What do you give the father figure in your life who never seems to want anything in particular for Father's Day?
The answer is quite simple: Your time. Check out these experience-based ways to bond, laugh and celebrate Father's Day together around West Michigan.
Grab a beer and a brat—or a Rocky Balburrito—at a West Michigan Whitecaps game.
Take Dad out to the ball game on Sunday, June 16, at 2 p.m. for some classic baseball fun with the West Michigan Whitecaps. Whether you're enjoying their Father's Day promotion with box seats and autographs on the field before the game or hanging out in the outfield hoping to catch that lucky homerun ball, this quality time is unmatched. Don't forget to grab the Fan Food Vote 2019 winner: Rocky Balburrito—a deep-fried cheesesteak rolled into a burrito with tons of cheese, onions and green peppers.
Listen to jazz at Randissimo's Sunday Jazz Jam at SpeakEZ Lounge.
From 7 – 10 p.m. every Sunday, you and your Daddio can soak up the best standing jazz gig between Chicago and New York. Hosted by Randy "Randissimo" Marsh, recipient of the West Michigan Jazz Society Musician of the Year Award, the evening features a rotating collection of some of the best jazz talent from around Michigan and the Midwest in a fun, laid back, casual setting. Even better? It's free.
Get silly and sporty at the Fowling Warehouse.
The original football bowling pin game has landed in Grand Rapids by way of Hamtramck and is loads of crossover fun. Enter to "open fowl" with other players and take on the best of the best on the lane of your choosing. If you win, you stay and play until you lose. (Which is never, since you and dad have always been a powerhouse team.) Why not try out this challenging yet easy-to-learn sport? The space has two 45-foot bars that offer more than 150 different beers, $2 mystery beer machines and bottoms-up draft systems.
Search through racks of CDs and records at Vertigo Music.
What's better than getting nostalgic with your dad over music? Not a lot, honestly. And because music is so closely tied to our memories, don't be surprised if your dad starts sharing some way-back stories that start with, "This song reminds me of the time ..." Looking for a specific album while you're there, but can't find it? Ask the staff. They may be able to special order it for you.
Brew and renew with a Brew Pedicure at the Amway Grand Plaza.
Whoever says pedicures are just for women needs a reality check—and needs to experience the Brew Pedicure at Amway Grand Plaza. Take dad to get pampered with a beer footbath (which is exactly what it sounds like), invigorating scrub, hot towels, cooling mask, massage, cuticle and nail care—all while enjoying a nice cold one. What else do you expect from Beer City U.S.A.?
Pick up a good read at Books and Mortar and admire nature.
Sometimes, chatting isn't necessary. Grab the latest bestseller at Books and Mortar and head to any one of Grand Rapids' many relaxing parks to get lost in the pages of your new purchase. Spending time together in silence is sometimes just what Pops likes.
Hops with Pops at Binder Park Zoo.
Stop in at Binder Park Zoo on June 16 for some Father's Day fun, alongside some of your favorite animals. Dads can receive half off regular admission when accompanied by their children or grandchildren—and the chance to enjoy a special "tap takeover" event, featuring six craft brewery stations inside the zoo. Purchase a zoo passport and make your way around the zoo to visit every station. Once completed, Dad will get a souvenir etched Alaskan Brewing Co. pint glass, along with the chance to win some super neat (as dad would say) prizes.
How are you celebrating with your father figure this Father's Day?
Written by Sarah Suydam, Staff Writer for West Michigan Woman.
