Father’s Day is almost here, and if you’ve found yourself caught off guard by how quickly it’s approaching, there’s no need to worry! There’s still plenty of time to plan a unique celebration for your dad that’s fun for the whole family. Here are a few last-minute recommendations to make Father’s Day in Chicago unforgettable on Sunday, June 16th!
1. Check out UNICEF’s interactive ‘Heart Strings’ experience the entire family will love!
Surround yourself in the groundbreaking ‘Heart Strings’ experience by UNICEF, forging connections and illuminating the lives of children worldwide! This first-of-its-kind adventure guides you through interactive multimedia displays, complete with captivating lighting effects and inspiring music, allowing you to become part of UNICEF’s profound impact. ‘Heart Strings’ transcends borders, cultures, and languages, offering a deeply moving experience that inspires the entire family. Get your tickets now! Plus, children under 18 can enjoy it for free!
🏰Looking for more family fun? Check out the best things to do for the entire fam!
2. Surprise him with tickets to the highly-anticipated NASCAR races!
NASCAR is officially coming to Chicago on July 6th and 7th for the thrilling street race in the city—and if your dad is a fan, it’s the perfect opportunity to surprise him with tickets! The race will cover a 2.2 mile, 12-turn course, kicking off and ending at Grant Park’s famed Buckingham Fountain.
🏎️Learn all about it here and grab last-minute tickets!
3. Take dad to one of these top steakhouses for dinner
Dad deserves the best celebration for Father’s Day in Chicago. Why not indulge him at one of the best steakhouses in the Chicago area that made the 2024 World’s Best Steak Restaurants ranking? Known for their top-tier signature dishes, unique ambiance, and exceptional service, you’ll surely impress dad with one of these spots.
🥩Make a reservation at one of the top six steakhouses!
4. Enjoy Craft Brews at Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual festival
The Lincoln Park Zoo is offering something special this year for Father’s Day in Chicago, in case you’d like to celebrate your dad a day early! On June 15th, check out the 9th annual Craft Brews at Lincoln Park Zoo and sample over 100 beers and ciders while wandering around the marvelous zoo.
As you stroll the famed zoo, make a stop to see your favorite animals, enjoy live entertainment, and perhaps even play a lawn game with your dad.
🍻Learn more about the Lincoln Park Zoo here!
5. Visit the largest arcade in the U.S. just 30 minutes from downtown
Take dad to the largest arcade in the U.S. this Father’s Day! With over 980 arcade games at Galloping Ghost Arcade in Brookfield, dad can enjoy the classics like Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, and Pac-Man, and ultra-rare games like Sega R360!
6. Check out over 150 murals at the “Artists of the Wall” Festival in Rogers Park
Head to Rogers Park on Saturday, June 15, 2024 and Sunday, June 16, 2024 and get ready to celebrate the highly-anticipated return of the “Artists of the Wall” Festival this upcoming weekend!
The vibrant neighborhood on the city’s Far North Side was recognized as one of the top 5 neighborhoods in the country and the best in the Midwest last year, and is set to commemorate the 31st anniversary of this beloved annual event. It’s the perfect place to celebrate with your dad on Father’s Day weekend, especially if he loves art!
7. Enjoy Kayaking down the Chicago River with your dad!
Kayaking in Chicago is a dream come true, whether you’re enjoying the Chicago Riverwalk, surrounded by the city’s famous highrises or getting a spectacular vantage point from Monroe Harbor! It’s truly an unforgettable activity and the perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day if you want to get active!
🛶 Get all of the details here!
8. Visit the delicious restaurant of Oprah’s former chef, Art Smith for a Father’s Day feast
If you find yourself at Navy Pier for the gorgeous fireworks show or to check out the thrilling FlyOver experience, make sure you visit Chef Art Smith’s Reunion restaurant to celebrate between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The Father’s Day Papa’s Menu is not to be missed if you’re looking for something comforting and delicious.
For $45 per person, expect a three-course meal with a welcome mimosa, a first course offering a choice of three deviled eggs, a half order of fried green tomatoes, or avocado toast. For the main dish, choose between shrimp and grits, short rib hash, and chicken and waffles, and finish off with a dessert of Father’s Day beignets! Don’t leave without picking up one of Art Smith’s cookbooks!
🍤Learn more and make a reservation here!
9. A Father’s Day tailgate event on a rooftop
The Loews in Streeterville is hosting a tailgate event to celebrate Father’s Day in Chicago this weekend! For those who love baseball, fans are invited to root for the Cubs (or Cardinals) during a 3-hour tailgate experience on the terrace, which includes a premium 3-hour open bar, samples from Anheuser Busch and Pernod Ricard, elevated tailgate cuisine, lawn Games, giveaways, and a chance to win tickets to Cubs games, gift certificates, and more
Tickets are $75 for adults and $38 for kids. More details and RSVP here.
10. Celebrate with all Dad’s favorites: beer and burgers
This Father‘s Day, treat your history-loving dad to a self-led architectural tour of a historic, Prohibition-era building with a visit to a luxury boutique hotel, Pendry Chicago! Housed inside the iconic Carbide & Carbon Building, Pendry Chicago boasts two distinctly elegant options for a Father’s Day meal to pair with the tour.
For just $28, treat your dad to a delicious Wagyu Beef Burger and a bottled or draft beer. Afterward, take the elevator up to the 24th floor and continue the celebration al fresco at the French Riviera-inspired rooftop lounge, Chateau Carbide.