Tis the time of the year we honor those Rockin’ Daddies! The gift has been bought. The date is swiftly approaching…so I figured I would take advantage of nap time and scour the internet for fun, exciting and most importantly CHEAP things to do on Sunday. (Let’s be honest, if I asked Micah what he wanted to do for father’s day, the answer would likely be somewhere in the realm of “not spend money”) But, apparently if you google search “things to do on father’s day in los angeles” the results are curated by people who think Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to blow those daddies’ hard earned money. Luxurious spa days, 10 zillion course tasting menus, ritzy golf clubs, even a fancy pants father tea time featuring tea paired with scotch for an astronomical price tag. Thanks but no thanks. Tea and scotch…really?! Oh and even if Micah played golf, we definitely wouldn’t be making tee time reservations at the hottest golf clubs in orange county because well…they cost more than our monthly rent. So here’s my list of five affordable and fun ways to spend a Sunday full of kid-friendly, daddy-loving fun in Los Angeles.
1. GET MUDDY
Kidspace Museum in Pasadena is holding a Mud Celebration Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 5pm. It only costs $11 per person and kids under 1 are free. We have been to the museum once and it was AWESOME – in L.A. speak, it’s well worth the drive from the westside “over the hill” (and that’s saying a lot – it’s in PASADENA people…PASADENA). Most of the museum is outdoors, there is water, dirt, a babbling brook, structures to climb, things to build, art to make, bikes to ride and so much more. Basically, if your kid likes to do it, it’s there, and it’s entertaining for the big kids (dads) too! The museum itself is actually in a giant park with a playground and huge playing fields too. On a normal day it was a blast, so I can’t help but imagine adding in dirty, sticky, messy, muddy fun will take it off the charts. Added bonus, the photos will be insanely instagram worthy – mud, kids, daddies…sold.
480 N. Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 449-9144
2. CARS, CARS & MORE FANCY CARS
Is your man (or your little one) a car fan? Do you love high-caliber instagram worthy people-watching? If you said yes, then Beverly Hills is the place to be on Sunday. The Concours D’Elegance 2015 is rolling into town. The street will be filled with the nicest cars you have probably ever seen in person. This event has been held for the last 22 years in Beverly Hills on Father’s Day, and is actually the largest public event that graces Rodeo Drive. This year’s theme is “Highways to Heaven” and whether you like cars or not, the people watching is going to be epic. The best part is it is 100% free! There’s a parade, there are cars…it’s a win-win to please the daddies and the little ones. It goes from 10am – 4pm making it perfect to come early grab a nice breakfast or stay after for dinner.
Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
www.concoursdelegance.rodeodrive-bh.com
3. GET CRAFTY
If the kiddos didn’t get a chance to make daddy some killer homemade gifts check out Zimmer Museum’s Dress Up Daddy! From 2-4 the little ones can go to town decorating bow ties, hats and accessories to give daddy that special look for a special day. Not to mention the museum is super-duper fun only $7 per person (free under 1) and open from 12:30-5 on Sundays.
6505 Wilshire Blvd, #100, Los Angeles, CA 9004 (323) 761 – 8990
SONY DSC
4. POLO, HIKING & PLENTY OF FUN
Will Rogers is a family friendly, picture perfect little gem nestled in Pacific Palisades. It is a state park, so the only fee is $12 to park in the lot. You can avoid this by parking in the neighborhood and walking up (although supporting the park is encouraged). Will Rogers has amazing picnic areas, some hiking trails (one of which is moderately stroller friendly – as in it’s doable if you don’t mind pushing up some somewhat steep hills and your little one can withstand a bumpy ride). There are horse stables along the trail which is fun for the little ones. But, the main attraction is the polo match. The Club Chukkers, Will Rogers’ home team has games on Saturdays and Sundays. The Father’s day game is from 10am-1pm. The players come out on the field in between rounds and the kids can see the horses, get photos, and run around the field. Pack a picnic and enjoy the game. The rounds are quick and even if you have no idea what’s going on (like 95% of the people there), the horses are fun to watch. Beware: the hill to watch the games on is pretty steep so either get there early for prime bench seating or bring a park blanket that isn’t slippery or you may end up sliding down into the game!
1501 Will Rogers State Park Road, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 (818)-509-9965
5. PLAY BALL!
No explanation necessary for the reason this will be a “hit” (pun intended). Father’s Day + baseball = ‘nuff said. The Dodgers play the Giants at 5pm. Head down to Dodger Stadium, have hot dogs for dinner, wear your Dodger blue, wave your foam fingers proudly and celebrate those dads with america’s favorite pastime.
1000 Elysian Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (866)-Dodgers
Whatever you choose to do on Sunday, have fun and let those dads know just how loved they are. (Even if they can’t manage to put the dishes in the dishwasher.)
