Places to celebrate with Dad this Father’s Day

Father’s Day is almost here and now is the time to plan a special celebration for the Dad in your life. Chicago offers many fun options, from brunches to concerts to cruising on the river. Here is a guide to some of the fun activities available in this Father's Day in Chicago.

Chicago Electric Boat Company

Hit the Chicago River with Captain Dad while cruising in the city in an electric boat. Chicago Electric Boat Company has several boats, including a sleek 1950-style retro and 360-view donut boats. Plan Dad’s meal by packing his favorite food and drinks while rocking his favorite tunes with the provided Bluetooth speaker. Dad will be jamming! Ahoy!

Prime & Provisions

Celebrate Father's Day this year with the Grand Brunch. Enjoy made-to-order offerings, including omelets and Belgium waffles with a selection of sauces, syrups, and toppings. Breakfast will also include eggs benedict, cinnamon French toast, homemade granola, yogurt, and more. The Grand Buffet will accompany a carving station featuring slow-roasted prime rib, maple glazed ham on the bone, and a raw bar featuring oysters, shrimp, and crab legs. Dad can take a whirl on the Ferris wheel of Chef's decadent desserts for dessert.

• Date: Sunday, June 18
• Time: 1 p.m.
• Location: 222 N. LaSalle Blvd., Chicago

City Cruises

Create special memories with Dad as you dine and dance on Lake Michigan during the Father’s Day Brunch and Dinner Cruises. This is a perfect day for the family to enjoy famed city landmarks like the Adler Planetarium and Willis Tower from the cozy, climate-controlled interior and open-air rooftop decks. There’s a fully stocked bar for an additional cost, and the DJ will keep the party rocking as you make memories during this one-of-a-kind Father’s Day celebration.

• Date: Sun, June 16
• Time: Various times
• Location: 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
• Price: Starting at $76

AIRE Ancient Baths Chicago

The AIRE Experience includes their thermal tour in a unique environment where Dad can move freely and enjoy the journey while walking through baths at different temperatures. Allow Dad to have a relaxing experience in a city haven, where he can enjoy relaxation and receive complimentary fresh fruit juice. This is a unique moment for Dad to dedicate some time to himself.

• Date: Until Sun, June 16
• Time: 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.
• Location: 800 W Superior St., Chicago
• Price: Starting at $245

Reunion at Navy Pier

Tee off with Dad at Art Smith’s Reunion located at Navy Pier. Enjoy the Father’s Day Brunch featuring a choice of mimosa or bloody mary, deviled eggs, fried green tomatoes, signature shrimp and grits, beignets for the table, and other delicious eats.

• Date: Sun, June 16
• Time: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Location: 700 E. Grand Ave, Chicago
• Price: $45/person
• Website: reunionrestaurants.com

The Forge: Lemont Quarries

Treat Dad to a rocking concert at The Forge's Father’s Day Weekend celebration, featuring an electrifying performance from Hi Infidelity, Chicago's ultimate 80s cover band. Hi Infidelity is ready to rock the lawn with hits from beloved classic rock acts like Bon Jovi, Journey, Def Leppard, and more. Don't forget to bring your picnic blanket or lawn chair for maximum comfort!

• Date: Friday, June 14
• Time: 6:30 p.m.
• Location: 227 Heritage Quarries Dr, Lemont
• Price: $15 per ticket

OakBrook Center

Take Dad on a road trip to the 53rd annual Father’s Day car show. The beautiful outdoor shopping destination will transform into a car lover’s paradise. Enjoy over 80 antique, vintage, and classic automobiles. The Greater Illinois Region of the Classic Car Club of America presents the show. It will feature one-of-a-kind vehicles dating back to the 1900s.

