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As New York City’s beachfront backyard, a golfer’s paradise with several championship golf courses, a fishing, boating and water sports oases, Long Island is undoubtedly the best place to celebrate Father’s Day! The big day is just around the corner, so we’ve gathered the top spots and best activities to do with dad as well as local shops with unique gifts perfect for praising all types of father figures. Whether it’s an exhilarating beachfront zipline adventure at WildPlay, a bicycle-powered brewery tour or a ride in a historic plane, here are the best ways to celebrate Father’s Day on Long Island.
Activities & Adventures with Dad
Take dad to new heights with a flight experience at the American Airpower Museum (Farmingdale)
If dad has a serious appreciation for airplanes, history, or flying, we found the perfect gift for him: a gift card for a flight experience in a historic aircraft or retired military fighter. Offered by the American Airpower Museum, dad can choose to take off in a C-47, WACO Biplane, T-6 “Texan”, or book a C-47 D Day Reenactment Flight Experience for a truly memorable tour through history.
Take a swing at a high-tech driving range or professional Championship course (Various locations)
If Dad’s swing needs practice, take him to TopGolf or gift him a day in his own bay. This technology-driven driving range offers player stats, climate-controlled private bays, a game room, competitive games, and a full kitchen and bar. Experience entertaining features as you settle into your own climate-controlled bay.
Those looking to play a full 18 rounds, can head to Bethpage State Park Golf Course and try their shot on the same course as internationally acclaimed professional golfers.
Brew lovers will want to book an Urban Pedal Tours experience (Riverhead)
Give dad the experience of a lifetime with a gift card for an Urban Pedal Tours brewery experience. Guests who are 21 years old and over can tour downtown Riverhead and handful of its popular craft breweries while cycling on a multi-person tandem-style bike. The bike can hold up to 14 people at a time and features speakers for blasting your pick of playlist. To cash-in the gift card, reservations will be required and as a disclaimer: there is no drinking allowed on the bike.
Satisfy dad’s need for speed with tickets to RPM Raceway (Farmingdale)
RPM Raceway is Long Island’s state-of-the-art indoor racing facility that features two quarter-mile tracks designed for all-electric karts that can reach speeds near 45 MPH. Ideal for families, birthday parties, and corporate events, RPM allows 10 drivers per circuit to race for the winning title. Afterwards, head on over to the on-site arcade for even more fun and games!
Price: $30 per race for non-members (Save $5 off your first race with the Downtown Deals Travel Pass)
Nothing says family bonding quite like climbing to all new heights at WildPlay Element Park and The Adventure Park (Wantagh & Wheatley Heights)
For all the dads who seem to have no fear, WildPlay Jones Beach has some incredible challenges in store. Spend the day with dad climbing aerial adventure courses, ziplining on the shore, swinging from ropes, and more. The park has multiple levels of adventure courses, experiences, and ticket options making it a great stop for the whole family—and not just adrenaline-chasing dad!
This Father’s Day, The Adventure Park is offering a BOGO ticket deal that lets dads climb for free with the purchase of any regular admission ticket (which is good for a 3-hour climb). Take Dad out to The Adventure Park and reach all new heights together as you test your agility on the low and high rope courses, and tree-top zipline.
Jam out together at one of the upcoming concerts by A-list musicians at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater (Wantagh)
Let dad rock out this Father’s Day with some tickets to a concert being played at Jones Beach Amphitheater! On Saturday, June 18th, you can sing your heart out to Pitbull, Ava Max and DJ Regard for a special set presented by 103.5KTU. And on June 21st, the Doobie Brothers will be performing live with special guests Michael McDonald & John McFee for the band’s 50th Anniversary tour. For the amphitheater’s full schedule or to buy tickets, click the link below.
Rock the history buff’s socks off with free admission to the Long Island Museum for dads (Stony Brook)
Calling all history buffs, military families, and local art appreciators—on June 19th from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. the Long Island Museum will be offering free admission to fathers and grandfathers (valid across all museum exhibits and properties). While in town, continue your exploration of local artwork at The Reboli Center or make your own edible art at Stony Brook Chocolate.
Carve out some quality time on the water with surf lessons from the pros at CoreysWave or a day at anchor with Over The Top Watersports (Montauk & Northport)
Living on Long Island means spending summers at the beach. This year, instead of watching the surfers shred off the coast of Montauk, have dad be one of them! The team of experts at CoreysWave offers individual and group surf and stand-up paddleboard lessons for all ages and abilities.
For an ‘over-the-top’ water skiing, wakeboarding, or tubing experience, book a day on the Northport Bay with Over the Top Watersports. The charter company also offers a cruise during golden hour for unrivaled views of the quaint harborside village lined with sail boats and stunning Victorian style homes before pulling up to a local dockside restaurant for dinner by boat.
