Father's Day weekend events on Long Island
Lily Varghese, left, Amelia Varghese, and Selah Varghese, with their dad Justin Varghese, of Mineola, at Harbes Family Farm in Mattituck. Credit: Morgan Campbell
If you're looking to do something fun with Dad this Father's Day weekend, there are plenty of ways to celebrate on Long Island. For a chance to win prizes, you can enter Dad in the annual Splish Splash belly flop contest, where prizes go to the splash with the most flash.
If laughs are more his speed, head to a comedy show where Long Island native and comedian Basile will be filming a food special with a live audience.
To score some quality family time with a side of sports, head to a FIFA World Cup watch party, catch a polo match or cheer on the Long Island Ducks.
Here are more ways to celebrate with Dad and Grandpa:
DEALS AND DISCOUNTS FOR DAD
DEALS AND DISCOUNTS FOR DAD
June 19-21: Try tasty desserts at the Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival
1175 Rte. 48, Mattituck
Quarts of strawberries from Latham's Farm are sold in Orient at the annual Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival in Mattituck. Credit: Randee Daddona
The festival continues with fresh strawberries for sale, treats including strawberry shortcake and ice cream and the crowning of the Strawberry Queen. There will also be international foods for sale, amusement rides, arts and crafts vendors and fireworks June 18-20.
- When 2 to 11 p.m. June 19; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 20; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 21
- Cost Dad is free on Father’s Day (June 21) with paid child admission; $10 ages 5 and older
- More info mattituckstrawberryfestival.com
June 20-21: Celebrate Father's Day at Harbes Family Farm
715 Sound Ave., Mattituck
Liam Balkan pets the baby animals at Harbes Family Farm in Mattituck. Credit: Alexandra Moreo
Admission to the Barnyard Adventure is half-price for dads on Father’s Day weekend. Check out the 8-acre Barnyard Adventure with pig races and hayrides, farm animals including mini Highland cows, jump pads, playgrounds, a sports zone, a hedge maze, and apple blaster cannons. There will be live music 1 to 5 p.m., concession food for sale and wine tasting in the Wine Barn.
- When Festival runs 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Cost Admission is free to the grounds; $29.95 ages 3 and older to the Barnyard Adventure; half-price for dads
- More info harbesfamilyfarm.com, 631-482-7641
June 21: Race go-karts at Tiki Action Park
1878 Middle Country Rd., Centereach
Get your need for speed during a go-kart race at Tiki Action Park in Centereach. Credit: Randee Daddona
Challenge Dad to a game of mini golf or a go-kart race.
- When 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Cost Free admission; pay for different activities that start at $9; fathers get a free mini golf round and a free go cart race
- More info tikiactionpark.com, 631-471-1267
June 21: Zip line at the Adventure Park
75 Colonial Springs Rd., Wheatley Heights
Ron Morasse, and his daughter, Riley, work the ropes course together at Adventure Park in Wheatley Heights. Credit: Linda Rosier
The park consists of 49 zip lines, 14 treetop trails, a playground for toddlers, Glow in the Park events and more. Join a three-hour climb with dad as he takes on the zip lines obstacle courses.
- When 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Cost Free for dad with a purchase of a Father's Day BOGO ticket for $69, one for customer; $69 regular entry ages 14 and older; $59 for ages 7-13. Book in advance online.
- More info myadventurepark.com 631-983-3844
June 21: Learn about aquatic animals at Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium
1660 Rte. 25A, Cold Spring Harbor
See a variety of animals at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium. Credit: Danielle Silverman
Take Dad to the hatchery and aquarium to browse the exhibits focused on freshwater aquatic animals, including fish, reptiles and amphibians.
- When 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Cost Dads accompanied by their child are admitted free; $7, $5 ages 3-12
- More info cshfishhatchery.org, 516-692-6768
June 21: Go to a Father's Day car show
LIRR station, Sunrise Highway, Merrick
A Father's Day car show and swap meet will be held at the Merrick LIRR station on Sunrise Highway in Merrick. Credit: Kevin Imm
This is a nonjudged car show featuring classics, collectibles and vintage models. There will be food for sale, rides and craft vendors.
