Father’s Day is fast approaching. Make this year extra special by planning something outside the box. Dad’s been out to dinner a thousand times, and all he really wants is to spend the day with family. Let Boulder show him there’s more to Father’s Day than Hallmark scrawl and gift cards. Here’s a great list of things to do with Dad that are a little more exciting than a simple dinner out on the town.
Visit Distilleries & Breweries
Everyone knows Colorado is big on craft beer, and it’s been slowly expanding into distilling, as well. We’re fortunate to have an abundance of breweries and distilleries to call our own. So this Father’s Day, why not take Dad on a tour and get the inside scoop on how his favorite drink is made?
Hop over to local favorite Avery Brewing at 2pm for a tour of their facility. It’s advised to book in advance, as tours can only accommodate up to 20 people. Be sure to stop into the tasting room after, which currently has 29 Avery beers on tap. They also offer a full scale kitchen if the beer munchies kick in.
Fate Brewing offers another option a little closer to town. Brewery tours are every Sunday at 4pm, and happy hour ends at 5:30, making sure there’s just enough time to hit the taproom after the tour.
If you and the old man prefer spirits, Vapor Distillery offers an all access tour, led by owner/master distiller, Ted Palmer. The tour comes complete with a free tasting of all Vapor’s products, including their award winning Ginsky, which took home “World’s Best Cask Gin” honors at the 2015 World Gin Awards in London.
Go Skydiving
Not for the faint of heart, Mile-Hi Skydiving offers jumps for beginners and experts alike. If Dad’s looking for some adventure, consider signing up for a beginner’s class. You’ll receive preflight training, all the necessary equipment, a one-minute free fall at 130 mph, and a leisurely five- minute parachute ride to safety. Not to mention the bragging rights that come with plummeting toward the earth from 18,000 feet above sea level.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Located a quick 40-minute drive from downtown Boulder, Rocky Mountain National Park is perfect for Dads who love the outdoors. You can spend all day hiking the 355 miles of trails, walking from valley lakes to mountain faces. But before your day gets away from you, make sure to take in the mountain views, too.
Trail Ridge Road will take you 12,183 feet into the sky, offering the best vantage point in the park without climbing a sheer rock face. Start in Estes Park and wind your way to Grand Lake, moving above the tree line. If you’re lucky, you might glimpse a mountain goat or two.
Fly Fishing
If Dad loves to fish, look no further than Front Range Anglers. The local shop offers half day and full day guided tours available for booking, and they provide all the equipment you’ll need, minus a fishing license. Your trip details are up to you – Front Range’s guides will take you as close as Boulder Creek, or as far as the Arkansas River. If you want to document your day, a photography package is available to capture all the action.
Take a Glider Ride
If you feel like elevating your Father’s Day, visit Mile High Gliding and take Dad for a ride through the Flatirons. The company’s Mile High Flight offers a ride into the mountains, giving great views of the Continental Divide, Gross Reservoir, and Nugget Ridge. If you’re feeling ambitious, the pilot might even let you take the controls, just make sure not to scare Dad too much. 😉
Whether you’re a resident, or coming from out of town, Boulder has your Father’s Day needs covered. There’s no shortage of things to make sure Dad has an experience unlike any other. What are your big plans for Dad this year? Share them with us in the comments below!