To the man who is so giving, who taught us how to catch a ball, flip a pancake, or drive a car, we celebrate you! This Father's Day, we've rounded up fun activities for the man who’s always had our backs, so he can enjoy everything Syracuse has to offer. This one’s for the dads and father figures that we are all so grateful to have in our lives.
For the history buff Dad
Syracuse has no shortage of history, and there's no better place to immerse the man of the hour than with the rich industrial, architectural, agricultural and cultural exhibitions at the renowned Onondaga Historical Association (OHA) and Museum in downtown Syracuse. Experience the extensive collections and travel back in time with Dad at the OHA, where you can explore everything from Syracuse China Company's 140-year-old saga to the city's unique Underground Railroad history. The museum features permanent and temporary exhibits, as well as on- and off-site exhibitions and a gift shop loaded with fun pieces of Syracuse history you can take home with you. Congress Beer coasters and paraphernalia, anyone? Cheers to Dad!
For the Dad who loves golf
Golf and Father's Day go hand-in-hand, so grab your clubs and spend the day at a couple of the area's best courses (with some of best views, too). The Pompey Club in Jamesville is an 18-hole championship golf course overlooking Butternut Creek Valley. This club house is a member of the United States Golf Association as well as the Syracuse District Golf Association (SDGA). Or you and Dad can put your skills to the test at Drumlin’s Country Club. After playing 18-holes on their challenging yes scenic course, dip into the Bistro to enjoy casual dining and drinks where both indoor and outdoor seating are available.
For the craft brew connoisseur Dad
If there's one thing you can't go wrong with on Father's Day, it's an ice-cold beer. Luckily Syracuse has enough local, craft and microbreweries around town for Pops to sample as many cold pints as he'd like. Stop into Middle Ages Brewing Company and give Dad the freedom to pick from a wide variety of delicious IPAs, sessions, lagers, stouts, pales ales, fruit beers, wheat beers, sour beers, blonde ales, red ales and more. And if you're sticking around the downtown Syracuse area, stop by Meir’s Creek Brewery at the Inner Harbor, The Eastwood Brewery on James Street or Talking Cursive for a refreshing pint or two. Give Dad a taste of what some other local breweries are pouring — pop into Willow Rock Brewing Company for a mix of seasonals, test batches and specialty brews (including Congress lager), wander over to Buried Acorn Brewing for barrel-aged sours and farmhouse beers, or bounce over to Beak & Skiff for hard cider and spirits.
For the Dad who deserves a five-star meal
If you find it too tough to pull the grill master away from the backyard or patio, elevate your typical BBQ by stopping into Liehs & Steigerwald butcher shop and deli or check out Lombardi’s Imports to grab some of their one-of-a-kind meats, sausages, hot dogs, salads, burgers, kabobs, cutlets, spedies and more. On the east side? Grab some fresh meats at Side Hill Farmers in Manlius and kick off Dad's special day with a prime gift of locally-raised beef, pork, lamb and poultry. Not only will Dad be happy to indulge, but the entire family will thank you too.
Interested in skipping the grilling for this year’s special occasion? Treat Dad to a Father’s Day Brunch in Syracuse, NY and show him the ultimate Sunday Funday. Syracuse’s brunch scene is diverse and ranges across all types of cuisine. Tacos to loaded fries and burgers, you can satisfy any craving dad may have.
For the Art-Loving Dad
Give Dad a break from the day-to-day by letting him savor the beautiful collections at Syracuse's distinguished Everson Museum of Art. The Everson's permanent collection boasts nearly 11,000 modern and contemporary pieces, including ceramics, paintings, sculptures, photographs, videos and more. Limited exhibitions on view now like, Forever is composed of Nows, a concept inspired by the Emily Dickinson poem will remind Dad to live in the moment and appreciate all that’s happening now. After that, peak Dad’s interest when you walk with him through, Curious Vessels: The Rosenfield Collection created by Louise Rosenfield. Rosenfield’s collection of more than 4,000 functional pieces of pottery will have you both in awe. The museum shop is stocked with pottery and ceramics by local artists, children's toys, framed prints, jewelry and more to complement your visit. A Syracuse Father’s Day doesn’t just have to be about the outdoors or an ice-cold drink, this is the perfect way to connect with Dad that can enrich the whole family.
Looking for other ways to celebrate Father’s Day in Syracuse? Check out these fun things to do in Syracuse and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for additional ideas.
Happy Father’s Day!