- When 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Cost Free for spectators; $20 day of show
- More info 516-937-7800
June 21: Climb the Fire Island Lighthouse
Park at Robert Moses State Park, Field 5
Enjoy the great outdoors and take a stroll to the Fire Island Lighthouse. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
Climb the 182 steps to the top of the Fire Island Lighthouse. On a clear day from the top of the lighthouse, climbers can see the Manhattan skyline.
- When 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Cost Dad can climb the tower for free. Admission is $10, $5 ages 12 and younger and must be 42" tall
- More info fireislandlighthouse.com, 631-583-5901
SPORTING EVENTS
SPORTING EVENTS
June 19: Take Dad to a World Cup watch party at UBS Arena
2400 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont
Forward Ricardo Pepi of the United States men's national soccer team is presented during the announcement of the team roster on May 26. Credit: AP/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez
Cheer on your favorite pro soccer team. The party will feature the screening of two FIFA World Cup matches including the U.S. vs. Australia at 3 p.m. and Haiti vs. Brazil at 9 p.m.
- When Starting at 3 p.m.
- Cost $10
- More info ubsarena.com, 516-460-8599
June 19-21: Head to a World Cup Fan Fest at Mineola Memorial Park
195 Marcellus Rd., Mineola
Catch Christian Pulisic playing soccer during the FIFA World Cup. Credit: AP/Ashley Landis
Watch soccer matches on a jumbo LED screen. The fan fest will feature food trucks and music. USA vs. Australia at 3 p.m., Scotland vs. Morocco at 6 p.m. and Brazil vs. Haiti at 8:30 p.m.; June 20 — Netherlands vs. Sweden at 1 p.m., Germany vs. Ivory Coast at 4 p.m. and Ecuador vs. Curaçao at 8 p.m. and June 21- Spain vs. Saudi Arabia at noon, Belgium vs. Iran at 3 p.m. and Uruguay vs. Cape Verde at 6 p.m.
- When 2 to 11 p.m. June 19, noon to 10 p.m. June 20, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 21
- Cost Free admission and activities, rain or shine
- More info mineolaevents.com
June 19-21: Cheer on the Long Island Ducks
3 Court House Dr., Central Islip
John Tedesco, left, from Babylon, stands in line with his 10 year-old son, Noah, right, to have Long Island Ducks pitcher Trevor Bauer sign an autographs before the game. Credit: Kathy M Helgeson
See the LI Ducks take on the Lancaster Stormers. Fans can enjoy a postgame fireworks spectacular on June 20.
- When 6:35 p.m. June 19-20 and 1:35 p.m. June 21
- Cost Tickets starting at $21
- More info liducks.com, 631-940-3825
June 21: Catch a polo match
Polo field, Plainview Road and Manchester Drive, Bethpage
Play polo at Polo at the Park at Bethpage Stage Park. Credit: Newsday/Audrey C. Tiernan
Watch tournament matches featuring world-class athletes along with photo ops and meet and greets with the players.
- When Gates open at 2 p.m. games starts at 3 p.m.
- Cost $25; $15 ages 12 and younger
- More info bethpagepolo.com, 516-500-7656
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
June 19-21: Hop on rides at Fun Fest
Suffolk Community College, 478 Wicks Rd., Exit 53S off the LIE, Brentwood
Amusement park rides spin as people attend Long Island Fun Fest on the Brentwood campus of Suffolk Community College. Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
The festival features rides, a midway with games and carnival food along with a dinosaur experience, circus and petting zoo.
- When 5 to 11 p.m. Monday-Friday; 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Cost General admission is $5; pay-one-price wristbands start at $40 for rides; $1.50 individual ride tickets, free parking.
- More info longislandfunfest.com
June 19-21: Famous Foodie Fest at Tanger Outlets Deer Park
152 The Arches Circle, Deer Park
Foodie Fest at Tanger Outlets Deer Park features food trucks and fun for families. Credit: Amaka Muir
The international food fest features more than 100 vendors preparing dishes inspired by countries from around the world. There will be live music, bounce houses, food and drink samples, face painting and artisanal vendors.
