Father’s Day with kids can be a tough balance between celebrating Dad and keeping the little ones entertained. That’s why we scoured forums from Yelp to Reddit to find the best family-friendly events in the D.C. area. From outdoorsy adventures to laid-back dinners, this list covers a range of interests and budgets, with plenty of free or low-cost ways to make Dad feel special without breaking the bank. Whether your dad is into baseball, brunch, or bonsai, there’s something here to match his vibe. We also looked at feedback from local parents to highlight events that are both fun and easy to manage with kids.
DC
Watch the Washington Nationals take on the Miami Marlins
Take Dad out to the ballgame as the Nationals face off against Miami for a summer showdown at Nationals Park. Also, after the game kids can run the bases! It’s the perfect outing for sports-loving dads and a fun day out for the whole family.
Date: 1:35 p.m. June 15
Price: Starting at $21
Get Tickets: https://www.mlb.com/nationals/tickets/single-game-tickets
Location: Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol St. SE, Washington, D.C.
Set Sail on a Father’s Day Brunch Cruise
Treat Dad to a morning on the water with a brunch cruise! Enjoy a chef-prepared buffet, bottomless mimosas (for guests 21+), and live entertainment—all while taking in sweeping views of D.C.’s landmarks from the Potomac River. It’s a relaxing and unique way to celebrate with the whole family.
Date: boarding at 9:30 a.m., cruise is from 10 a.m.-noon June 15
Price: Starting at $95 per person
Get Tickets: https://www.cityexperiences.com/washington-dc/city-cruises/fathers-day-early-brunch-cruise/
Location: 580 Water St. SW, Washington, D.C.
Phone: (771)-223-5700
Picnic at the U.S. National Arboretum
Looking for a peaceful Father’s Day escape? The U.S. National Arboretum offers 451 acres of lush landscapes, with plants and trees from around the world. Pack a picnic and relax in the National Grove of State Trees, where wide-open grassy spaces are perfect for a laid-back meal in the sun. With easy-to-hike scenic trails and a fascinating bonsai exhibit, it’s an ideal way to spend quality time outdoors with Dad.
Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily
Price: Free entry
Location: 3501 New York Ave. NE, Washington, D.C.
Get more info: https://www.usna.usda.gov/
Phone: (202) 245-4523
Visit the Mansion on O Street Museum
The Mansion on O Street offers a unique experience of exploring through over 100 rooms with more than 80 secret doors—perfect for curious dads and energetic kids. Wander through themed rooms, spot music memorabilia, and even learn about the mansion’s historical significance. You can also add on a treasure hunt to your exploration and make the experience even more unique! It’s a fun, interactive outing that’ll keep everyone entertained.
Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Price: $30.45 per person with tax
Get Tickets: https://www.omuseum.org/buy-tickets
Location: 2020 O St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Phone: (202) 496-2070
Embark on a Ghostly Scavenger Hunt Through D.C.
This Father’s Day, treat Dad to a spine-tingling adventure with the “Amazing Scavenger Hunt: The Ghosts of Washington D.C.” Explore the city’s most haunted landmarks—including the White House, Ford’s Theatre, and the Hay-Adams Hotel—while solving riddles and uncovering eerie tales. This self-guided tour is perfect for history-loving dads and curious kids alike, offering a fun and flexible way to experience D.C.’s spooky side.
Date: start anytime between 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Price: Starting at $14.99 per person
Get Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/amazing-scavenger-hunt-the-ghosts-of-washington-dc-tickets
Location: Begins at 511 10th St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Maryland
Cast a Line with Dad on the Chesapeake Bay
Celebrate Father’s Day with a peaceful day of fishing along the Chesapeake Bay. Whether you’re casting from the shore or setting up on a pier, it’s a classic way to bond, unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. Bring some snacks, set up camp, and make it a memory-filled outing with Dad. Great for all ages and skill levels!
Know Before You Go:
For shore and pier fishing in Maryland, anyone 16 or older will need a Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing License. A 7-day license starts at just $6 for residents ($12 for non-residents). You can get your license online through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Date: June 15 (Time is flexible. Go early for the best spots.)
Price: Free to fish (if under 16); $6 for a 7-day Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing License (MD residents); $12 for non-residents
Location: Anywhere along the Chesapeake Bay, including public piers, shores, or fishing access points across Maryland.
Set Sail with Dad on a Pirate Adventure
Celebrate Father’s Day with a swashbuckling outing aboard Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake. Located in Annapolis, this interactive cruise lets kids dress up as pirates, follow a treasure map, and blast water cannons at enemy ships—all while cruising the scenic bay. It’s the perfect mix of action and imagination for adventurous dads and their little buccaneers. Bonus: Dads sail free on Father’s Day!
Date: Multiple sailings daily; check schedule online
Price: Starting at $28 per person
Get Tickets: chesapeakepirates.com/family-fun
Location: 311 Third St, Annapolis, MD
Phone: (410)-263-0002
Putt Around with Dad at Bohrer Park Miniature Golf
Celebrate Father’s Day with a fun-filled round of mini golf at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg. This beautifully landscaped 18-hole course features waterfalls, streams, and daily-changing hole locations, offering a fresh challenge each visit. It’s an affordable, family-friendly activity that’s perfect for all ages.
