Fun Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day in Rhode Island
Father’s Day falls on Sunday, June 15, and there are plenty of creative ways to celebrate dad locally.
Photo from Getty Images.
With Father’s Day approaching and the summer season in full swing, Rhode Island has many unique spots for families to celebrate their dads. From breweries and live music to rail tours and outrageously large ice cream sundaes, there is no doubt there is something exciting to do with your dad this year.
If your family loves to be active, take a look at these activities:
Go Golfing at Mulligan’s Island
Venture to Mulligan’s Island this Father’s Day and take part in one of two thrilling eighteen-hole mini-golf courses from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fun for the kids and an opportunity for dad to work on his swing, both courses feature a tropical theme complete with caves, waterfalls and an active volcano. Is dad more of a baseball guy? Not to worry – visit the batting cages and work on your curveball! Perfect for a family-friendly Father’s Day, Mulligan’s Island awaits. Tickets for adults are $14 and $9 for kids. 1000 New London Ave., Cranston, 464-8855, mulligansisland.com
Climb the Walls at Rock Spot Climbing
For especially active families, Rock Spot Climbing is a great spot to break a sweat and learn a new activity. All skill levels are welcome. The facility offers day passes, family memberships, lessons, and gear rentals. Prices vary depending on booking type, age, military ID, and rentals. 100 Higginson Ave., Lincoln, 727-1704; 42 Rice St., Providence, 217-2772; 1174 Kingstown Rd., South Kingstown, 401-789-7768, rockspotclimbing.com
Enjoy the Outdoors with Providence Kayak
As the weather warms up, spending the day on the water is the perfect way to spend Father’s Day. Providence Kayak offers kayak rentals starting at $20 for forty-five minutes or $30 for seventy-five minutes and $40 guided tours of Providence for ninety minutes. If your family wants more rural scenery, they offer rentals in Lincoln Woods State Park as well. 101 Dyer St., Providence; Lincoln Woods State Park, Lincoln, 829-1769, providencekayak.com
Explore Aquidneck Island with Rail Explorers
Rail Explorers provides rail bike tours that allow people to view the gorgeous scenery of Aquidneck Island from a unique perspective. Dad would love to take the brunch tour, which features coffee, mimosas and muffins, but you need to book fast to reserve one for Father’s Day. It’s a good thing Rail Explorers also provides tours into the evening, in which families can bring picnics and enjoy rail bike tours with lanterns and s’mores. Prices vary between $110–145. For groups of three to six people prices vary between $205-270. Any group larger than six should check the site for details. 1 Alexander Rd., Portsmouth, 877-833-8588, railexplorers.net
Race to Lincoln for the R1 Indoor Karting Father-Child Race Event
If dad is looking for something with more speed, try R1 Indoor Karting Entertainment Center. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. $65 per person can get you up to three races and a lunch buffet. You and dad can get behind the wheel and race around the 1/3-mile track, speeding up to forty-five miles per hour. If that’s too much speed put your throwing skills to the test at the axe bar or dart city and if you’re looking for less physicality, try the arcade! While games are fun you might be looking for something more mentally stimulating, R1 has that too. Try their mission and escape rooms, stimulating group missions that require quick thinking and teamwork. See site for more details. 100 Higginson Ave., Lincoln, 401-721-5554, r1indoorkarting.com
Hook, Line and Sinker at Beavertail State Park
If dad is a fisherman, Beavertail State Park is one of Rhode Island’s most popular fishing destinations. The waters surrounding its rocky shore are teeming with fish including black sea bass, flounder and stripers. The lighthouse built in 1856 stands tall nearby, marking the entrance to beautiful Narragansett Bay. The Beavertail Lighthouse Museum is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Many devoted anglers visit the park’s waters on calm nights, reeling in a variety of ocean life. The park is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and a fishing license is required to cast your line. Beavertail Rd, Jamestown, 884-2010, riparks.ri.gov
Take in the View at Newport Cliff Walk