- When 1 to 8 p.m. June 19; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 20-21
- Cost General admission tickets starts at $12.53; $6.81 for ages 8-12
- More info famousfoodfestival.com, 516-416-5607
June 20: Buy one-of-a-kind gifts at Kings Park Day Festival
Main Street, Kings Park
The street fair features more than 130 exhibitors, live music and food vendors. Find gifts including bird houses, art and photography.
- When 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Cost Free
- More info depasmarket.com, 631-846-1459
June 20-21: Shop along the Long Beach boardwalk
Long Beach to Edwards boulevards
Enjoy Long Beach's boardwalk on two wheels. Credit: Elizabeth Sagarin
Spend the day sea side at an Arts and Crafts fair. The Long Beach boardwalk will be dotted with dozens of vendor tents selling crafts, artwork, novelty items, clothing, jewelry, and more, along with food vendors.
- When 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Cost Free admission
- More info longbeachny.gov, 516-431-3890
CONCERTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
CONCERTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
June 19: Jam with Yacht Rock Revue at Jones Beach
Northwell at Jones Beach Theater, 1000 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh
Yacht Rock Revue will perform at Jones Beach this summer. Credit: Mitchell Davidson
The band is making a stop at Jones Beach to bring the best of '70s and '80s yacht rock.
- When 8 p.m.
- Cost Tickets range $29-$157
- More info livenation.com, 516-221-1000
June 19: See a comedy show at Bellmore Movies and Showplace
222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore
Be in the audience as comedian and Long Island native Basile performs and films a food-situation comedy special called "A Pinch of Basile."
- When 8 p.m.
- Cost Tickets start at $43.94
- More info Reservations and advanced tickets required at basilelive.com
June 19: Get down to country tunes at Mulcahy's
3232 Railroad Ave., Wantagh
Dance to live music at Mulcahy's in Wantagh. Credit: Howard Simmons
Luke Combs UK performs a tribute to the music of Luke Combs featuring Guys with Guitars opening the show.
- When Doors open at 7 p.m.
- Cost Tickets starting at $20
- More info mulcahyslongisland.com, 516-783-7500
June 21: Dance to songs by Amy Grant at The Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts
71 E. Main St., Patchogue
Amy Grant arrives at the 55th annual CMA Awards in Nashville, Tenn. Credit: AP/Ed Rode
The pop star performs as part of "The Me That Remains Tour."
- When 7 p.m.
- Cost Tickets range $57-$157
- More info patchoguetheatre.org, 631-207-1313
SEASONAL FUN
SEASONAL FUN
June 20: Join a belly flop contest at Splish Splash
Kahuna Bay Wave Pool, 2549 Splish Splash Dr., Calverton
Sign Dad up for a Belly Flop contest at Splish Splash in Calverton. Credit: Splish Splash Water Park
Is Dad game for a belly flop contest? Sign him up and see if he can impress the panel of judges for a prize. Explore the interactive spray areas, water slides and water buckets.
- When 1 p.m. (rain date: June 21)
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Cost Tickets start at $42.99, $39.99 children 48 inches or shorter; $25 in advance for parking; $30 parking fee at the gate
- More info splishsplash.com, 631-727-3600
June 20: Take a history tour in the Hamptons
249 S. Main St., Southampton
Attend a walking tour at the Southampton History Museum. Credit: James Escher
Take a self-guided tour of the historic Halsey House (circa 1648) and gardens as part of the Southampton History Museum.
- When 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Cost Free
- More info southamptonhistory.org, 631-283-2494
June 21: Cruise to Fire Island for dinner
3500 E. Ocean Pkwy., Bay Shore
Dinner cruises on board The Moon Chaser leave from Captree State Park and cruise to Ocean Beach on Fire Island for dinner at Flynn's. Credit: Barbara Alper/Barbara Alper
Cross the Great South Bay on the Moon Chaser to Flynn’s in Ocean Bay Park on Fire Island for a lobster (one per person) and prime rib buffet for Father's Day.
- When Boat departs at 3 p.m. June 21 from Captree State Park; return trip departs at 7 p.m.
- Cost Ticket for the Moon Chaser round-trip boat ride is $18 round trip; dinner is $58, $35 ages 6-12, tax and tip not included
- More info Reservations required, arrive at least 15 minutes before boat departure, flynnsfireislandny.com, 631-583-5000