Date: 11 a.m.–8 p.m. daily
Price: $8 for residents, $9 for non-residents
Location: 514 South Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD
More Info: https://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/about-us/city-facilities/miniature-golf-course
Phone: (301)-258-6300
Hike to Maryland’s Tallest Waterfall at Cunningham Falls State Park
Celebrate Father’s Day with a scenic hike to Cunningham Falls, Maryland’s tallest cascading waterfall, nestled in the Catoctin Mountains. Choose between the easy 0.5-mile Lower Trail (red blaze), perfect for families with young kids, or the more rugged 0.75-mile Cliff Trail (yellow blaze) for a bit of a challenge. Both trails lead to the base of the 78-foot waterfall, offering a refreshing and rewarding destination.
After the hike, enjoy a picnic by Hunting Creek Lake or explore other park trails. It’s a great way to connect with Dad in the great outdoors.
Date: 8 a.m.-sunset daily (April–October)
Price: $3-$5 per Maryland resident, $5-$7 per non-resident
Location: 14274 William Houck Dr., Thurmont, MD
More Info: dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/western/cunningham.aspx
Phone: (301)-271-7574
Celebrate Dad with a Scenic Dinner Cruise in Baltimore
Treat Dad to an unforgettable evening on the water. Departing from the Inner Harbor, this special event offers a delightful dining experience aboard a luxurious vessel. Guests will enjoy a chef-prepared buffet dinner, live DJ entertainment and breathtaking views of Baltimore’s skyline. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day with family and friends.
Date: Boarding begins at 5:30 p.m. June 15
Price: Starting at $119.80 per person
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/baltimore-fathers-day-signature-dinner-cruise-tickets
Location: 561 Light Street, Baltimore, MD
Phone: (410)-347-5552
Virginia
Celebrate Father’s Day at Shipgarten’s Family Festival
Join the fun at Shipgarten’s Father’s Day Kids and Family Festival in McLean. Enjoy live magic shows, Daddy & Me games, face painting, moon bounces and a parent-and-me music class. The event is dog-friendly and offers a variety of food and drinks.
Date: Noon–6 p.m. June 15
Price: Free admission
Location: Shipgarten, 7581 Colshire Dr., McLean, VA
More Info: https://shipgarten.com/event/fathers-day-kids-and-family-festival-2/
Phone: (703)-712-7481
Cultivate a New Hobby with Dad at the Father’s Day Bonsai Workshop
Celebrate Father’s Day by bonding over the art of bonsai at this hands-on workshop. Held at various locations, the event offers a relaxing environment where you and Dad can learn the basics of bonsai cultivation. Enjoy a beverage—beer or mimosa—as you shape and nurture your own miniature tree. It’s a unique experience that combines creativity, relaxation, and quality time.
Date: Multiple dates available; check the schedule online
Price: Starting at $31.08 per person
Location: 921 North Saint Asaph St., Alexandria, VA
Tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/fathers-day-bonsai-workshop-tickets
Phone: (703)-216-3944
Explore the Underground Wonders of Luray Caverns
Treat Dad to an unforgettable Father’s Day adventure at Luray Caverns, the largest cavern system in the eastern United States. Located in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, this natural wonder features towering stone columns, shimmering pools, and the renowned Great Stalacpipe Organ—a musical instrument that uses stalactites to produce harmonious tones.
Beyond the caverns, your ticket grants access to several attractions:
- Car & Carriage Caravan Museum: Showcasing an impressive collection of historic vehicles.
- Shenandoah Heritage Village: A recreated 19th-century farming community.
- Toy Town Junction: A delightful exhibit of vintage toys and model trains.
For added fun, consider navigating the one-acre Garden Maze or tackling the Rope Adventure Park.
Date: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Open daily
Price: Adults $34; Children (ages 6–12) $17; Free for children 5 and under
Location: 101 Cave Hill Road, Luray, VA
More Info: luraycaverns.com
Phone: (540)-743-6551
Hike the River Trail at Great Falls Park
Celebrate Father’s Day with a scenic outdoor adventure at Great Falls Park in McLean. The River Trail offers a moderately challenging 1.5-mile hike along the Potomac River, complete with dramatic overlooks of the falls and Mather Gorge. With plenty of photo-worthy views and fresh air, it’s the perfect outing for outdoorsy dads and families who love a good trail day.
Date: 7 a.m.–sunset daily
Price: $20 per vehicle
Location: Great Falls Park, 9200 Old Dominion Dr., McLean
More info: nps.gov/grfa
Phone: (703)-757-3101
Decorate Mini Donuts with Dad
Celebrate Father’s Day with a sweet twist at the Mini Donut Decorating Extravaganza. Families are invited to drop in and get creative as they decorate mini donuts together—complete with colorful toppings and fun designs. It’s a delicious, hands-on activity perfect for little kids and dads with a sweet tooth.
Date: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 15
Price: Starting at $17.85 per person
Location: 4005 Campbell Ave., Arlington, VA
Get Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fathers-day-mini-donut-decorating-tickets
Phone: (703)-647-9912
