written by Nishtah Thomas
Summer is almost here. And with it’s arrival, Father’s Day is right around the corner. From family outings to nearby getaways, finding his favorite meat and serving up a good drink, or getting outside to camp or to a ballgame, this Father’s Day, do something special.
Fun Fact: Father’s Day was actually founded in Spokane Washington in 1910. A Spokane native, Sonora Smart Dodd, worked to create a holiday that celebrates fathers, due to her appreciation for her single father.
In honor of this Washington-originating holiday, 1889 put together a list of some of our favorite things all around the state for you to treat dad to this Father’s Day.
Father’s Day with the Family
Father’s Day can be fun with the whole family. Don’t be selfish, even on this dad-devoted day. Enjoy some of these ideas for the whole family.
Be Shellfish. Clamming season is open all year for certain shellfish species. Bring the family out to the coast and enjoy digging or raking up these funky bivalves. Get your shellfish license at a sports or fishing shop ($11.35/adult and $8.05/15 and younger). Find a public clamming beach near you by clicking here. For more information on Washington State rules, follow the links below: https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/statewide_rules.html, https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/shellfish_seaweed_rules.html
Take the family on a hike. For those dads who love the wilderness, here are some suggestions that the whole family can enjoy. Explore Olympic National Park or take the kids out to enjoy the views of the Gorge on any of these stunning trails.
- Columbia Hills State Park, Stacker Butte. 5 miles (round trip), Elevation gain: 1,150 ft
- Rowena Plateau and Tom McCall Nature Preserve. 3.4 miles (round trip), Elevation gain: 1,200 ft
- Lyle Cherry Orchard. 5 miles (round trip), Elevation gain: 1,050 ft
Cap it all off by going stargazing with the fam. Catch some shooting stars in the wilderness without having to trek that far.
- Steamboat Rock State Park (Ephrata)
- Mary E. Theler Wetlands (Kitsap Peninsula)
- Klickitat Trail (Observatory at Goldendale)
- Kalaloch – Third Beach (West Olympics)
- Artist Ridge – Huntoon Point (Mount Baker Highway)
- Harts Pass (Okanogan Highlands)
Gone Fishing. Enjoy quiet time on the water by taking dad fishing. Just take your gear out to a lake or river nearest you, sit back and relax. If you’re unsure about Washington’s fishing guidelines, feel free to take a look at the WDFW’s fishing rules pamphlet:
https://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/01914/wdfw01914.pdf
Go by Train. Fathers get a free 70-minute train ride at Northwest Railway Museum with any paid child on Father’s Day weekend, departing from North Bend or Snoqualmie.
Take the air. See aerodynamic performances and aircraft on display at the Olympic Air Show, Father’s Day Weekend at the Olympia Airport. These are aircraft from WWII, Korea and Vietnam in action.
Go classic. Admire hundreds of vintage and classic cars at Fenders on Front Street Car Show in Issaquah on Father’s Day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Includes live music, family activities and awards. Entry is free. Father’s Day Breakfast: 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Father’s Day Getaways
Get out of your home and experience a relaxing weekend on a nearby mini vacation.
Wine Country. Tri-Cities is a great weekend getaway. In southeastern Washington, the cities of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland are located in “the heart of Washington’s wine country”. This Tri-cities area is well known for its many sunny days and its many outdoor activities. We recommend Cameo Heights Mansion (around $224 a night) or Cherry Chalet ($150-$200 a night) for lodging.
Rough it. Go camping in the North Cascades: Glacier Peak Resort, Lone Fir Campground, Marble Creek Campground, Meadows Campground, North Cascades National Park, Rasar State Park.
Head to the Port. Port Townsend is Washington’s most picturesque Victorian seaport. Stay in a quaint bed and breakfast: Old Consulate ($110-$225), Takiki House ($100-$125), The Blue Gull Inn ($99-$140). Enjoy Port Townsend’s annual Orca Festival with its many, art-filled public events. Also, the week before Father’s Day, on Wednesday June 13 and Thursday, June 14, the Race to Alaska sailing competition casts off from the port. Fun fact: The winner receives $10,000. Second place gets a set of steak knives in this brutal journey.
Father’s Day Fare
No better way to a man’s heart than with meat. Take dad out to experience his favorite protein.
Indulge in steaks, burgers, seafood, and cocktails at The Madrona Bar & Grill on Orcas Island.
