Day Dates with Dad in Gig Harbor - Father’s Day 2023
Father’s Day is coming up on Sunday, June 18th! 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 want to make the whole weekend an adventure, there are plenty of options!
Events & Activities
Community Boat Restoration Program
Learn about and assist with building, repairing, and restoring boats. For more information and to register, go to the Gig Harbor BoatShop’s website. Happening every Saturday, this could be a great option to do with any boat-loving dads!
Fairies & Gnomes Children’s Garden Workshop
Geared towards ages 5-11, this free event on Saturday, June 17th at Sehmel Homestead Park gives kids a chance to have fun while getting their hands dirty. Make it a date with Dad and have him help design a mini fantasy garden. You can find more information here on how to register.
New to the Point Defiance Zoo are twin two-year-old polar bears! Their public debut is coming up on Thursday, June 15th.
The aquarium’s free Explore the Shore event will be taking place on Saturday, June 17th at Owen Beach in Point Defiance Park. Learn more here about what to expect.
If you’re a zoo member, be sure to participate in the Members’ Access Night, which provides up-close encounters with the animals. The first one of the year will be taking place on Thursday, June 29th. No reservations are required, just be sure to bring your member verification with you.
Offered twice a week during the summer, this local highlight is back after a three-year break! Join the tour on Wednesday evenings to learn about the harbor’s history and culture, and tours on Saturday mornings focus on the natural history at the waterfront.
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 my Ultimate Guide to PNW Hikes. Or, with 131 Washington state parks to choose from, you should have no trouble finding other ways to explore the beautiful Pacific Northwest!
Water sports are another great option here in Gig Harbor. Rent paddleboards, single and double kayaks, boats, and more from the following local vendors.
Shooting Sports, Bowling & More
Test your wilderness survival skills with axe throwing at Axe Academy, 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).
Brainy Actz in Tacoma offers lots of options for a fun time! Try something novel like archery arrow tag or nerf wars, see if you can cut the mustard with axe throwing, or work on your team-building skills in an escape room. For an elevated escape room experience, book an adventure at Escape Hour Gig Harbor.
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.
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)
Gig Harbor Golf Club (private)
Horseshoe Lake Golf Course (public)
Madrona Links Golf Course (public)
McCormick Woods Golf Club (public)
Museums
Is Dad a history buff? There are so many museums in the area 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.
Foss Waterway SeFoss Waterway Seaportport
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
Learn about the Pacific Northwest through this portrayal of life on Puget Sound in 1855. Experience the current special exhibit Families of the Fort, find unique historical gifts and local artisan items at the museum store, see the Heritage Gardens featured throughout the grounds, and much more.
On Saturday, June 17th, their event Dine We Must will transport you back in time with a farm-to-table dinner, music, and more.
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, I SPY: The Secret Museum, will be on display through September and offers a fun and interactive time for the whole family.
If Dad prefers wheels to water, this is the place to take him! It highlights over 300 vehicles in a variety of exhibits as well as a speed zone, theater, and family zone with hands-on activities.
The museum will be hosting a Family STEAM Race Day on Saturday, June 17th, or celebrate Father’s Day with an assortment of different activities on Sunday the 18th.
Washington State Historical Society
Join in their Family Saturdays, a self-guided experience through the museum. June’s theme explores How Would You Tell Washington’s Story?, 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.
Bass Pro Shops (be sure to check out their Father’s Day Gift Guide as well as their Father’s Day sale, where you can save up to 40% off!)
Restaurants
Don’t forget the food! Gig Harbor offers so many great options for lunch, dinner, and drinks. For more ideas on places Dad might like, check out my blog posts Outdoor Dining Options for Kids Under 21 and the Ultimate Guide to Restaurants in Gig Harbor and Who’s Open When.
Anthony’s - Gourmet seafood right on the water. You can’t get much better than that!
BBQ2U - Simple and delicious. At this Texas-style barbecue, there is something for everyone!
Blazing Onion - Choose from over 25 unique burger variations, with fresh all-natural ground chuck. They also offer chicken, sandwiches, salads, and more.
Brimstone PNW Smokehouse - 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.
Fondi Pizzeria - Serving traditional Neapolitan pizza and authentic Italian classics.
Millville Pizza Co. - Gig Harbor’s gourmet wood-fired pizza place!
O’Looney’s Irish Pub - 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?
Table 47 - On Sundays, receive a $10 play card (for kids 12 and under) for each kid’s meal purchased (see here for more details).
The Hub Gig Harbor - There’s so much to choose from! Pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, fish n’ chips, salads, local brews and cocktails, desserts, and more.
Tides Tavern (21+ restaurant) - A family-owned Gig Harbor fixture since 1973. Menu selections include seafood and traditional American pub food.
7 Seas Brewing (bring your own food)
Gig Harbor Brewing (21+ and bring your own food)
Heritage Distilling Co. - Small bites are available to purchase, or bring your own food.
Locust Cider (bring your own food)
Zogs (21+ except for the upstairs patio)
Paige Schulte, top real estate agent in Gig Harbor and your neighborhood expert, has all you need to know about our wonderful community. Visit Paige’s Gig to learn more.
Interested in selling your current home or starting the search for your dream home? Call us today at (253) 313-4093 or book a call at your convenience.