Great Gifts for Dad
Rent dad’s dream car for a day with Cloud 9 Exotics (Farmingdale)
Cloud 9 Exotics provides unparalleled exotic car rentals and experiences through its ever-evolving rental fleet and its dedicated staff of passionate car enthusiasts that can answer all your questions and show you all the tips and tricks to driving the biggest names in the automotive industry. Rentals are available in 4-hour, daily, weekly, and monthly packages that feature some of the most applauded brands like Lamborghini, Porsche, McLaren, Ferrari, Rolls Royce, in addition to vintage Cadillacs and more.
Upgrade the angler’s gear at Atlantic Outfitters (Port Washington)
This is more than just a bait & tackle shop, but any fisherman or watersports enthusiasts’ haven. Atlantic Outfitters, located on The Inspiration Wharf, offers brand new top-of-the-line fishing and boating gear—from beachwear to fishing poles and everything in between. Atlantic Outfitters also offers stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals—which you can save 20% on when you display our FREE Downtown Deals Travel Pass.
For the sweet tooth: Artisan chocolate from Stony Brook Chocolate (Stony Brook)
If you’ve got a candy aficionado in your life, you can’t go wrong with getting dad some delicious treats this Father’s Day! Visit Stony Brook Chocolate for homemade chocolates, truffles, all sorts of fudge, chocolate-dipped sweets, and all the sour candy you can imagine.
For the former athlete: A massage at The Spa & Studio at East Wind (Wading River)
Give dad the gift of unwinding after a long day with a relaxing massage at The Spa & Studio at East Wind that will target the source of his sore muscles and joint aches. The professionals here offer an array of treatments and indulgences, from Swedish style massages to saunas, steam rooms, and more.
For the ultimate beach bum: Limited-edition Discover Long Island X Relic T-shirt Collab for World Oceans Day
If there’s no place dad rather be than the beach, you need to get him this limited-run tee designed by the south shore natives behind Relic—a sustainable apparel brand dedicated to giving back to our waters. Through every purchase, Relic can support organizations that provide education, resources, and clean water to people across the Island and the globe; as well as plant oysters in Moriches Bay to combat pollution. This design is exclusive to the Discover Long Island Shop and it’s printed on super soft baby blue unisex tee.
A home run gift: Tickets to a Long Island Ducks game (Central Islip)
Get in line for some peanuts and crackerjacks and get ready to cheer on the home team at a Long Island Ducks game! On June 23rd you can take dad out to the ballpark and watch a fun baseball game with bright fireworks show in his honor immediately following the big game. Can’t make it to the stadium on the 23rd? No worries, the season is just getting started!
Where to Dine & Celebrate
Enjoy a day filled with family-fun at Harbes Father’s Day Festival (Mattituck)
On June 18th and 19th, Harbes Family Farm in Mattituck will be hosting its Annual Father’s Day Festival. All weekend long, families are invited out to the farm to enjoy live music, farm fresh treats, local brews, wine tastings, and Harbes Barnyard Adventure (which includes pig races, obstacle courses, farm animals, Jumbo Jumpers, and a sports zone) while they spend quality time with dad and grandpa. As a gift to dad, Harbes is offering FREE admission to Harbes Barnyard Adventure during the festival weekend.
Make a Splash at the Father’s Day Flop Contest (Riverhead)
Think your dad has the best belly flop Long Island has ever seen? Prove it on June 18th at Splish Splash Waterpark! Starting at 1 p.m., dads will be showing off their best belly-flopping skills to a panel of distinguished judges to be crowned winner and score some fantastic surprise prizes. Pre-registration is required to participate in this event, please see the site linked below for further details.
Treat dad to a delicious meal at the North Fork Table & Inn Father’s Day Bourbon BBQ (Southold)
On June 19th, the North Fork Table & Inn will be celebrating with the help of beloved bourbon brand, Maker’s Mark, for two spectacular events. A casual Father’s Day BBQ will be held at the Food Truck from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature the exclusive "Frozen Bourbon Arnold Palmer” made with Maker’s Mark and a complimentary glass wax-dipping station inside the restaurant (with the purchase of food or drink between 1 pm. and 3 p.m.). The North Fork Table & Inn will also be hosting a more formal BBQ for dinner inside, where a delectable summer menu, exclusive “Same Grain” cocktail await (reservations recommended).
Enjoy a waterfront Father’s Day brunch at The Snapper Inn (Oakdale)
Enjoy a lovely Sunday brunch on the water this Father’s Day at the Snapper Inn. The buffet-style brunch includes a variety of dishes for all types of eaters as well as celebratory drink options. Reservations are not required, but they are recommended.
Head to Gatsby’s on the Ocean for a Beachfront Father’s Day Brunch (Wantagh)
If the way to dad’s heart is through his stomach, spend the day at Gatsby on the Ocean—located right off the Jones Beach Boardwalk. The rooftop restaurant will be offering a mouthwatering menu for all fathers and families to enjoy beginning at 11 a.m. Reservations are not required but are encouraged.