• Date: Sun, June 16
• Time: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Location: 100 OakBrook Center, OakBrook
• Price: Free
• Website: oakbrookcenter.com

Rudy's Annual Father's Day Bike Ride with Eli’s Cheesecake

The 17th Annual Father's Day Bike Ride returns this year! Registration opens on June 1, for the fun-filled event. Attendees can enjoy this 10-mile bike ride along with a complimentary continental breakfast. There will be free safety inspections by Rudy's Cycle. Eli's will have special hours on Father's Day from 9am to noon to pick up desserts and a 15% off coupon to use after the ride! There will also be raffle prizes, including Eli's Cheesecake gift packs and a $250 gift card to Rudy's Cycle.

• Date: Sun, June 16
• Time: 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Location: 6701 West Forest Preserve Drive, Chicago
• Price: Free

Saltwater Coastal Grill

Take Dad on an ocean voyage with the Seafood Tower featuring shrimp cocktails, crab claws, and oysters. All Father’s will enjoy a complimentary beverage, including beer, wine, or a cocktail, with the purchase of the tower. Time to dive into this coastal treat!

• Date: Sun, June 18
• Time: 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
• Location: 5509 Park Place, Rosemont
• Price: MP

Truth Be Told

Treat Dad to a Sunday Roast featuring prime rib, roasted root veggies, over-roasted potatoes, gravy, watercress salad, horseradish cream, and Yorkshire pudding. It is a perfect day of comfort at the pub with a pint.

• Date: Sun, June 16
• Location: 1227 E. 60th Street, Chicago
• Website: truthbetoldtavern.com

The 38th Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games

Dad can embrace his Scottish roots even if he isn't Scottish. This two-day event is celebrating its 37th year featuring the iconic caber toss and haggis throw. There will be a pipe band featuring bagpipes and drums. New this year includes cooking demonstrations with Chef Gary Maclean, the national chef of Scotland. Families will enjoy the expansive kid's area, including cricket demonstrations led by American cricket player and author Tom Melville. Kilts are optional but highly recommended! Tickets go on sale next week.

• Date: June 14 - 15
• Location: Dupage county fair grounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton, IL
• Website: chicagoscots.org

aliveOne

Laughter is the best medicine, and the free comedy show on Father’s Day is no laughing matter. Dads can enjoy $4 bartender's choice beverages while chuckling with some fantastic amateur comedians in the open mic Living Room Sessions. Enjoy a free game of pool and a tremendous half-priced happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Date: Sun, June 16
• Time: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Location: 2683 N Halsted St, Chicago
• Price: Free

Father's Day Weekend and U.S. Open Watch Party at The Graystone Tavern

Join the Graystone Tavern in Wrigleyville this Father's Day Weekend for three days of fun and giveaways. On Sunday, Dad can enjoy a watch party for the 2024 U.S. Open, which features a golf bag giveaway. There will be golf-themed drink specials like the John Daly, made with vodka, iced tea, and lemonade. Enjoy every angle of the tournament on 16 televisions throughout the restaurant, including the outdoor beer garden. There will also be giveaways, including golf swag, balls, bags, Windy City Smokeout tickets, and more, all weekend long.

• Date: June 13 through June 16
• Time: Business Hours
• Location: 3441 N Sheffield Ave. Chicago

Sweet Mandy B’s

Dad deserves some sweet treats this Father’s Day. Sweet Mandy B’s will feature specialty items, including golf-themed and necktie cut-out cookies, a 6 pack of cupcakes topped with necktie sugar, and more. It is highly recommended to place orders in advance of the holiday.

• Date: June 14 - 16
• Time: Business Hours
• Location: Lincoln Park and Streeterville

Aboyer

Spoil Dad with a fantastic Sunday Dinner on Father’s Day at Michael Lachowicz’s acclaimed French Brasserie in Winnetka. This Father's Day, Dad can enjoy 50% off his meal, and dine on classics like Steak Frites, Crab Cakes, and more. In addition to indoor seating, a stunning pergola-covered patio makes for a beautiful outdoor space to celebrate with Dad.

• Date: Sun, June 16
• Time: 5 - 10 p.m.
• Location: 64 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka