How to Celebrate Father’s Day in West Michigan

I enjoy telling bad puns. That’s just how eye roll.

This wouldn’t be a Father’s Day blog post without a dad joke. All joking aside, if you’re looking for ways to celebrate this year’s Father’s Day, here are a few West Michigan experiences to celebrate the father in your life.

Pick up a Pickleball Paddle:

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport across the nation, as of 2023. The game is a bigger version of ping pong and a great option for a sports-loving dad. Pro-tip: get to these courts early. Remember, pickleball is extremely popular right now, and you want to find an available court. Here are a few pickleball courts around the area:

Go Golfing:

Go with the tried and true for the links lover in your life. The Meijer LPGA Classic is happening this weekend at Blythefield Country Club. If you’d rather play a round of golf, there are plenty of area courses to choose from. Michigan is ranked #2 for best states with public golf courses. A West Michigan June day is a perfect occasion for golfing. Check out these courses:

Try out Axe Throwing:

Walk on the wild side and try your hand at axe throwing. Instead of chopping wood, you aim small axes at boards, similar to throwing darts.  Test your aim while enjoying beverages and a fun atmosphere. Here are a few axe throwing locations to check out:

Try a New Experience:

Across West Michigan, there are plenty of unique outings for Father’s Day:

  • TreeRunner Adventure Park: Perfect for the thrill-seeking dad with adventurous kids. Navigate through obstacles up to 40 feet in the air. For people who would rather stay on the ground, the park has a ground-based gem mining station. Keep in mind all the obstacle courses are for people aged seven and up.
  • House Rules Board Game Lounge: Make an occasion of family game night and take him to a game lounge. House Rules, located in downtown Grand Rapids, has a full bar and a full wall of board games to choose from. Helpful tip: they sell games too, so this is also a great spot to find the perfect gift.
  • Duckpin Bowling: Reserve a lane and get drinks while playing this mini version of bowling.
  • Pinball Arcade: Perfect for the gamer dad, The Pinball Arcade in Rockford is a great activity to have fun and transport you back to another decade.
  • Grand Rapids Beer Tour: Grand Rapids is Beer City, USA, so try out the different brews and discover the various breweries across town. If you’re not located near Grand Rapids, try out the Holland beer scene, such as New Holland Brewing.
  • Fishing Charter: If your dad loves fishing, try booking a fishing charter and spend the day on Lake Michigan.

Explore a New Park:

There are a plethora of parks around West Michigan. I highly recommend Fallasburg Park. Historic and quiet, this park is north of Lowell. It has a covered bridge and a preserved historic village from the 1800s. While there, I enjoy reading the plaques and learning about its history. You can hike and horseback ride through the park’s trails, or you can play a round of disc golf. More park recommendations:

Go Geocaching:

Cheap and fun for the whole family, geocaching is my go-to activity with my dad. Geocaching is a treasure hunt around West Michigan, taking you to new parks and public spaces. Visit the website to get started.

Spending time with your dad is one of the best ways to appreciate him. With this assortment of unique West Michigan activities, you’ll be able to celebrate him well, making this Father’s Day one he will remember.