Father's Day: 11 Events for Dad-Approved Family Fun in Central Arkansas
Father’s Day is June 19, and a family bonding event is the perfect way to thank your favorite dad or father figure! We think the dudes in your life will love these 11 events—some celebrate fatherhood in awesome ways and some just look like a good time for the whole crew.
18th Annual Youth Fishing Derby & Family Fun Day Event at Dupree Park Lake: Lots of hungry fish are biting at the annual youth fishing in Jacksonville. Fishing enthusiasts, ages 15 and under, are invited to join in the morning of fun and fishing. After the Fishing Derby stay for a family event at the park with food and fun; admission is free. Derby registration begins at 7 a.m. 7-10 a.m. June 18. Info: (501) 982-4171, CityOfJacksonville.net. FREE!
KYE-YAC Board Members Kye Masino, clockwise from left, Sydney Hampton, Esmeralda Ramirez, Samantha Garrett and Dylan Saettelle lay in a circle. The nonprofit organization sponsors this year's Tinkerfest at Mid-America Science Museum.
Tinkerfest at Mid-America Museum: Tinkering takes over Mid-America Museum for an event with hands-on, interactive activities that are sure to please visitors of all ages. Each activity engages children and adults. This year's event falls on Father's Day weekend and represents an option for a venue to celebrate dads at. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 18. For info: MidAmericaMuseum.org.
Kayak Floats at Jolly Roger's Marina: Treat your dad to a 4.5 mile kayak float on the Little Maumelle River to say, "thanks, Dad!" Guided by park interpreters, passengers see spring wildlife along the way. Preregistration is required. Check with the Pinnacle Mountain State Park visitor center for departure times. Kayak floats are from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. June 18. Kayaks are $40 each. For info: (501) 868-5806, ArkansasStateParks.com/PinnacleMountain.
Father’s Day Storytime at Barnes & Noble Locations in NLR & WLR: Readings of "Dad School" and "Grandpa Loves You!" will be followed by activities in celebration of Father's Day. 11 a.m. June 18. For info: (501) 771-1124 & (501) 954-0636, BN.com. FREE!
Free Round of Mini Golf for Father's Day at Big Rock Mini Golf & Fun Park: In honor of Father's Day, dads accompanied by children receive a free round of mini golf! Noon-9 p.m. June 19. For info: (501) 455-3750, BigRockFunPark.com.
Range Day at Central Arkansas Nature Center: Test your archery or BB gun skills with targets and instruction provided. Kids elementary age and older can practice target shooting or shoot for the first time. Either the archery or BB gun range will be set up for target shooting. Noon-2 p.m. June 18. Info: (501) 907-0636, CentralArkansasNatureCenter.com. FREE!
Sunset Lake Cruise at Jolly Roger's Marina: On Father’s Day, experience the vibrant colors of the setting sun while cruising over the calm waters of Lake Maumelle near the base of Pinnacle Mountain. Dress in layers for cool evening temperatures. Advance payment and registration is required. 7:30-9 p.m. June 19. $15, children ages 6-12 are $8; under 6 are free. For info: (501) 868-5806, ArkansasStateParks.com/PinnacleMountain.
Firing It Up for Father's Day at UCA: UCA Outreach and Executive Chef Jason Knapp present a workshop for fathers and children. Attendees learn to prepare Glazed Pork Ribs golden barbeque sauce, chef's secret barbecue rub, vegetable skewers and southern cole slaw. Registration required. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. June 11. $50 per person. For info: 450-3429, www.UCA.edu.
Kids Building Workshop: Father's Day Trophy at All Home Depot Locations: Show Dad who's #1! Join this hands-on workshop and build a trophy-shaped cell phone holder. Once the project is built, kids can paint it and decorate with stickers that show dad he's special. For kids 5-12; registration online required to secure spot. 9 a.m.-noon. June 4. For info: www.HomeDepot.com. FREE!
Father's Day Family Night at Laman Library in North Little Rock: Kids make something special for their father or special father figure! 6 p.m. June 14. For info: 758-1720, www.LamanLibrary.org. FREE!
Father's Day Fishing at Wildwood Park for the Arts: Father's Day is more than a special day for dads — it's the one day of the year that Swan Lake is open for fishing! Bring fishing gear for some catch and release fun with the whole family! Not an angler? Enjoy lawn games or stroll along paved and woodland trails. Refreshments and bait available for purchase. Noon-5 p.m. June 19. For info: 821-7275, www.wildwoodpark.org.
For more events, browse our full online calendar here.