A+ experiences for Dad this Father's Day

This year, make Father’s Day all about spending quality time with that special (and busy) man, mentor or father figure in your life. Dads hold a special place in our hearts and no matter how busy Dad is, we can always find time celebrate our favourite human on or around Sunday 4 September and here is how…

ALE  
Craft beer and spirits are all the rage and a great opportunity for you to make the most of the rotating taps at our local distilleries and breweries. Don't know where to start? Treat Dad to a BIG tasting paddle. Starting with the full Dainton experience see what Dad thinks of ‘Paddle Royal’. Featuring 30 approachable and hop-driven brews this is sure to whet his pallet. WOW!

If Dad is more of a pairing person, head over to Frankston Brewhouse for a paddle featuring five of your favourite ales, lagers, IPA, sours or porters; and be sure to dive into their menu, created specifically to complement their brews. Dishes will sound familiar, but have a twist of sophistication to make them a bit fancy, fun and super delicious. Hot wings, bbq lamb ribs, what will he choose?

Maybe Dad prefers a stiffer drink... Gin may be more his style, and if this is the case we would have to recommend That Spirited Lot Distillers where unique, memorable and shareable flavours are the focus. The distillery has a relaxed, but funky vibe to just chill out and have a drink with Dad or you can book him into one of their distillery tours to learn all the secrets of making the perfect gin. 

Paddles and tastings are available at the following locations. 

ART
Dad doesn’t have to be an artist to appreciate the art and culture experiences we are so lucky to have in Frankston City. If your Dad has an appreciation for the local area he will love joining in on one of the city’s national Award Winning Street Art Tours. Guided by a professional and knowledgeable guide, with a hot coffee in hand you and your Dad will see the best of the city's street art, be taken back through moments in Frankston’s history and learn about the artists who have engraved their story on Frankston's walls. Tours are running on Saturday 3 September for a Father's Day weekend experience or you can pre-book for a later date that suits, book here now. 

If you follow Discover Frankston you may have seen the epic images of Frankston and surrounds taken by our very talented local professional and hobbyist photographers. The best part is, most of these photographers sell their images  either framed or unframed. No matter Dad’s suburb of residency they will be able to source you a breath-taking image that speaks a thousand words, find a local photographer here. 

For those that can celebrate on Sunday 4 September, and are classical music fans, you can’t go past taking Dad to Australia’s most successful Tenor, internationally acclaimed sensation Mark Vincent ‘The Impossible Dream’ live at the Frankston Arts Centre. You and Dad can expect an intimate experience in a concert not to be missed, book here now.  

ADVENTURE
Is Dad..... a little competitive? a lover of sport? Then let’s challenge him to some fun with the entire family. Here are some classic sporting and mind boggling options to challenge Dad and the best bit is, the entire family can take part.

Continuing with our paddle theme above, make the most of Frankston’s bayside location and try a Waterbike of Frankston's foreshore and paddle around Port Phillip Bay! No skills or training required. A fun activity that you can experience at your own pace.

Does Dad own his own stand-up-paddle board? Then dust it off and try it out at the Nature Conservation Reserve. This 98 hectares of natural bushland was only recently opened to the public and the body of water in the centre is flat, clear and perfect for SUP day. Never been, check out the dam in action here. Whatever you do Dad, please don't fall off!

For those who prefer to be in the water, take Dad for a paddle at the Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre (PARC) for FREE* between 2-4 September! Whether it’s your own amazing Dad or a much loved father figure in your life, they are all welcome to enjoy a fun, FREE workout, a dip in the pool or even just some relaxation time in the spa. *Contact PARC for more information, terms and conditions.

For golf enthusiasts, Centenary Park Golf Course could be a great option for a round of 9 or for the seasoned professionals who know they can win on the outdoor courses, why not swing your way into Holey Moley; a mini golf course and bar that turns traditional putt putt into a multi-sensory labyrinth of unique holes each inspired with a different colourful and fun theme. 

All Dads love bowling right? Well if yours does, then Frankston can deliver the goods. You've got Strike Bowling Bar, featuring laser tag in Wells Street or General Public featuring an arcade, pool tables, shuffleboards and a giant slide in Playne Street or if Dad prefers the old school lanes, hot dogs and popcorn then Zone Bowling in Karingal is perfect.

If the sun is shining then lawn bowls may be the bowling experience Dad didn't know he needed. Head to the Peninsula's favourite club; City of Frankston Lawn Bowls Club for social bowls on Saturdays and Wednesdays. 

Alternative, put your Dad’s mind at ease and challenge him to an Excape Room. A good option here is $30 Thursdays, all rooms, $30 per person. Or for something to get the heart pumping and muscles burning book in for some indoor rock climbing fun at Bayside Rock.

  
APPETITE
We all know the best way to a man’s heart is his stomach. If breakfast is Dad’s main meal of the day why not take him to one of freshest places in the south, 38 South. 38 South located in Seaford offers a cool cozy atmosphere, opposite Seaford Beach. Corny corn Fritters or Chilli Eggs — might be the crowd favorite for Dad or make use of their deliver service offer between Wednesday-Thursday if Dad would much prefer a lie in on his special day. Two Boys One Beagle is another option, who is second to none or resident favourite Eeny Meeny who are both based in Frankston. 

For lunch (or dinner?) could we inspire Dad with an option from Italy by heading to Shanika’s in Carrum Downs who provide memorable dinning experiences. Now opening on Saturday nights for dinner as well as Friday. Or if it’s all about burger you can't go past The Hop Shop on Playne Street, Frankston offering Beer and Bao Burger specials for only $20 Wed, Thur, Fri 12pm-4pm.

For those pub loving Dads, dinner has never taste better at Langwarrin Beretta's who are always serving up a local favourite, likewise at the Seaford RSL or take Dad rooftop and head to The Deck for a cocktail during sunset. If you happen to be there on a Thursday night you could catch Steak Night and Monster Parma Night with a side of trivia. Now that's fun and YUM!
Spoiler alert! If you're really just after fried chicken and cold beer, try Gami, Australia's original recipe Korean fried chicken

    
OTHER IDEAS
If you're after a traditional idea you can't go past a new book from Robinson's, new Ugg Boots or DONUTS!

GET CRAFTY FOR DAD

Feeling crafty? Join Frankston City Libraries for this fun and free Crafternoon! In addition to the regular crafternoon craft kits available each Saturday at the library, to celebrate Father’s Day, Frankston library will provide an easy-to-decorate frame, some colourful stickers and, of course, plenty of textas to get creative with! Decorate your frame at the library or take it home to finish. Then, gift it to someone you love, or hang on to it as a special keepsake. This is a drop-in activity, with craft kits free of charge and available until 1:30pm or supplies exhausted.

Photo frame Crafternoon
Frankston Library
12pm, Saturday 3 September

Art, Ale, Appetite and Adventure.. we have it all here for you to give your Dad a A+ Father's Day! 

POSTPONE YOUR CELEBRATION
We are all busy and that means some of us may not be able to celebrate on the day. But if this is the case then don't fear we have you covered. Lock in Saturday 17th September for an afternoon of live music, food trucks and market stalls at The Mayor's Family Picnic. Unlike previous years, in 2022 this event has been reimagined so every member of the family can come down and enjoy (not just the little kids). This is a free public event, running from 12-5pm at the Carrum Downs Recreational Reserve, see you there!


Cover picture provided by Parks Victoria.