Ideas for Dad in Central Florida this Father’s Day

By: Christopher Follenus

Looking for a great gift or activity that your father will enjoy this year? Check out our list of ideas for Father’s Day, and you’re sure to find something he’ll enjoy!

Get on a Lake this Father’s Day

1. Go Fishing

Does your dad like to fish? Abundant sunshine and pleasant temperatures allow for Fishing in the “Largemouth Bass Capital of the World” year-round on the region’s more than 550 lakes that occupy over 135 square miles including Lake Kissimmee, the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes, Lake Walk-in-Water (Weohyakapka) and many more.

fishing at camp mack

 

2. Airboat Rides

Airboat rides are an excellent way to stay cool while experiencing nature in Polk County with a number of different companies that offer Airboat Tours, and a perfect idea for dads.

3. Get out on the water

How about treating dad to a relaxing day out on the water? Learn to water ski, tube with friends, rent a pontoon boat, or go paddle boarding at Central Florida Watersports & Boat Rentals.

4. Rent a Kayak

Rent a kayak this Father’s Day, and explore Polk County’s waterways or hop aboard a nature cruise and let the captain do the work for you and your dad. Polk’s public boat ramps and kayak and boat rental outfitters make it easy to get on the water.

male and female kayaking at Lake Kissimmee State Park in Lake Wales, FL

5. Learn How to Stand Up Paddleboard

Paddleboard Winter Haven offers private paddleboard parties, corporate “board” meetings, paddleboard adventure trips, and Paddle fit workouts. Paddleboard Winter Haven even offers two stand up paddleboards that are rigged for fishing with a rod holder, anchor, and cargo net.

Visit a Unique Central Florida Attraction or Resort

6. Safari Wilderness

Safari Wilderness in Lakeland was voted Top 10 Safari in the United States by Forder’s Travel. We think Dad would love to encounter a herd of Red Lechwe, feed a water buffalo and see Zebra during a vehicle safari or camel expedition.

Family of 3 in a safari vehicle looking at zebras at Safari Wilderness in Lakeland, FL

7. Streamsong Resort & Spa

Treat dad to luxury at Florida’s premier golf resort. Streamsong Resort features three critically-acclaimed golf courses, world-class bass fishing, a sporting clays facility, a unique grotto-style spa, exceptional food offerings, stunning vistas, wildlife and more in a natural Florida setting.

8. Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo

Bring out the cowboy in him with horseback riding, Saturday night rodeos, a trap and skeet shooting range, airboat rides, lodging, and more at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo where he’ll find everything the family needs for some good old-fashioned cowboy fun at an authentic dude ranch located east of Lake Wales.

Go on an Aviation Adventure on Father’s Day

9. Tour Florida Air Museum

Florida Air Museum in Lakeland features a display of aircraft including one-of-a-kind designs, classics, ultra-lights, antiques and warbirds.

Multiple airplanes on display at Florida Air Museum in Lakeland, FL

10. Biplane Ride

Think your dad is in for a thrill this Father’s Day? Give the gift of flight with Preston Aviation Biplane Rides and instruction in a Boeing Stearman and Piper J3 Cub at the Winter Haven Municipal Airport.

11. Go Skydiving

Craving adventure? Jump Florida Skydiving offers tandem jump or freefall training and is a great way to experience Central Florida from the air. Remember every second of the high-flying journey, with a package that includes a full video of the skydive.

Father’s Day Hike

12. Hiking at Colt Creek

For a refreshing change of pace, get outside and explore Colt Creek State Park‘s 12-miles of trails ideal for horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking.

hiking trail in the middle tree grouping on left and open pasture on right at Colt Creek State Park in Lakeland, FL

13. Search for Rare Birds or Alligators

Polk County has a lot of birding hot spots, so grab Dad, your sneakers and a camera. Circle B Bar Reserve was recognized as one of the 51 Great Places to See Wildlife by USA Today, but if you want to explore a more remote location, we would suggest Gator Creek Reserve, Lake Wales Ridge State Forest, SUMICA, or Lake Kissimmee State Park.

Other Unique Father’s Day Ideas

14. Go to a Baseball Game

Take dad “out to the ball game”, and enjoy daily promotions such as $1 Mondays, All-You-Can-Eat Wednesdays and more! Lakeland’s Minor League Baseball team, Lakeland Flying Tigers, play their home games at Historic Henley Field this year.

15. Discover Local Brews

Whatever Dad thirsts for, you’ll find the perfect brewery, coffee shop or winery in Polk County.

Father’s Day

16. Go on a Bike Ride

Why not take a cycling trip this year? The area touts an extensive list of multipurpose trails and paths, offering numerous choices for those who love pedaling. Check out trails like the Fort Fraser Trail, TECO Trail, Chain of Lakes Trail, General James A. Van Fleet State Trail and Loyce Harpe Park to find a cycling stretch that delivers the perfect distance and endurance lever for everyone in your party. If you don’t have your own wheels, LeRoy’s Bikeworks and Road and Trail Bicycles offer an assortment of rentals.

17. Bone Valley ATV Park

Polk County’s first ATV park boasts over 200-acres of ATV and motocross trails, training areas, picnic spots and more, all set within this very unique geological terrain. Bone Valley ATV Park is bad to the bone off-road family fun for the whole family.

18. Go to a New (to him) Restaurant

Treat dad to slow-roasted barbecue at a restaurant decorated with antique farm tools, head to a rustic fish camp for an old-fashioned fish fry, indulge in a six-course meal served in a historic dining room or check out a local favorite. Polk County is an ideal location for those looking to indulge in exceptional dining experiences while in the area.

Father’s Day

19. Shop for All Things Outdoors

Andy Thornal Company is the perfect place to find something for the outdoor guy in your life. This Winter Haven boutique features outdoor gear and men’s apparel with top brands such as Costa Del Mar, Columbia, Under Armour, and Southern Tide.

Do you have other ideas for this list? Share them with us on social media!

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