Your dad. He’s been there for the milestones, big and small, in your life.
He’s done a lot for you; now, it’s your turn to give back to him. If you’re looking for a fun opportunity to spend quality time with Dad over the Father’s Day weekend, Western Mass can deliver, with a host of fun and enjoyable bonding opportunities.
Dive into History at the Shelburne Historical Society Father’s Day “How Does it Work?” Exhibit
Father’s Day is a great opportunity to take a trip down memory lane – remembering the day of your birth, your first Little League game, that fishing trip with “the one that got away.”
If you want to stroll a little further back in history, the Shelburne Falls Father’s Day Program gives you an opportunity to explore artifacts from the town’s history.
The event’s theme “How Does it Work?” will appeal to dad’s handyman tendencies; attendees will have the opportunity for hands-on interaction with antique woodworking tools, vintage typewriters and more. And, the ploughman-themed snacks, including farmer’s bread, cheese and traditional haying beverages, add an extra layer of historical flavor (pun intended).
Date: Sunday, June 16
Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Shelburne Historical Society Library and Museum
33 Severance Street (also known as Maple and Church), Shelburne Falls
Get Double the Fun at Lupa Zoo
Father’s Day celebrations are meant to honor your father’s contributions and recognize the legacy he’s created as he’s raised you. In keeping with that theme, Lupa Zoo is focused on enhancing the legacy we all leave through conservation.
Lupa Zoo is home to dozens of unique animals, with popular exhibits including dromedaries, zebra and lynx. Your visit to the zoo can also include time well-spent on the playground equipment, checking out the blacksmith’s shop, or taking a nostalgic ride on the zoo train.
And, because it’s Father’s Day weekend, dad gets a discount – free zoo admission with a paid kids’ admission.
Location: Lupa Zoo
62 Nash Hill Road, Ludlow
Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Take Dad out to the Ball Game
Nothing takes you back to pure delight of childhood like attending a baseball game. Enjoying America’s pastime with dad is easy in Western Mass because of our two outstanding collegiate league teams.
Valley Blue Sox
The Valley Blue Sox are the reigning champions of their New England Collegiate Baseball League, which means game attendees are in for some exciting baseball at this stadium. With high-profile collegiate baseball players hoping to make a good showing for scouts, you just might be able to give dad an opportunity to say he saw them before they were famous.
The June 16 matchup against the North Adams Steeplecats begins at 5:05 p.m.; gates open at 4:05 p.m.
Location: MacKenzie Stadium
500 Beech Street, Holyoke
Westfield Starfires
Playing in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League, the Westfield Starfires are bringing new energy to Bullen Field (a stadium erected as part of FDR’s New Deal). Bringing dad to be part of the inaugural season means a great chance for you to develop brand-new memories together.
The team’s Father’s Day matchup pits the Starfires against the Nashua Silver Knights at 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Location: Bullens Field
Smith Avenue, Westfield
Team up with him for a Round of Golf
Whether you consider golf the ultimate gentleman’s pastime, or a good walk spoiled, there’s no denying that a round of golf is perfectly suited to bonding with dad. Between the exercise, the scenery and the pace that’s just right for conversation between holes, a round of golf is an excellent opportunity for catching up and enjoying time together.
Crumpin-Fox
Crumpin-Fox is a semi-private golf club. While anyone is welcome to play at any time, members have first choice when it comes to reserving tee times. The course receives rave reviews for its picturesque setting and the relative privacy golfers enjoy on each hole, thanks to the scenic layout.
If you’re looking to make your time together into a full day outing, daily passes that include meals at the course’s restaurant, Zeke’s BBQ Grill, are available. The Nine and Dine (half a round of golf and a meal), makes a perfect golfer’s package. Looking for a more extravagant gift? Consider a set of golf lessons from the course’s golf pro.
Location: Parmenter Road, Bernardston
Available tee times vary; check online calendar for availability
The Ranch Golf Club
Affordable luxury is the name of the game at The Ranch Golf Club. The pubic course gives you a full range of golfing options, so you can make the most of your day with dad. A full course, driving range, practice putting greens and a practice facility make it easy to enjoy the course no matter your level of golf expertise.
Father’s Day is a great time to take advantage of the course and a meal at The Ranch Pub House (we recommend the classic pub house burger!).
However, if you need to take a rain check, you and your father can always make it out for a discounted round of Twilight Tuesday golf as a way to extend your celebration a little farther.
Location: 65 Sunnyside Road, Southwick
Tee times starting at 9 a.m.
However you decide to celebrate your father, the important thing is taking time to show him how special he is to you and how much he’s impacted your life. We hope these fun family outings give you the opportunity to express your love and respect for your dad and the monumental role he’s played in your life.
