Father’s Day is June 18! There are plenty of ways to celebrate Dad on his special weekend around the area. Whether he’d enjoy a nice Sunday brunch, live music, a trip to a brewery, or an afternoon in the park – scroll on for some ways to spend a great Dad’s Day Out in and around Albany.
Brunch Spots
Start your day off with a delicious brunch in Albany! There are plenty of great restaurants to choose from. If your dad is a fan of cider, then Nine Pin is the place to be on Sunday morning. Enjoy cider mimosas and cider mimosa flights starting at 11 AM! Or if the classic brunch beverages are more his style, head over to the Lost & Found Bar & Kitchen to enjoy their special brunch menu. Sip on classics like mimosas, bloody marys, and of course some strong coffee to begin your Father’s Day.
For the Dads that are history buffs, The Olde English Pub & Pantry may be one of the best places to start your day. Located at the 1730’s historic Quackenbush House, Olde English offers a seasonal brunch menu that is sure to delight.
Embark on a Father's Day Hike
Whether you’re looking for a simple Sunday stroll or an immersive walk into nature, there are plenty of Albany County trails to traverse with Dad this Father’s Day.
Explore the fascinating, fire-dependent ecosystem of the Pine Bush Preserve. The preserve is hosting a hike for Dad and the whole family at 1:00 PM along the 3.5 mile Purple Trail. Note that the trail has a fair amount of stairs and reservations are required. For another nature walk, explore the Pine Hollow Arboretum. This preserve consists of 3,300 trees and other woody plants from around the world arranged by geographic areas of the globe such as China, Japan, and Russia.
For a deep dive into history, adventure along the Erie Canalway Trail. This extensive trail extends all the way to Buffalo and traces the history of the Erie Canal. Access the trail at Corning Preserve and enjoy your hike along the Hudson River. If bicycling is more your speed, the Erie Canalway is also a great place to pedal!
Looking for more of an adventure? John Boyd Thacher State Park is not only a great place to hike, it's also the site of WildPlay Elements Park! Climb up into the trees and enjoy an adventure obstacle course complete with ziplines, log ladders, and more. The best part? Dads get to adventure for free on Father's Day! If you book online, be sure to include a note that there's a Dad in your group.
Historical Spots to Tour With Dad
If your Dad is a history buff, there are plenty of fascinating places with rich history to explore this Father's Day. Climb aboard the USS SLATER and learn about the importance of this World War II destroyer escort. Of 563 destroyer escorts built during the war the SLATER is the only one left afloat in the country. Plus, all Dads get in for free on Father's Day! Make sure to use the code "DAD" at checkout if buying tickets online.
Right next to the USS SLATER, take Dad for a scenic ride along the Hudson River aboard a Dutch Apple Cruise. This Father's Day the Dutch Apple departs at two separate times, 12:30 PM and 3:15 PM. Learn about the sites and stories along the river narrated by the cruise's Hudson River Historian and then relax and take in the sights with live music, a full bar, and food.
Or celebrate Father's Day by touring the home where one of our nation's Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton, married Eliza Schuyler, daughter of Revolutionary War General Philip J. Schuyler. The Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site was home to the Schuyler family from 1763 to 1804 and saw much military strategizing and elegant social affairs. Reserve a tour and learn more about the 18th century history of the home by calling 518.434.0834.
If you're looking for a short, Father's Day road trip, travel down to the Olana State Historic Site in Hudson, New York. Tour the landscape of mid 19th century artist, Frederic Edwin Church’s breathtaking home and studio. There will be two different outside tours hosted on Father's Day: Olana Outdoor Tour: Art and Environment and Olana Outdoor Tour: Landscape and Architecture.
Spend a Lovely Father’s Day at the Park
Head over to John Boyd Thacher State Park In Voorheesville to enjoy a picnic overlooking breathtaking views of the Hudson-Mohawk Valleys and Adirondack and Green Mountains. Enjoy a game at one of the volleyball courts or ball fields. Or even search for fossils as the site is one of the richest fossil-bearing formations in the world. For another picturesque location, take Dad to Falls View Park for a scenic view of Cohoes Falls, the second largest waterfall in New York State.
Enjoy a sunny afternoon in Washington Park at the City of Albany’s Dad Fest designed to celebrate all fathers on their special day. Enjoy a Classic Car Show, live music, delicious food, and many "dad-centric" retail vendors. Or travel across the Hudson River to Albany's Corning Preserve. This riverfront park is a great place for a scenic stroll, hike, picnic or the chance to get out onto the water from the Corning Preserve boat launch.
Restaurants to Enjoy Father's Day Dinner
Grilling may be Dad's thing, but don’t leave it up to him on Father’s Day! Head over to Dinosaur BBQ in Troy to enjoy delicious BBQ staples from ribs, wings, and burgers to specialty sides like collared greens and cornbread.
If politics and New York State history is your father’s forte, then the Albany War Room Tavern is a great place to close out your day. Nicknamed the “Planet Hollywood of State Politics,” the War Room Tavern embraces the culture, cuisine, and political history of New York.
You can also enjoy New York State cuisine at the Excelsior Pub, serving New York staples from buffalo wings to New York City reuben. Make sure to stop in for the pub's Four for Four Happy Hour between 3 PM and 7 PM to enjoy four select drafts for four dollars!
End Your Day at a Brewery
Raise a glass for Dad and close out your Father’s Day celebrations at one of the many breweries in Albany!
C.H. Evans Brewing Company is another great place for Dads who love history. The original brewery is hundreds of years old, first operated in 1786. The building that the brewery now calls home is also steeped in rich history. Find C.H. Evans at the Albany Pump Station, the original water pumping station for Albany Water Works, which operated from 1873 to 1932.
Fort Orange Brewing Company and Druthers Brewing Company in Albany's Warehouse District are each newer locations opened within the last decade, but both have quickly become beloved Albany County staples. If you think you'll be having a later evening, Druthers is open until 10 PM on Sunday making it a great place to take your time and finish catching up with Dad as you enjoy one of their signature craft beers.
Don't Forget Dessert
Make sure you save room for dessert! There are plenty of places to bring a sweet ending to your Father’s Day celebrations. Chill out at Emack & Bolio's and enjoy free live music from 7 PM to 9:30 PM while enjoying your ice cream.
Does popcorn count as dessert? We think so! Especially with What’s Poppin’s wide range of flavors from sweet to savory. What’s Poppin closes at 3 PM on Sundays so make sure you stop in or order ahead to surprise Dad with specialty made popcorn. What better way to end Father’s Day than inviting Dad over and pairing your gourmet popcorn with a movie at home or maybe even looking through old videos of your favorite family memories.