Witness the architectural history of Newport on this 3.5 mile walk while spending quality time with dad. A pathway along the sea, Newport’s world-famous Cliff Walk is notorious among Rhode Island residents and tourists for its up-close view of the sea and intimacy with wildlife. This coastal trail began to take shape in 1880 with additions made over the following century. Now, Father’s Day can be spent basking in the ocean air on this peaceful hike across Newport’s shore. Please note that there will be a detour between Narraganset Avenue and Webster Street due to a sink hole. Memorial Boulevard, Newport, 845-5544, discovernewport.org
If Dad is looking for a more relaxing weekend, check out these alternatives:
Dive into the Gilded Age at the Breakers
If dad is a history buff, try a tour at the Breakers. Vanderbilt’s historic summer “cottage” is one of the most famous architectural masterpieces in Rhode Island. It displays the financial and social prowess of the Gilded Age of the late nineteenth century in America. The Breakers is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the family audio tour allows both kids and parents to enjoy an immersive experience of the rich history encapsulated in the mansion. The tour lasts forty-five minutes and includes separate audio for kids and for adults that follows the same route while explaining the history and architecture of the building. Tickets are $32 for adults, $14 for kids. 44 Ochre Point Ave., Newport, 847-1000, newportmansions.org
Celebrate Cars as Works of Art at the Newport Car Museum
Take dad on a journey through time at the Newport Car Museum. The range of cars on display date back to the 1950s and show the progression of automotive design throughout history. This collection houses ninety-plus vehicles of different models, styles and colors, appealing to not only dad, but the entire family. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for kids and $16 for students but dad’s admission will be free on Father’s Day as a token of gratitude for all that he does all year long. Dad will also get to see the engines of more than a 100 cars that weekend as the Newport Car Museum hosts its ‘Hoods Up!’ weekend. The museum is open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. 1947 West Main Rd., Portsmouth, 848-2277, newportcarmuseum.org
Cruise Along the Water in Providence with Some Drinks
Float down the Providence River with dad on his big day and enjoy the city from a unique perspective. The narrator onboard will give insight into famous Providence locations while dad’s worries cruise along downstream. The tour sets sail at The Landing and ventures down the Providence River, Riverwalk, Waterplace Park and Providence Harbor during a fifty minute tour between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Seats are limited to eighteen guests per boat so families should act quickly. Tickets for adults are $30 and kids are $25. 101 Dyer St., Providence, 580-2628, providenceriverboat.com
Sail on Narragansett Bay
Dad can set sail this Father’s Day with a small crew on Narragansett Bay. Climb aboard one of the many great boats within the Narragansett’s fleet and learn about the invigorating sport of sailing. Not only will guests be able to catch a glimpse of the Bay from afar but a first-hand look into Rhode Island’s deep seas. The family can join dad on this exciting ride as trips take place daily with tickets for adults priced at $90 and kids, $65. 49 America’s Cup Ave., Newport, 846-5868, americascupcharters.com
Enter the Wild at Roger Williams Park Zoo
Witness fatherhood in the wild as dads of all ages get free admission into the Roger Williams Park Zoo from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stroll through the Savanah to find the Red River Hogs or Masai Giraffes or maybe look at the faces of the rain forest to see the Goldin Lion Tamarins and Giant Otters. Dad can find sixty-six different animals spread across nine different exhibits. Tickets for Adults are $22 while kids under 12 can attend for $16. 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence, 401-785-3510, rwpzoo.org
Celebrate Dad and Rhode Island at Rhode Island FC’s 401 Night
Start Father’s Day weekend on the right foot at Centerville Bank Stadium for 401 Night on June 14. Food and drink will be served at a discounted price with hot dogs being sold for $1 and kids drinks are $2. Dad can even enjoy some RIFC Pale Ale brewed by Pawtucket’s own The Guild Brewing Company for just $4. As for the game itself, Rhode Island FC will host Eastern Conference foe North Carolina FC, kick-off is at 7 p.m. and ticket prices start as low as $29. 11 Tidewater St., Pawtucket, 401-955-7432, rhodeislandfc.com
If he wants to grab a bite to eat, try these spots:
Decadent Brunch at Bellini
