Day Dates with Dad in Gig Harbor - Father’s Day 2022
Father’s Day is this coming Sunday, June 19th! Below is a roundup of all sorts of activities in Gig Harbor and the surrounding area, as well as some ideas for how you can show Dad just how much you appreciate him. Much of what’s on the list isn’t specific to the actual holiday, so for any dads that might have to work on Father’s Day, or if you just want to have fun and celebrate him all weekend, there are plenty of options!
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
5400 N Pearl Street, Tacoma | 253.404.3800
Thursday, June 16, 2022 | 5pm - 8pm
If you’re a zoo member, be sure to participate in the Members’ Access Night, which provides up-close encounters with the animals. No reservations required, just be sure to bring your member verification with you.
Friday, June 17, 2022 | 1pm - 3pm
The aquarium’s free Explore the Shore event will be taking place at Owen Beach in Point Defiance Park. Learn more here about what to expect.
Titlow Park | 8425 6th Avenue, Tacoma
Saturday, June 18, 2022 | 1pm - 4pm
Have fun exploring the beach and tidepools during this free guided excursion. Read more about what to wear and what to expect.
Ocean5 | 5268 Point Fosdick Drive, Gig Harbor | 253.857.7529
Sundays | 5pm - 9pm
Join DJ Mike for a family-friendly time of board games and karaoke (5pm - 7pm), and for each adult meal ordered you will receive one free kid’s meal. Karaoke for 21+ happens from 7pm to 9pm.
Titlow Park | 8425 6th Avenue, Tacoma
Monday, June 20, 2022 | 1pm
Learn about all the plants and animals that live in the parks around Tacoma. Led by a naturalist, these walks are great for ages 3 and up. You can register here.
2345 Tacoma Avenue S, Tacoma | 253.442.9815
Brainy Actz in Tacoma offers lots of options for a fun time! Work on your team-building skills in an escape room, see if you can cut the mustard with axe throwing, or try something novel like archery arrow tag or nerf wars.
Axe Throwing & Shooting Sports
Test your wilderness survival skills with axe throwing at Bullseye Lane, or if you’re feeling a pull towards archery (pun intended), there are several ranges in the broader area: Gig Harbor Sportsman’s Club, KBH Archers, and Skookum Archers Club & Range.
Take part in an airsoft game, or play paintball at Master Blasters Paintball Park (for those with access to Joint Base Lewis McChord, JBLM Paintball is another option).
Bowling & More
Ocean5 is the place to go for good food and great fun. Besides bowling they offer a two-story laser arena, arcade with over 50 games, and a Top Golf Swing Suite.
For other bowling places check out Hi Joy Bowl in Port Orchard or Tacoma’s Chalet Bowl, Paradise Lanes, and Tower Lanes Entertainment, which also offers a lighted mini golf course and arcade.
Odyssey 1 in Tacoma is another family fun zone, offering laser tag and more.
HIKING & WATER SPORTS
Spend time with Dad in the great outdoors! For a list of terrific hikes (which are also kid- and pup-friendly), check out this blog post. And on Father’s Day access is FREE to Washington state parks, so take advantage!
Water sports are another great option here in Gig Harbor. Rent paddleboards, single and double kayaks, boats, and more from the following local vendors:
GOLF COURSES
If an ideal day for Dad is spending it on the green, there are some excellent courses around Gig Harbor to choose from. Many also offer lessons, for any dads wanting to up their game (a great gift idea!).
Canterwood Golf & Country Club (Private course)
12606 54th Avenue NW, Gig Harbor | 253.851.1845
Gig Harbor Golf Club (Private course)
6909 Artondale Drive NW, Gig Harbor | 253.509.0822 (Pro Shop), 253.851.2428 (Club House)
Join GHGC for the Father’s Day fishing derby, happening from 8am to 10am on Sunday the 19th. Bring the kids, your poles, and bait and see what you can catch from the pond! Food will be provided afterwards.
Madrona Links Golf Course (Public course)
3604 22nd Avenue NW, Gig Harbor | 253.851.5193
Horseshoe Lake Golf Course (Public course)
1250 SW Club House Court, Port Orchard | 253.857.3326
McCormick Woods Golf Club (Public course)
5155 McCormick Woods Drive SW, Port Orchard | 360.895.0130 or 800.323.0130
Be sure to visit the golf shop for their Father’s Day sale!
MUSEUMS & PLACES TO VISIT
Is Dad a history buff? There are so many museums in Gig Harbor and nearby Tacoma that he’s sure to enjoy, ranging from maritime history to cars and everything in-between. Some have special Father’s Day events, others will just provide great family time as you explore the various exhibits and learn about life on the Sound.
3805 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor | 253.857.9344
Saturday, June 18, 2022 | 11:30am - 2:30pm
Every Saturday, you can take part in a free tour of the shop’s Eddon Boatyard. Learn the history of this waterfront site as well as how it continues to serve the community today.
