Where would we be without great dads? Whether they’re help us with the noise our car is making or teaching us the ways of the world, great dads do whatever is needed to help make life our lives easier. Use the following itineraries to plan the activities you can do with Dad this Father’s Day to return the favor.
FOR THE GOLFER
7 a.m.: Hit the links
Start your Father’s Day with a morning round at the Big Met Golf Course. Located in the Rocky River Basin, this course’s flat terrain and slight elevation changes make it perfect for golfers of all skill levels (make sure your old man is ready for hole 14’s narrow fairway.) 4811 Valley Parkway, Fairview Park, 440-331-1070, clevelandmetroparks.com
Noon: Lunch
Finish your outing with lunch at the Big Met Grille and Terrace located right off the course, featuring a menu that features the usual concession fare of burgers, hot dogs and chicken tenders. Round so bad you need get away from the course? Head down the road to Gunselman’s Tavern for a selection of juicy, creative burgers and more. 21490 Lorain Road, Fairview Park, 440-331-5719, gunselmans.com
3 p.m.: Work on your game
Let’s face it: your swing could use some work. Spend your afternoon fixing that with Dad at TopGolf, a luxury driving range. Feel like a rematch? The microchipped golf balls will award you points depending on how close you get to the target. 5820 Rockside Woods Blvd. N., Independence, 216-619-2464, topgolf.com/us/cleveland
FOR THE HIKER
8 a.m.: Lace ’em up
Wake up early and hit a trail at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio’s only designated National Park that’s managed by the National Park Services. Try the 2-mile-long Ledges Trail, which leads to a 100-year-old staircase formed by rocks. Looking for a shorter trek? Try the 1.4-mile-long Brandywine Gorge Trail, which features a scenic waterfall on its trail. 15610 Vaughn Road, Brecksville, 440-717-3890, cvsr.org
Noon: Catch a train
Get off your feet and take in nature on the park’s Scenic Railroad. Whether you’re going on a daytime ride (which features sighting of beavers and eagles) or the Family Fun loop, a ride on the train will be the perfect way to relax with Dad after a long morning on your feet.
2 p.m.: Cool off with some ice cream
Get some early dessert at Country Maid Ice Cream, located a hop, skip and jump away from the park. With more than 20 flavors of ice cream along with sherbet and yogurt offerings, Country Maid has everything you’ll need to satisfy Dad’s sweet tooth. 3252 W. Streetsboro Road, Richfield, 330-659-6830, countrymaidicecream.com
FOR THE CAMPER
1 p.m.: Set up the tent
Spend a weekend with Lake Erie as your neighbor and nature as your backdrop at the Lake Erie Bluffs in Perry. Pack a pair of hiking shoes though, as the Bluffs’ private campsites are set upon 35-45-foot cliffs.
4 p.m.: Soak up nature
Once you’re all set up, go out with Dad and see all the nature the park has to offer on its 3.5-mile-long trails set upon mostly undeveloped lakefront. With more than 9,000 feet of shoreline, your walk will feature foliage and critters from all different biomes.
7 p.m.: Enjoy the view
The icing on the cake of this Father’s Day journey, the Bluffs boast a 50-foot coastal observation tower with multiple viewing platforms that culminates in a 360-degree view of the lake. We dare you to find a better place to watch Lake Erie’s beautiful sunsets. 3301 Lake Road, Perry Twp., 440-639-7275, lakemetroparks.com/parks-trails/lake-erie-bluffs
FOR THE SPORTS FAN
1:30 p.m.: Catch the Captains
With no minor league baseball season last year, it’s time to head out to the old ballgame once again. While the Cleveland Baseball Team will be in Pittsburgh, the next generation of Cleveland baseball stars will be at Classic Park for the Captains’ game against the West Michigan Whitecaps. Get tickets for you and Dad and spend Father’s Day at the ballpark. 35300 Vine St., Eastlake, 440-954-9467, milb.com/lake-county
5 p.m.: Grab some dinner
While you might have a hot dog (or three) at the park, make sure you treat Dad right with some postgame grub at Cheesesteak Whizard, located just steps away from Classic Park. While they’re not offering dine-in, grab it to go and make the short drive to Dudley Park to give your meal a scenic backdrop. Bonus points if you bring your gloves and throw around afterwards. 35400 Vine St., Eastlake, 440-510-8265, cheesesteakwhizard.com
