25 Best Things To Do on Father's Day in NYC

If you're looking for things to do on Father's Day in NYC, you've come to the right place. This year, Father's Day falls on Sunday, June 16, and it's time to start scheming how to celebrate the dads, grandpas, and father figures in our lives. We've found 25 kid-and-dad-approved things to do in NYC that are sure your make Father's Day extra special.

If you're thinking about taking the Father's Day party outside the city, peruse our Guide to Day Trips or our Theme Parks Guide for more fun ideas.

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1. The High Line

Visit the High Line on Father's Day in NYC with dad to see amazing public art and horticulture, taste delicious treats, and visit some of the city's coolest destinations like Little Island and the Whitney along your walk.

2. Rise NY

Show dad a view of NYC he's never seen before on RiseNY's simulated aerial tour of NYC.

3. Do Dumbo

Go for a wander around the picturesque neighborhood of Dumbo, which is packed with family-friendly things to do. While you're there, grab a great meal at Time Out Market, one of our favorite family-friendly food halls.

4. Play in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Head to Brooklyn Bridge Park to visit its uber-cool playgrounds, hit the bike path, roller skate, or ride the famous Jane's Carousel.

5. Hit a Water Park

If dad loves the thrill of a wild ride, cool off at one of these water parks near NYC to celebrate Father's Day.

6. Attend a Puppet Show

Take dad to see an adaption of the classic tale Jack and the Beanstalk at Puppetworks or see Puppetsburg at The Wild for an interactive musical with puppets, musicians, and dancers.

7. Play Mini Golf

Putt-putt your Father’s Day in NYC away at one of these outdoor miniature golf courses or visit Red Hook’s indoor Shipwrecked Miniature Golf.

8. Enjoy Family Playtime

Browse our list of NYC places where parents and kids can play together, and pick an experience perfect for your family.

9. Go Wild

Head to the newly re-opened Prospect Park Zoo for a day of animal-inspired fun, or visit one of these other great zoos and aquariums in NYC.

10. Celebrate Juneteenth

Head to Historic Richmond Town in Staten Island for a family-friendly Juneteenth Celebration featuring reenactments by the Freedom Players.

11. Governors Island

Hop a ferry to Governors Island to enjoy all the attractions, public art and exhibits, food, performances, and activities on Father's Day in NYC.

RELATED: Weekend Getaways near NYC: Lake Resorts in New York State

Go kayaking in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photo by Etienne Frossard.

12. Go Kayaking

Get out on the open water at one of these community programs.

13. See a Stage Show

If dad's idea of a great Father's Day activity is going to the theater, check out our guide to the best Broadway shows this season to find a family-friendly pick.

14. Do a Day Trip

Check out these 37 great ideas for day trips to take dad on, all within two hours of NYC.

15. Listen to the NY Philharmonic

Enjoy a free indoor concert by the world-famous New York Philharmonic at Staten Island's gorgeous St. George Theatre.

16. Plan a Family Camp Out

We've found seven campgrounds near NYC with kid-friendly perks, plus some gorgeous glamping destinations in case the man of the hour isn't in the mood to pitch a tent!

17. Area 53

Challenge dad to a Father's Day duel with a visit to one of the Area 53 locations in the city, where visitors can play laser tag and paintball.

RELATED: 25 Best Spraygrounds and Sprinklers for NYC Kids

Jacob Riis Beach in Queens feels like a world away from the city. Photo by Matthew Nighswander

18. Plan a Beach Day

Go to the beach—via subway or ferry, for the whole weekend, or day trip down The Shore.

19. Celebrate the Lower East Side

With the Eldridge Street Synagogue as its centerpiece, the Egg Rolls, Egg Creams, and Empanadas Festival fills the street with a bevy of Jewish, Chinese, and Puerto Rican tastes, traditions, sights, and sounds.

20. Go Whale Watching

Look for whales with dad on a Father's Day whale-watching cruise.

21. Groove to the Grateful Dead

The Rock and Roll Playhouse, a weekly family concert series hosted at Brooklyn Bowl on Sunday mornings, features the music of the Grateful Dead on Father's Day.

22. Experience Shakespeare Under the Stars

Attend a free performance of Love's Labor Lost in Carroll Park by the award-winning Brooklyn theater company, Smith Street Stage.

23. Get Out of This World

Space nerd doubling as a dad? Consider a trip to one of these space museums near NYC for an intergalactic adventure.

24. Make a Handcrafted Gift

For a unique gift, design and personalize a tree sculpture to hold drawings and photographs at Wave Hill's special Father's Day Family Art Project.

25. Enjoy a Picnic

Pack a blanket and snacks and make the 843-acre Central Park, with its 21 playgrounds, your destination for Father’s Day.

A version of this article was published in 2016. It is updated annually.