coupons that you provide Dad for services or treats you’re willing to offer whenever he chooses to redeem one. The most personal coupons are homemade and cater to Dad’s specific needs and interests (get out your arts and crafts supplies and get creative!). But if you’re short on time, you can find ready-to-print coupons at WTHR’s website. Some of the coupons you’ll find there require only an investment of your time, energy, or patience (for example, giving Dad control of the TV remote or offering to serve as his personal assistant for a day), whereas others require the giver to cough up some bucks (for instance, coupons for dinner and a movie or a round of golf) – the choice is yours.
Father’s Day Cookout
Creation Café and Euphoria will be cooking up all Dad’s favorites, including bratwurst, spareribs, corn-on-the-cob, strawberry shortcake, brownies, and much more at its Father’s Day Cookout. The cost is $25 per person and reservations are recommended.
June 21, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Buggs Temple, 337 W. 11th St., Indianapolis 46202; phone 317-955-2389
Show Dad He’s Newsworthy
Tell the world (or at least the city of Indianapolis) how special your dad is by submitting his photo and a tribute to him to IndyStar.com. Not only will your tribute be published on the Web site, but select submissions will also be published in The Indianapolis Star newspaper.
Take a Stroll on the Canal Walk
Indy’s Canal Walk is a great place to run, walk, rent a bike or pedal boat, or just take it easy. For Father’s Day, Old World Gondoliers will be offering dads a special $10 rate on a 15-minute canal ride, Italian-style. Call 317-340-2489 for more information or reservations.
June 21, 2-5 p.m.; Old World Gondoliers, 337 W. 11th St., Indianapolis 46202
Make Dad a Professional Chef
Benihana’s is offering a Be the Chef package that includes a training session for dad with a Benihana’s chef (training sessions will begin June 27) to be followed by a dinner performance where Dad can show off his skills (performances available June 29-July 31) at a dinner for four or eight guests. Packages must be purchased by June 21. The restaurant will also celebrate dads on Father’s Day by offering Dad a keepsake photo with his chef that day.
June 21, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; 8830 Keystone Crossing Rd., Indianapolis 46240; phone 317-846-2495
Play Catch with Dad at Victory Field
The Indianapolis Indians are offering a special Father’s Day package for their June 28th game against the Toledo Mud Hens. The $50 package includes two box seats for the game, a commemorative logo baseball, and an opportunity for a father and his child to play catch on the field after the game. Additional game tickets may be purchased for $12 apiece. Registrations must be made by June 19. For tickets, download a mail-in order form or email tickets@IndyIndians.com.
June 28, 2 p.m.; Victory Field, 501 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis 46225; phone 317-269-3545
Seafood, Anyone?
McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant is offering Something Special Fore Dad on Father’s Day. All dads will receive a complimentary Signature Crème Brûlée for dessert, and Dad can enter to win custom-fitted Titleist clubs and a golf bag. Choose lobster ravioli, wild salmon, or the mixed grill (filet of mignon, salmon and shrimp), with prices ranging from $19.95 to $29.95. Reservations can be made online.
June 21, 110 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis 46204; phone 317-631-9500
Is Dad a Star Wars Fan?
A special exhibition on “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” is now on display at The Children’s Museum, featuring artwork, costumes, and other items used in the concept and production of the animated feature and TV series. From now through June 26, you can print a coupon for $5 off the price of admission (adults, $14.50; ages 2-17, $9.50; ages 60 and over, $13.50).
Now through Jan. 31, 2010, daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis 46208; phone 317-334-3322
Eat Like a Champion
The NCAA Hall of Champions will be hosting a Father’s Day Sports Brunch that includes a mouth-watering brunch and free admission to the museum, where you can explore 23 NCAA sports. The cost is $30.95 for adults and $14.95 for kids under 12 and seniors over 65. Call 317-916-4255 for more information or make reservations at hocmail@ncaa.org. Hint: The Hall of Fame is located on the Canal Walk, so you can go for a stroll and walk off that brunch after your visit!
June 21, 10;30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; NCAA Hall of Champions, 700 W. Washington St., Indianapolis 46204
Give Dad a Break from the Grill
Weber Grill Restaurant is offering a special, three-course Father’s Day menu including a choice of smoked barbecued ribs, a New York strip steak, or grilled garlic shrimp, for $29.95 per person. In addition, Dad will get a complimentary bottle of the restaurant’s new BBQ sauce (to try when he returns to his own grill) and a $10 gift card he can redeem on a future visit.
June 21, noon-9 p.m.; 10 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis 46204; phone 317-636-7600
