Father’s Day can be more than golfing and barbecues this year, with such a great variety of family-friendly activities happening across the Metro. Whether Dad prefers baseball or fishing or riding bikes our list of Father’s Day happenings has all of this and more. Read on for our top picks for celebrating Dad this June 18, 2023 in Des Moines.
For even more ways to have fun with fathers throughout the month, check out our Summer Fun Guide, including our roundup of family festivals, as well as our Event Calendar. And if Dad really has his heart set on golfing, there’s always (mini-) golf!
Here is dsm4kids’ 2023 Father’s Day Guide:
Father’s Day Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Options
Be sure to narrow down your preferences, make reservations (or be prepared to wait), and get ready to dig in!
Brunch at The Library
Raise a glass to Dad at this old-school Drake neighborhood fave where breakfast is served from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Get the Library Breakfast or Hangover Hash or go all “foodie” and try the La Mie Breakfast Croissant or Cheese Shop Omelet. Sit inside or out and perk up with a local brew. Then walk around campus and enjoy a sweet summer Des Moines day.
Exile Brewery
Your beer-obsessed dad will appreciate Exile’s four-vessel, 30-bbl brew house! He also won’t want to miss tasting the numerous beers on tap in the beer hall. Exile’s restaurant serves lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday and breakfast on the weekend.
801 Chophouse
If your dad loves steak, why not treat him to lunch or dinner at 801 Chophouse? Not only will he enjoy one of the best steaks in town, he’ll also be able to enjoy amazing views of downtown Des Moines, as well as the upscale restaurant atmosphere.
Father’s Day Gift Ideas
Celebrate Dad with a special gift from a local Des Moines business.
Black & Bold Coffee Subscription
Cool Accessories from Fontanelle Supply Co.
Hellraising Hot Box from Allspice Culinarium
Iowa Speedway NASCAR Style Driving Experience & Ride Alongs
His Own Barrel of Whiskey from Foundry Distilling Co.
Premium Cuts of Meat from Old Station Craft Meats
Vinyl from Vinyl Cup Records
Fun Ways to Celebrate Dad and Father’s Day in Des Moines
Spend time with Dad at a fun event or activity in Des Moines.
Iowa Father/Son/Parent Child Championship
Saturday, June 17 to Sunday, June 18, 2023
Jester Park Golf Course and Miniature Golf is hosting two tournaments over Father’s Day Weekend: The Father-Son & Parent-Child Mini Golf Tournament and the IGA Father-Son & Parent-Child Championship.
Father’s Day on the Course
Sunday, June 18, 2023/9:00 am
Spend Father’s Day on the golf course with your dad. Dad’s greens fees are FREE when you purchase yours (at full price) at Toad Valley Golf Course in Pleasant Hill.
FREE Admission at Reiman Gardens
Sunday, June 18, 2023/10:00 am to 6:00 pm
In honor of Father’s Day, all dads are admitted FREE of charge to Reiman Gardens.
FREE Father’s Day Admission at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Sunday, June 18, 2023/10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Dads get FREE admission to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden on Father’s Day
I-Cubs Home Game
Sunday, June 18, 2023/1:08 pm
The Cubbies are at home on Father’s Day and take on the Indianapolis Indians. Promos include Father’s Day Pre-Game Catch on the Field, Cubbie’s Kids Club, Food Pantry Day, Bike to the Ball Park and Post-Game Kids Run the Bases.
Live Thoroughbred & Quarter Horse Racing
Sunday, June 18, 2023/4:00 PM
Join Prairie Meadows for live racing this Father’s Day. Win, place, or show, there’s nothing quite like the spectacle of these magnificent animals competing on their gorgeous one-mile racetrack.
Summer Sundaze
Sunday, June 18, 2023/6:00 pm
Sara Routh Band will be rocking this outdoor concert series at the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater on Father’s Day. Food can be purchased from food trucks, and lawn games will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis at this FREE, family-friendly event.
Music Under the Stars
Sunday, June 18, 2023/7:00 pm
Enjoy FREE live music with Dad on Father’s Day on Iowa’s Capitol lawn. The Des Moines Metro Concert Band and Big Band, will back Guest Vocalist, Tina Haase-Findlay.
What are your family’s plans for celebrating Dad this Father’s Day in Des Moines? Let us know in the comments below.
