Father’s Day is coming up, and whether you want to celebrate the dads in your life or enjoy some quality time with your kids, there are ways to celebrate, both out in the city and at home. Here are some special ideas to make your day memorable!

Unique Gifts

Shibe Vintage Sports

137 S. 13th St.

 

Shibe was founded by Philly sports fans, for Philly sports fans. When you walk into the small Midtown Village shop, you can immediately tell that it’s the real deal—seats from the old Philly ballpark from which the store gets its name are there, along with other memorabilia. We met one of the owners and his little boy at Nest years ago, and have been hooked on their soft vintage-y tees ever since. For Father’s Day, the dads of Shibe – Johnny, Sharif, Keni, Doug and newly minted Alex – have picked out the items they’d most like to receive! Visit their shop in Center City, or shop online.

Open House

107 S. 13^th St.

 

Open House is always our go-to for unique gifts. They have made up little themed gift boxes, including several themed Father’s Day collections and a Gritty one!

Wonderspaces

27 N. 11th Street

 

This Father’s Day, give the gift of extraordinary art. Use code FATHERSDAY to get 20% off of Gift Tickets at the ambitious and instaworthy Wonderspaces in Fashion District Philadelphia. This offer ends Sunday, June 20, at midnight. Gift Tickets can be used to schedule a visit for any available time and date and are good for one year from the date of purchase.

Philadelphia Distilling

25 E. Allen Street

 

We love Bluecoat Gin, and you can select cocktail kits like Moscow Mule, Sunshine Gin & Tonic, Bloody Mary, and more. Shop in store, or place your order online and select curbside pickup. They also do $10 same-day delivery within certain Philadelphia zip codes (free for orders over $200).

Art in the Age

116 N. Third St.

 

Stock your home bar with bar tools, mixers, bitters, and glassware. Add on unique spirits like Thai Chili Gin, Ginger Vodka, and personal favorite Shane Confectionery’s Cacao Nib Whiskey—or keep it more classic with a nice giftworthy bourbon. Available in store, via curbside pickup, or local delivery.

Special Meals and Treats

Storytime Brunch at The Hadley

June 20, 10 am

2200 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

Celebrate father figures with storytime and a delicious brunch for the entire family to enjoy. Cousin John will be there reading his books from the Chase series. Families will be able to enjoy an amazing brunch menu and participate in a Q&A session with the author. Pre-register online, and your child will receive a signed copy of Chase Is Ready for Takeoff at the event! Brunch is available at an additional cost.

Father’s Day Cruise on the Spirit of Philadelphia

June 20, 2 pm

Departing from Penn’s Landing, 401 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.

 

Enjoy a two-hour cruise with amazing skyline views, live entertainment, and a buffet meal. Reserve online.

Devon Seafood Grill

225 S. 18^th St.

 

If you can get a reservation, Devon is serving a special Father’s Day prix fixe menu, but it is also available for takeout if you prefer to stay home. Also available from Devon: at-home grilling kits including Devon seasoning, Yukon mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, fresh Devon biscuits with whipped honey butter, two slices of carrot cake, and your choice of protein (seafood, fish, or various cuts of steak). Call to pre-order yours by noon on Saturday, June 19—pickup Saturday or Sunday.

DiBruno Brothers

1730 Chestnut St.; 834 Chestnut St.; 930 S. Ninth St.

 

You can find prepared meals, gourmet groceries, baked goods, special Father’s Day gift baskets, and treats. The collections include a soft pretzel gift set, the Beer and Bourbon Cheese Collection, and more. At the Rittenhouse and Franklin (both on Chestnut Street) locations, you can even add wine and beer. Of course, if you don’t know exactly what you want, you can browse around the stores and pick everything out yourself. Bonus: if you drop by the Rittenhouse location on Saturday afternoon, you can grab some funnel cake at the Fox & Sons pop-up!

Visit a Family-Friendly Beer Garden

Summer means lots of pop-up outdoor spaces that welcome families; and if Dad can grab a beer while the kids enjoy the great outdoors, even better! See our top picks of kid-friendly beer gardens and plan your perfect afternoon.

Fun Happenings

Father’s Day Kayak Cruise and Picnic

June 20, 4 pm

Walnut Street Dock, 120 S. 24th St.

 

Celebrate Father’s Day and the summer solstice with a special guided kayak tour of the river, followed by a festive picnic (optional) at the Schuylkill Banks Park. The professionally guided tour will head upriver towards the Fairmount Dam to enjoy spectacular views of the Art Museum, Fairmount Water Works, and the city skyline. No gear or experience necessary. Not recommended for kids under 8. Tickets available online.

Father’s Day Weekend Fan Fest at Sesame Place

June 19 and 20

100 Sesame Rd., Langhorne

 

Celebrate Dad with a sports fan fest at Sesame Place! Father’s Day Fan Zone Festivities include special meet and greets, photo opportunities, games and more. Tickets available online.

Pirates at Adventure Aquarium

June 18–July 9

1 Riverside Dr., Camden, NJ

 

Arrgh! Pirates are arriving at Adventure Aquarium on June 18 seeking treasure for a limited-time, fun, and interactive family experience. The crew will teach you to walk and talk like a pirate as you play games, make crafts, hunt for Darkbeard’s treasure and learn about parrots! Included with admission.

 

 

 

 

Photographs by Laura Swartz