Honor dad with a delicious brunch at Bellini, Providence. Bellini serves authentic Italian cuisine including an assortment of grilled options, pastas, Italian wines and cocktails. The signature brunch menu offers a savory assortment including avocado toast and eggs benedict alongside sweet pancakes and french toast served with fruit. If dad prefers lunch, Bellini also serves an assortment of delicious sandwiches and salads throughout the morning. This must-try is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Sunday brunch, with weekly hours fluctuating. 50 Westminster St., Providence, 401-331-4050, bellinirestaurant.com
Grab a Beer on the Patio
Throughout the summer, Trinity Brewhouse’s outdoor beer garden offers wine, a wide selection of beer cocktails and a rotating menu of vendors and food trucks. Located at Biltmore Park, guests will also have access to Reiners, a bar and eatery inside Graduate Hotel across the street. The event also features live music and comedy from local personalities. Dad will love the friendly atmosphere as good food, drinks and entertainment welcomes guests with open arms. The Trinity Beer Garden is open Thursday through Sunday at 12 p.m. Father’s Day hours may vary. 2 Kennedy Plaza, Providence, 536-0640, trinitybrewhouse.com
Dig in to an Expertly Prepared Steak at the Capital Grille
The Capital Grille is serving up delicious steaks that are dry aged in-restaurant and hand-cut by the in-house butcher for Father’s Day. This year, Dads can enjoy a twenty-two-ounce prime bone-in ribeye with caramelized shallot jus and truffle butter. The Capital Grille will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. with the full dinner menu available all day. 10 Memorial Blvd., Providence, 401-521-5600, thecapitalgrille.com
Mill’s Tavern Father’s Day Pitmaster Special. Courtesy of Mill’s Tavern
Try the Pitmaster’s Special at Mill’s Tavern
The tavern’s over-the-top meat board at features features a six-ounce filet mignon, five-ounce Wagyu strip, rack of lamb, and pork tenderloin each grilled to perfection, sliced and served with Mill’s signature horseradish cream, plus a choice of a salad and a side dish. A special Father’s Day appetizer will feature beet cured Alaskan King Salmon with capers, herb whipped cream cheese, and pickled red onion on house-made bagel bites. The Pitmaster’s Special for Two costs $120. Mill’s full spring menu will also be available that day. Dinner on Father’s Day will be served from 4 to 8 p.m. 101 N Main St., Providence, 401-272-3331, millstavernrestaurant.com
Celebrate with a Flavorful Feast at Red Stripe
Red Stripe’s will celebrate Father’s Day with half-price entrées for dad with the purchase of an entrée of the same or lesser value, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Any entrée from Red Stripe’s full brunch, lunch and dinner menus are eligible, including the brasserie’s classic dishes like burgers, soups, and mussels with frites. New additions include the lobster Benedict; French toast stick bread pudding with berries, maple syrup, and whipped cream; Croque Madame with Gruyère, Canadian bacon, tomato, whole grain mustard, béarnaise sauce, topped with a fried egg and a choice of frites or greens; hangar steak and fried eggs; classic schnitzel with dijon cream sauce, frites and seasoned slaw; sushi-grade tuna or grilled jumbo shrimp poke with cilantro lime rice, shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, red roasted peppers, edamame, pickled onions, pickled ginger, and avocado topped with cilantro and drizzled with soy sesame vinaigrette; and a half-pound lobster roll with house frites. 465 Angell St., Providence, 401-437-6950, redstriperestaurants.com
Catch some rays at the first ever Summer Series at Newport Craft Brewing
As a part of the Summer Series presented by Heritage Restaurant Group, Newport Craft Brewing will be hosting a Father’s Day farmer’s market from 12 to 4 p.m. accompanied by live music from Mark Flynn. Dad can enjoy flights of craft beer or spirits on the same lawn Bob Dylan tore up in 1965. If dad isn’t one for a farmer’s market, he can play cornhole and dig into excellent hot dogs from Wally’s Weiners. 293 JT Connell HWY., Newport, 401-849-5232, newportcraft.com
Crack into some Lobster with the Ragged Island Brewing Company
Ragged Island Brewing Co. is hosting McGrath’s Clambake and Catering for a classic New England Clambake from 4 to 7 p.m. With the purchase of a ticket dad can enjoy a free one free beer and one free lobster along with mussels, chourico, barbecued chicken, steamers, red bliss potatoes, corn, and even watermelon. If that’s not enough or unappealing to anyone in the family feel free to bring food from home. Adult tickets are $80 and $30 for kids under 14. 45 Bristol Ferry Rd, Portsmouth, raggedislandbrewing.com
This blog was adapted from a post previously written in 2020 by Theresa Brown and 2022 by Anna Downes.
