It’s on June 17th, don’t forget. Father’s Day in New Orleans is not only a great opportunity to spend some quality time with the family, but also a chance to enjoy some of the events and activities our great city has to offer. Take this Father’s Day as an opportunity to do something you haven’t done in a while, and make it a Father’s Day to remember.
1. Dining
Going out for a nice meal has always been the perfect way to celebrate any occasion, and I must admit we’re a bit spoiled here in New Orleans. It’s a well-known fact that the food is amazing here, and people come from far and wide to sample it. No matter your Dad’s taste, whether it be steak and potatoes or banh mi and spring rolls, there’s a restaurant here that does it perfectly. Watch out for specials popping up in the coming days, becauseFogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse is offering a complimentary dining card to all fathers and Trinity Restaurant is giving out free whiskey or beer with any food order.
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse: 614 Canal St., (504) 412-8900, fogodechao.com/location/new-orleans
Trinity Restaurant: 1117 Decatur St., (504) 325-5789, trinityrestaurantneworleans.com
2. Spend the Day at City Park
City Park is full of activities to enjoy with the old man this Father’s Day.
Grab a coffee and beignets at the famous Morning Call cafe, add a dose of culture to the day at NOMA or the Sculpture Garden, ride the historic Ladybug, whack some golf balls into the stratosphere a the Driving Range, whack them a bit softer at City Putt, have a catch on the Great Lawn, rent a pedal boat, bike, surrey, kayak, or canoe, birdwatch, or simply take a stroll and enjoy the nature; the options are endless.
New Orleans City Park: 1 Palm Dr., (504) 482-4888, neworleanscitypark.com
3. Take Him Fishing
So long as you have the appropriate fishing licenses, you can fish just about any waters here in New Orleans. The lagoons in City Park are teeming with bass, and the scenery offers the getaway feel without the need to wake up at 4 a.m. and travel too far. Bayou St. John also offers good fishing, Lake Pontchartrain is great for boat fishing and bank fishing, and certain areas of the Mississippi are ideal for some catfishing. I would be more specific location wise, but I wouldn’t want to upset our urban anglers by giving up their secret spots. Good luck!
4. Take Him to Drive a Supercar
NOLA Motorsports Park offers the unique experience of renting and driving a selection of supercars and exotics on their track in Avondale. They offer a few different experiences, ranging in price from $149 to $2599, so definitely check their website out and see what interests you the most. NOLA Motorsports also offers go-karting and track rentals.
11075 Nicolle Blvd., (504) 302-4875, nolamotor.com
5. Take Him to Get A Drink and See A Show
From the homely to the chic, this city has it all when it comes to bars and venues. Take your dad out for a good, old-fashioned beer, a nice cocktail, or a show this Father’s Day. Go see Waitress, the story of Jenna, waitress and pie maker, who dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage at the Saenger, or end the night with a concert by the Hot 8 Brass Band at The Howlin’ Wolf. Finding a good show is never a problem in New Orleans, so keep an eye out for upcoming events!
Saenger Theatre: 1111 Canal St., (504) 525-1052, saengernola.com
Howlin’ Wolf: 907 S Peters St., (504) 529-5844, thehowlinwolf.com
6. Get Active with the Father’s Day Race
The Richard Newcomb Memorial Father’s Day Race is a great way to promote health and fitness (and possibly win an award!) with the New Orleans Track Club this Father’s Day. The races include a 2 mile and a half mile race, and will take place in Audubon Park. There will also be beer, jambalaya, cookies, and chee-wees available to the participants.
(504) 304-2326, runnotc.org/races/2018/fathersday.shtml
7. Take Him on a Tour
Being a tourist in your own city is a great way to learn more about the places and things you may pass on a daily basis and don’t give a second thought. This adds more depth and appreciation for the city we’re proud to call home, and gives you the opportunity to impress your out-of-town friends who come to visit. 2 Chicks Walking Tours is a group that offers a wide range of tours, including French Quarter tours, cemetery tours, Garden District tours, and private tours. Tours by Steven offers an alternate history of New Orleans by highlighting the role many important women have played in our past with the Women of New Orleans Walking Tour. There are a mountain of interesting tours to choose from, so take a look at what’s most appealing to you!
Tours by Steven: 513 Royal St., (504) 239-9745, toursbysteven.com
2 Chicks Walking Tours: (504) 975-4386, twochickswalkingtours.com
8. Ride the Streetcar to the End of the Line
Many New Orleanians don’t take advantage of the beautiful streetcars we have, and with the addition of the new lines, you can really spend some time riding them. Riding on the streetcars is a carefree, relaxed way to do some sightseeing or people watching. All you have to do is bring some singles and a pocketful of change and you’re good for the day. Also, the city whizzing by is a great setting for a conversation with the old man.
9. Take Him Out to the Ball Game
The Baby Cakes play Sacramento on Father’s Day this year, and whether or not you approved of the name change, a ball game is a perfect Father’s Day activity. Hot dogs, nachos, beer, peanuts, ice cream, what’s not to like?
6000 Airline Dr., (504) 734-5155, milb.com/new-orleans
10. Take Him Camping on the Northshore
Though it’s not exactly New Orleans, it’s close enough. Fontainebleau state park offers great camping spots on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, access to the lake to swim, kayak, or paddleboard, ride bikes, do some hiking, and much more. Camping is the perfect getaway for any dad, and he’ll love the economical aspect and proximity too.
(985) 624-4443, fontainebleaustatepark.com
11. Family Fun Day on Steamboat Natchez (June 16th)
Take the whole family out to a special day on Steamboat Natchez! The ride features a narrated cruise down the river, and information on how the steamboat works in the engine room. There will also be live jazz music, balloon artists, alligator handlers, and a spray tattoo artist. Taking place on June 16th, the river cruise and time with the family will be a great preface to Father’s Day.
(504) 569-1401, neworleans.com/event/family-fun-day-on-steamboat-natchez/4045/
