Top 10 Places to Take Dad June 16
Published: April 30, 2024
By: Paige Townley
Tired of giving Dad the same old tie for Father’s Day? It’s time to step up the gift-giving game and treat him to something truly unforgettable. This year, consider the gift of adventure—experiences that he’ll cherish for years to come.
Whether he’s an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or an avid sports fan, there’s an adventure out there waiting for him. From thrilling outdoor excursions to a relaxing day at the ballpark, we’ve curated a list of unique and memorable adventures all around the Magic City that are sure to make this Father’s Day one to remember. So why settle for a gift that will collect dust in the closet when you can give Dad the gift of an unforgettable experience? Dive into our list of adventure-filled Father’s Day gifts and start planning the perfect day for Dad!
Pursell Farms
If Dad enjoys the outdoors, tee up a special day for him at Pursell Farms. Just a short drive from Birmingham and nestled amidst the beauty of the countryside, Pursell Farms is often referred to as the quintessential man cave thanks to its wide array of offerings. Outdoor adventure abounds with horseback riding, off-road UTV rides, fly fishing, and shooting sports thanks to its Orvis Shooting Grounds. If Dad needs a more tranquil retreat, there’s also an on-site spa, the Spring House Spa. Pursell Farms is also renowned for its golf course, FarmLinks, an award-winning course ideal for a player at any level. “The golf course at FarmLinks at Pursell Farms is the perfect gift for the dad who plays a lot of golf and for the weekend-er alike because FarmLinks was designed to challenge the best while offering enough forgiveness to give even the golfing novice an enjoyable around,” shares Tim Spanjer, director of marketing for Pursell Farms.
Want to give Dad more than just one day to enjoy all Pursell Farms has to offer? Set up a weekend stay for him at one of its many accommodations, http://www.pursellfarms.com.
TopGolf
Look no further than TopGolf for a way the whole family can enjoy Dad’s favorite sport together. The destination offers a unique twist on traditional golf, making it a fun version of the sport the whole family can enjoy. “Nothing beats seeing how much fun families have at Topgolf, and that’s especially true on Father’s Day as we often see generations – grandfathers, fathers, and children – celebrating with us, and bringing people together to cut loose and have some fun is what we’re all about,” shares Amanda Gleason, senior manager of communications for TopGolf. With TopGolf’s state-of-the-art technology, Dad can showcase his swing skills on the driving range, compete in a friendly game with the family, and savor a meal from the comfort of his very own private bay. topgolf.com/us/birmingham/
DIY Crafts
For dads who like to get hands-on and are more DIY, help them unleash their creativity and craft their masterpieces at a local DIY workshop. Local brick and mortars like Board & Brush (boardandbrush.com/vestaviahills) and Hammer & Stain (hammerandstainbham.com/) offer various workshops that are unique opportunities for family bonding with Dad and the whole family. Plus, at the end of the session, they’ll each have a one-of-a-kind creation to take home as a keepsake of their special day together.
Barber Motorsports Park
Rev up Father’s Day with a trip to Barber Motorsports Park. The 880-acre racing facility houses a 17-turn, 2.38-mile road course that hosts a variety of adrenaline-packed events. But beyond hitting the track for a race, the facility also boasts the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, which features the world’s largest motorcycle and Lotus racecar collections. More than 60 Lotus racecars are on display, creating a fun-filled day for any speed enthusiast. barbermuseum.org
Birmingham Barons
There’s nothing more classic for Father’s Day than hitting the ballpark for America’s favorite pastime. Regions Field offers a picturesque backdrop for taking in a game of the Birmingham Barons. From the crack of the bat to the camaraderie of the crowd, Dad is sure to enjoy a day at the ballpark, as will the whole family. milb.com/birmingham
Civil Axe Throwing
Nothing will make Father’s Day as thrilling as taking Dad for a competition of axe throwing. Civil Axe Throwing offers the perfect blend of excitement and camaraderie, giving Dad the opportunity to show off his axe-throwing skills in a safe and supervised environment while enjoying quality time together. civilaxethrowing.com/birmingham
The Backyard Mini-Golf
Score a hole-in-one with Dad this year with a visit to The Backyard in Leeds for a round of mini golf. The Backyard offers the perfect blend of outdoor fun and family bonding, and when the game is complete, the whole family can keep the fun flowing with some food and perhaps some live music. Bonus: even four-legged family members can come along for the fun at The Backyard. facebook.com/thebackyardleeds
Oak Mountain State Park
The 11,861-acre Oak Mountain State Park is a hidden gem just outside of Birmingham, and for the family that loves all things outdoors, it’s the prime selection for Father’s Day weekend. Alabama’s largest state park offers opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and even water sports. After a day of adventure, retire to one of the park’s campground sites, or if you’re not quite ready to camp out, there are also fully equipped cabins. alapark.com
Go For a Scoop
Sweeten the Father’s Day celebration by treating Dad to a delightful ice cream outing. With an array of charming ice cream parlors scattered throughout the city—from Big Spoon Creamery and Mountain Brook Creamery to Bendy’s, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream, and Sunshine Creamery–there’s no shortage of sweet options to indulge Dad’s sweet tooth. Whether he prefers classic flavors or daring concoctions, the city’s ice cream scene has something to satisfy every craving.
Distillery Tour
Elevate Dad’s spirits with a day at Dread River Distillery. Dread River offers a unique experience for whisky enthusiasts and curious minds alike, and he can check out the distillery’s offerings in the Tasting Room or the full-service restaurant. For the dads who want to take a journey through the art of distillation, they even offer distillery tours, where patrons can learn about the carefully crafted spirits and gain insights into the intricate process behind each batch. dreadriver.com/
Paige Townley is a Birmingham Parent staff writer and local freelance writer.