6 Ways to Bond With Dad This Father’s Day in Orlando
Spend quality time with Dad on June 18, with festive brunches, theme-park adventures, fishing trips and golf outings the whole family will enjoy.
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It's Chow Time
Make Father’s Day unforgettable with a paella feast fit for a king at Tapa Toro. Enjoy a hearty all-you-can-eat steak and chorizo paella special on June 18 featuring chicharrones and flan. Plus, Dad gets a free 20-ounce beer with purchase. Then, take the family for a spin on the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye for vistas of the city. $30/per person; 8441 International Drive, (407) 226-2929; tapatoro.restaurant
At the lively Taverna Opa at the upscale Pointe Orlando, Dad eats free from the family style menu of Greek specialties while everyone enjoys the live entertainment. Plus, there are lots of other attractions on site to keep the family engaged, from bowling to bounce houses to movies. 9101 International Drive, (407) 351-8660; opaorlando.com
Hit The Green
Sure, it’s hot out there, but if you’re willing to grin and bear it, you’ll be rewarded with the best greens fees of the year. Disney World’s Oak Trail was designed with families in mind, with a 9-hole, all-walking course with junior tees. $35 with discounts for annual pass holders and Florida residents; 1950 Magnolia Palm Drive, golfwdw.com
BUDGET-FRIENDLY OUTINGS
If your budget is tight, try Pirate's Cove Family Mini Golfing and shiver your timbers as you navigate waterfalls, pirate ships, and treasure, or take Dad to Leu Gardens, a Central Florida staple containing nearly 50 acres of landscaped grounds and lakes, with meandering trails shaded by 200-year-old oaks and forests of camellias. The Leu House Museum is located in the heart of the gardens, revealing turn-of-the-century living for thr families who once called this home. Dad gets free admission to both on Father's Day.
FOOTGOLF FOR THE WIN
For a fun alternative, the whole family can try FootGolf, a new sport that’s gaining popularity nationwide. You simply follow the rules of golf but by kicking a soccer ball rather than using a club and a golf ball. Score a round at Hawk's Landing at the World Center Marriott. Tuesday and Saturday after 4 p.m.; $30/adults and $15/juniors; 8701 World Center Drive, golfhawkslanding.com
Theme Park Thrills
Volcano Bay Is Now Open
Let Dad be among the first guests in Orlando to take on Universal’s Volcano Bay. At the center of Volcano Bay water park is Krakatau, a 200-foot volcano that’s home to amazing water slides and an aqua coaster that plunges through a waterfall. Other areas of the park feature thrilling waterslides, a whitewater rafting ride plus a rafting adventure with zero-gravity hang time and, for younger children, a toddler play area and beach. Combo tickets are from $219 and include admission to all three Universal Orlando theme parks; 6000 Universal Blvd.; universalorlando.com
Pandora Offers Unmatched Visuals
Also brand-new for summer is Animal Kingdom’s amazing World of Avatar. Enter Pandora and totally immerse yourself in the details, including cascading waterfalls, bioluminescent rainforests and themed restaurants. Get your free FastPasses for the two major attractions, including the family-friendly Na’vi River Journey and the thrilling Avatar Flight of Passage. From $99/day. 2901 Osceola Parkway, disneyworld.disney.go.com
Catch A Big One
Central Florida is home to thousands (yes thousands!) of lakes, plus Florida’s largest river, the St. Johns, where Dad is sure to catch a trophy bass. Florida Bass Adventures is a group of professional guides who ensure the trip is a success. In fact, they’re so confident, they have a “no fish, no pay” guarantee. Cold drinks and fishing equipment are provided. Four-hour trip for two $275, with longer trips available; (352) 603-5467; www.floridabassadventures.com
It's A Sure Score
Raise A Glass
For adult children, there are several unique and memorable places around town to toast Dad. Winter Park Distillery makes its own bourbon, rum and vodka on site. The whole family can accompany Dad on a 45-minute tour while the adults can enjoy the tastings. Next door at Bear & Peacock Brewery, you can enjoy craft beer brewed on site. Tours $11; 1288 N. Orange Ave., wpdistilling.com
Transport the family to Cuba… without a passport. Explore the new menu at Cuba Libre like the Cuban Poke, Puerco Cha Cha Cha, and the Crispy Pork Pata for two just to name a few. Don’t forget to “salud!” to Dad with a complimentary Cuba Libre cocktail with the purchase of an entree.
LIGHT IT UP
Corona Cigar, with locations in Lake Mary, Downtown Orlando and Restaurant Row, offers an amazing selection of cigars and liquors. Pick up a gift for Dad, or take him out for an unforgettable evening with an old-fashioned cocktail from a unique drink list featuring pre-embargo rum and pre-Prohibition whiskey. Some sealed vintage items on the Historical Spirits List are as much as $3,000. It’s fun to dream, right? 127 S. Orange Ave., 7792 W. Sand Lake Road, coronacigar.com
Dad wants brass
DoveCote Brasserie offers phenomenal food and drinks, and their extensive wine, beer, champagne and cocktail selection will keep any good Dad happy!