4121 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor | 253.858.6722
Wednesday - Saturday | 11am - 4pm
The museum’s permanent exhibit features 7,000 square feet of artifacts, hands-on activities, and more as it walks you through the history and heritage of the Gig Harbor Peninsula.
Their current special exhibit, Little Boats, will be on display through August and highlights a variety of boats ranging from toy to full-sized.
Learn some hidden history of the harbor, taking place every Saturday at 2pm with the museum’s 45-minute walking tour.
705 Dock Street, Tacoma | 253.272.2750
Thursday - Sunday | 10am - 4pm
Take a trip through time beginning with the canoes of the Puyallup tribe to the rowboats of Norwegian immigrants and beyond. Offering the South Sound’s largest collection of maritime history, the museum also houses a boat shop.
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum
5519 Five Mile Drive, Tacoma | 253.404.3970
Daily | 11am - 5pm
Learn about the Pacific Northwest through this portrayal of life on Puget Sound in 1855. Experience the current special exhibit Artists of Fort Nisqually: Sketching the Pacific Northwest, find unique historical gifts and local artisan items at the museum store, see the Heritage Gardens featured throughout the fort, and much more.
2702 East D Street, Tacoma | 253.779.8490 or 877.902.8490
Thursday - Monday | 10am - 5pm
If Dad prefers wheels to water, this is the place to take him! It highlights over 300 vehicles, including historic Alfa Romeos, their current special exhibit of Reclaimed Rust: The James Hetfield Collection, and a variety of other exhibits. The museum also offers a speed zone, theater, and family zone with hands-on activities.
On Saturday, June 18th and Sunday, June 19th the museum will be hosting a Father’s Day weekend special with a cookout, Family STEAM Day activities, car show, and more. Get all the details here.
Washington State Historical Society
1911 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma | 888.238.4373
Saturdays | 10am - 5pm
Join in their weekly Family Saturdays, a self-guided experience through the museum. June’s theme is how ideas spread, so bring the family, put on your thinking caps, and prepare for a great time!
STORES & GIFT IDEAS
Trying to think of the perfect gift for Dad? Here’s a list of stores to get you started. Some of them offer a variety of classes as well.
RESTAURANTS
Don’t forget the food! Gig Harbor offers so many great options for lunch, dinner, and drinks.
4814 Point Fosdick Drive NW, Gig Harbor | 253.313.5656
Daily | 11am - 8pm
Simple and delicious. At this Texas-style barbecue, there is something for everyone!
4701 Point Fosdick Drive NW, Gig Harbor | 253.514.6703
Sunday - Thursday, 11am - 9pm | Friday & Saturday, 11am - 10pm
Choose from over 25 unique burger variations, with fresh all-natural ground chuck. They also offer chicken, sandwiches, salads, and more.
7707 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor | 253.858.2709
Thursday - Saturday, 4pm - 8pm | Sunday, 2pm - 7pm | Sunday brunch, 9am - 2pm
Lending a Pacific Northwest spin to a variety of barbecue flavors from around the country. Finish your meal off with a trip to the Iscreamery, offering locally made gourmet ice cream in creative flavors (open Friday 4pm - 8pm, Saturday 12pm - 8pm, and Sunday 12pm - 7pm).
3222 56th Street NW, Gig Harbor | 253.313.0106
Monday - Thursday, 2pm - 10pm | Friday & Saturday, 11:30am - 11pm | minors allowed until 9pm
They’re closed on Sundays, but with a menu that looks as good as theirs, who says you can’t celebrate Dad on a day other than Father’s Day?
4621 Point Fosdick Drive NW #200, Gig Harbor | 253.851.6666
Sunday - Thursday, 11am - 8:30pm | Friday & Saturday, 11am - 9pm
Serving traditional Neapolitan pizza and authentic Italian classics.
3409 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor | 253.514.8626
Daily | 11am - 8pm
Gig Harbor’s gourmet wood-fired pizza place!
1208 26th Avenue NW, Gig Harbor | 253.853.1585
Daily | 11am - 9pm
There’s so much to choose from! Pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, fish n’ chips, salads, local brews and cocktails, desserts, and more.
7 Seas Brewing (Family-friendly at all times!)
2905 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor | 253.514.8129
Daily | 11am - 10pm
Gig HarGig Harbor Brewingor Brewing
3155 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor | 253.313.5745
Monday - Thursday, 3pm - 8pm | Friday & Saturday, 1pm - 8pm | Sunday, 12pm - 6pm
3118 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor | 253.300.5179
Sunday - Wednesday, 11am - 7pm | Thursday - Saturday, 11am - 8pm
3207 57th Street Court, Gig Harbor | 253.313.0310
Monday - Thursday, 2pm - 8pm | Friday, 1pm - 10pm | Saturday, 12pm - 10pm | Sunday, 12pm - 8pm