If you are in the Olympia area, take dad to Ranch House BBQ.
Get fancy in Spokane by treating dad to Churchill’s Steakhouse.
In Woodinville or Redmond, you can always go to the critically acclaimed Tipsy Cow Burger Bar.
If you live in the Seattle area, enroll dad in a cooking class! Learn how to make tacos with Hot Stove Society. Enroll in a $90 class on Saturday June 16, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information: hotstovesociety.com/classes/Crazy-for-Tacos/
Father’s Day Libations
There’s nothing better than a Father’s Day spent with Washington’s finest brews and cocktails.
In the heart of Seattle, delight in some fine bourbons at The Whisky Bar.
Take a cruise! Hops with Pops on the Harbor features four samples of Northwest beer, complimentary snacks, and amazing views of the Seattle waterfront on Argosy Cruises. Departs from Pier 55. Bring ID. Kids are welcome.
In Redmond from June 15-17, check out the thirteenth annual Brewers Festival in King County’s Marymoor Park. Enjoy all of the local brews accompanied by the wide variety of local food. Tickets cost $5-$25 (Those under 21 are admitted for free as long as they are accompanied by an adult). Tickets are good for one day only and non-refundable.
Father’s Day at the Man-Spa/Barber
Let dad enjoy some time to himself by getting him a massage or treating him to a spa day.
Belle Vie Massage Studio in Spokane is a great place to book a relaxing massage for dad. Belle Vie breaks it down like this: “Less stress=More productivity. Less pain=Better quality time with loved ones. More relaxation=A more positive outlook”
If you’re in the Seattle area, book him a spa day at Spa Noir. As one review on Yelp said, “location has serious Seattle vibes.” Afterwards, walk on over to The Whisky Bar which is right next door!
Treat him to a masterful shave and/or cut by a barber at Supernova Barber Shop in Tacoma.
Father’s Day Shopping
Shop for him or go out together to take advantage of the Father’s Day sales with these brands:
Support local roasters and get Olympia Coffee for those dads who love their caffeine in the mornings. Olympia Coffee Roasting has exclusively direct-trade partnerships with coffee growers. It also boasts about its bold roasts and unique flavors. Located in Tacoma, Seattle, and all of over Olympia, this coffee is accessible for most Washingtonians. You can also shop online via olympiacoffee.com.
Making clothing products since 1897, Filson is the original menswear outlet. Their Father’s Day deals include a Dry Wax Work Vest for $195. You can also check out the flagship store in its headquarters, Seattle, to do some fun shopping before or after an on-site factory tour (schedule online for free).
REI is always a no-brainer for an outdoorsy dad. Buy him a SteriPEN to take on backpacking trips where water needs to be purified. Or upgrade some of his old equipment.
Spend the day browsing through Hi-Voltage Records in Tacoma. Or order classic records from his favorite artists online via the Hi-Voltage website and surprise him with a great gift for Father’s Day!
Father’s Day Sports
June is baseball season, so take him out to a ballgame near you!
On June 16 and 17, the Mariners play the Red Sox in Safeco Field, Seattle. On the Sunday game, the Mariners have special Father’s Day fun giveaways planned.
For those in Bellingham, support the local Bellingham Bells and watch as they go up against the Portland Pickles on Father’s Day weekend at the Joe Martin Field.
The Walla Walla Sweets are also home on Father’s Day weekend! Playing the Bend Elks at Borleske Stadium. Check out the club’s website for special Father’s Day deals on tickets: wallawallasweets.com
Step outside your comfort zone and get dad on the water. Learn to Row with the Seattle Pocock Rowing Center. The legendary rowing center offers a variety of rowing lessons. All ages and skill levels.
Father’s Day Live Shows
Have a good evening enjoying his favorite genre of music live!
Jazz Clubs around Seattle: Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Tula’s Restaurant and Jazz Club.
If you’re in the Seattle area, buy tickets to see an edgy alt band perform in The Royal Room.
Father’s Day weekend put a little mountain in your music by attending the Wenatchee River Bluegrass Festival at the Chelan County Expo Center in Cashmere. It has concerts, vendors, workshops and camping.
Honey Moon Mead & Cider in Bellingham offers reasonably priced cocktails along with local live bands every night.
If live music isn’t really his thing, then try out the Seattle Improv Comedy Festival. The whole thing kicks off on Father’s Day, June 17.
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