While writing this article, the father of my children looked over my shoulder and noted that his favorite Father’s Day activity wasn’t listed: To have all four children and two dogs wrestle in bed with him, followed by eating pancakes in the kitchen, playing catch in the backyard and lying in the hammock with the Sunday paper.
But if your dad is more on-the-go rather than stay-at-home, may we recommend some outings close to home that will be fun for the entire family. After all, whether you’re here or there, the goal of Dad’s day is to enjoy family time together.
Indulge his car fantasies (without breaking the bank) Volo, Ill.
The Volo Auto Museum has 300 cars for sale or for rent, classic cars, muscle cars, sports cars, fantasy movie cars, military vehicles, sexy sedans, cool convertibles. In effect, something for everyone.
On Father’s Day, the museum celebrates military history, and dads can sit inside vehicles used in World War II and Desert Storm. If all that heavy metal exhausts you, fuel up at the ’50s-style food court and automobile memorabilia gift shop.
Admission is: $9 for adults; $7 for seniors, veterans with Veterans Universal Access ID and active personnel with military ID; $5 for children 5-12; and free for kids under 5 and military personnel in uniform. General admission for Father’s Day activities is $12.
Put Dad in the driver’s seat.
Chicago Indoor Racing in Buffalo Grove offers a racecar driving experience for licensed drivers and children older than 7 who have completed a two-day junior driving course at the facility. Give Dad some cool driving duds from the pit crew, and wave him off. Then the crew can watch and cheer from the viewing box, which also has billiards, games, a bar and restaurant.
For adults with driver’s licenses, it’s $10 for a mandatory license, and $25 for instruction and a 20-lap race. The two-day junior course is $295. Back seat drivers (spectators) are free, and group and family rates are available.
Horse around at the races.
Give Dad play money or a homemade gift certificate for a $2 bet, and head to the track at Arlington Park. With pony rides and a petting zoo for children, the whole family can have a fun afternoon.
General Admission for Father’s Day is $10 for adults 18 and older, but if you purchase your tickets online prior to 10 a.m. on June 21, you will pay only $7 per ticket.
Root, root, root for the home team.
The Cubbies have a home game against the Cleveland at 1:20 p.m. on Father’s Day. For tickets, check availability on the Cubs Web site or at StubHub!
Is the dad in your life a Chicago Bears fan? The United Club at Soldier Field will be open to the public for a Father’s Day brunch and a chance to meet some football legends. But the best surprise for your football-loving dad is the thrill of trying a field goal kick on the stadium field.
Adults cost $50, kids cost $25 (ages 3-12) and kids younger than 3 are free (with paying adult).
Give the roller coaster fiend his annual dose of thrills.
Plan a day at Great America, doing his favorite rides and activities.
Ticket prices at the Park: General Admission, $54.99; child under 48-inches, $34.99; 2 & under FREE. Limited time offer: Buy one ticket online for $54.99, and get one FREE. Print tickets at home; go straight to the gate. General Parking $15.
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