By Christina Katz

Before you start preparing that traditional breakfast-in-bed for Dad on Father’s Day, consider some of these outings first. 

1. Soaring Dad Stop at a kite store on your way to the best kite-flying park in town, and you’ve got a great impromptu Dad’s day excursion. We recommend Doran Beach in Bodega Bay (see Take a Day Trip!).

2. Drive-In Dad Surprise Dad with tickets to a drive-in movie theater. Carpool Cinema at the Luther Burbank Center in Santa Rosa has scheduled Men in Black for June 19 (lutherburbankcenter.org/carpool-cinemas). Or check out Lakeport Auto Movies Drive-In in Lakeport (lakeportautomovies.com).

3. Rappelling Dad Does Dad love an intense challenge? If so, rock climbing at your local climbing center is a great idea. Try Vertex Climbing Center in Santa Rosa. 

4. Biscuits & Gravy Dad Let’s face it: One of the best places to go on Father’s Day is out to brunch. Hit Dad’s favorite greasy spoon or surprise your favorite guy with a new-to-him restaurant you think he’ll love. You can eat outside or order out.

5. Angler Dad If Dad loves fishing, there are plenty of local places to cast a line. See the websites of Sonoma County Regional Parks (parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/play/fishing) and the Mendocino Area Parks Association (mendoparks.org/fishing) for numerous places to fish in the area. For Lake County fishing spots, including, of course, Clear Lake, go to lakecounty.com/experience/fishing-in-lake-county.

6. Tomahawking Dad Some dads love nothing more than a nice long game of Frisbee. So surprise him with a new disc to add to his collection and then head to the nearest Frisbee golf course. Try out the courses at Taylor Mountain in Santa Rosa and at Mendocino College in Ukiah. For more locations, go to the website of the Professional Disc Golf Association (pdga.com). 

7. River Rat Dad Some dads are just water-lovers. If your dad is one of them, he’ll probably love a day of kayaking, rafting, or tubing on the Russian River, Eel River, or Clear Lake. Or just send him to the beach and let him soak in the sun.

8. Lip-Smacking Dad Barbeques are great, but today is Dad’s special day and he’d probably like to be waited on rather than cook. So what’s it going to be: steak, BBQ, pasta? 

9. Breaking Away Dad Is Dad a cyclist? Take him and the family for a spin. You don’t have to own enough bikes for everyone to go. Rent a few for the day instead.

10. Putting Dad For some dads, there is no greater joy than sharing a love of golf. If kids are young, mini-golf is a great option. 

11. Paint-Splattered Dad For dads with tweens and teens, an afternoon at the paintball park can be thrilling, not to mention colorful. Look up Santa Rosa options on Yelp. 

12. Bouncing Dad Even though he might not be prepared to do flips, Dad might be up for an afternoon at the local trampoline park. Jumping is fun and relaxing. Try Rebounderz in Rohnert Park, or Epicenter and Rockin’ Jump, both in Santa Rosa. 

13. Bull’s Eye Dad Go on Yelp for a selection of local archery stores and instructors. Have Dad get a few pointers before purchasing a bow-and-arrow set to use in your yard.

14. Tire-Screeching Dad Even though kids may not be old enough to drive, they can have fun racing Dad at the nearest Go-Kart destination. Try the Scandia Family Fun Center in Rohnert Park.

15. Everybody Now Dad Outdoor concert opportunities abound in the summertime. Be sure to choose a singer or group that will get Dad grooving, and grab tickets ahead of time.

16. Stomping Dad Looking for a last-minute adventure for Father’s Day that won’t break the bank? Hiking is perfect.  

Christina Katz is an author, journalist, and writing coach.