Things to Do with Kids

For all the Darth Vaders out there, catch this can’t-miss film performance of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, with John Williams’s Grammy-winning score performed live by the NY Philharmonic. Appropriate for kids ages five and up.

Wu Tsai Theater, David Geffen Hall

10 Lincoln Center Plz, New York, NY 10023

Directions

For a unique Father’s Day meal, set sail on a family-friendly brunch cruise around NYC. You’ll voyage under the Brooklyn Bridge, past the Statue of Liberty, and along the skyline for incredible photo ops while enjoying an all-you-can-eat buffet of brunch favorites. Adults can toast Dad with bottomless mimosas, while kids sip juice and take in the views from the deck. All ages welcome.

A ticket is required (it ranges from approximately $79 to $135). Advanced booking is recommended, and it is available online here.

Pier 40 at Hudson River Park

353 West St

New York, NY 10014

This free outdoor festival celebrates nature and the start of summer on Father’s Day weekend. Families can try fishing with provided gear, meet live snakes and other critters, learn about pollinators through hands-on garden demos, and enjoy local music performances and treats from food trucks. All ages are welcome! Food & drink will be available for purchase.

15 Central St

North Reading, MA 01864

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is celebrating dads and father figures with special craft workshops all weekend. These drop-in activities are included with standard museum admission, so families can also enjoy CMOM’s interactive exhibits during the visit. Recommended for toddlers and elementary-age kids.

Ticket required ($18 per person), purchase online here.

The Tisch Building

212 West 83rd Street

New York, NY 10024

Animal-loving dads spend the day for free! Both of Boston’s zoos (Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and Stone Zoo in Stoneham, which we’re fans of any day) are offering complimentary admission for all fathers on Father’s Day. Wander with the family to see lions, tigers, giraffes, and more – and keep an eye out for any special zookeeper talks or kids’ activities happening to mark the day.

All ages will enjoy time here. Free admission for fathers, the remaining guests will need to be ticketed.

Franklin Park Zoo: 1 Franklin Park Rd, Boston, MA 02121

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Stone Zoo: 149 Pond St, Stoneham, MA 02180

Spend a memorable day in the Bronx with Dad in Wave Hill’s beautiful public gardens, where special activities include a Family Art Project, a guided nature walk, and even a community yoga session. On this day only, families are invited to picnic on the Wave Hill House lawn (bring your own basket or pre-order one) and enjoy the scenery. All ages are welcome.

Tickets are required, can be purchased at the entrance.

4900 Independence Ave

Bronx, NY

Little ones can get up close to real firefighting gear at this free, hands-on meetup in Dr. John’s Playground (Marine Park). Kids (recommended ages 2–10) are invited to climb aboard a fire engine and tour the interior with volunteers from the Gerritsen Beach Fire Department – a dream come true for any truck-loving child! All ages can attend (strollers welcome).

Dr. John's Playground - Marine Park

Avenue X and Gerritsen Ave

Brooklyn

Directions to this location

Treat Dad to a relaxing afternoon on the farm with delicious food and music. This event features an authentic barbecue lunch (think pulled pork, chicken, and sides) plus live bluegrass music in a scenic farm setting. Kids can play lawn games and visit barnyard animals on site, while adults kick back with an adult beverage. Visitors encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and picnic blankets!

Ticketed, pre-registration required, roughly $70 per adult and $30 per child. Register here (registration includes barbecue, sides, and non-alcoholic beverages; beer & wine available for purchase).

Powisset Farm
37 Powisset Street
Dover, MA 02030

Get Directions Here

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Experience a beloved Boston tradition that just so happens to fall on Father’s Day this year. The annual Bunker Hill Parade winds through Charlestown with marching bands, military units, colonial reenactors, and plenty of patriotic fanfare to commemorate the Revolutionary War battle. This year is the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, so expect an especially big celebration with lots of neighborhood pride (and likely some ice cream and candy for kids along the route!).

Be sure to get there early to ensure you get a good spot front and center! Bunker Hill Grounds and the Massachusetts Gate entry to the grounds are prime viewing areas for the parade.

Bunker Hill Monument Grounds

The parade begins at the intersection of Vine and Bunker Hill Streets, passes down Main Street and concludes at the Charlestown Militia Training Field.

Join the Urban Park Rangers at Oakland Lake in Alley Pond Park for a mini wildlife adventure by the water. Families will get hands-on as they explore the pond for aquatic insects and learn about the tiny creatures that inhabit NYC’s waterways. It’s a casual, drop-in nature program suitable for budding scientists of all ages.

Free for attendees, equipment provided.

Oakland Lake in Alley Pond Park

46th Avenue and Cloverdale Boulevard

Queens

Directions to this location

Head to Fenway for an unforgettable Father’s Day at the ballpark as the Red Sox take on the Yankees. A Sunday afternoon game at historic Fenway Park is great family fun – grab some Fenway Franks, root for the home team, and sing along during the 7th-inning stretch. The rivalry atmosphere is exciting (if a bit loud), but there are family seating sections and kid-friendly concessions available.

Fenway Park

4 Jersey St, Boston, MA 02215

Take Dad out to the ballgame! The Mets play a home afternoon game on Father’s Day, and the stadium will be filled with families and fun. As a bonus, the first 15,000 fans through the gates get a free Mets Hawaiian shirt giveaway, a festive keepsake for the occasion. Between innings, enjoy family activities on the concourse and classic ballpark snacks. All ages encouraged.

Citi Field

123-01 Roosevelt Ave

Flushing, NY 11368