No two dads are alike, and neither should your Father’s Day celebrations. This year, ditch the ties, tools and miscellaneous golf clubs and give Dad the gift of a special day with the family tailored to him. To help you plan your Father’s Day celebration in Milwaukee, we’ve created four different itineraries designed to suit a variety of dads. Follow along or mix and match to create a Father’s Day in Milwaukee worthy of the finest dad jokes.
The Great Outdoors: Outdoor Urban Adventure
For the Dad who loves being surrounded by the majestic wonders of nature, we have a day in the great outdoors just steps away from the city.
8 a.m. – Breakfast at Allie Boy’s Bagelry & Luncheonette
For a day on the move, grab a bite on the fly before heading out for an action-packed day of play with Dad. Start the full day of festivities at Allie Boy’s Bagelry & Luncheonette in Walker’s Point for delicious hand-made bagels made daily, schmears, coffee, and a selection of creative bagel sandwiches like the Nashville hot, featuring house-made buttermilk fried chicken breakfast sausage, and the Mahatma with tandoori-style roasted cauliflower, tomato curry, griddled paneer cheese and tamarind chutney vinaigrette.
Fill your belly at the deli in the sun-soaked outdoor patio, or, if you’re in a hurry to get going this morning, order it to go.
10 a.m. – Kayaking at Milwaukee Kayak Company
Less than a mile away from Allie Boy’s, Milwaukee Kayak Company is your next stop. A morning adventure on the water is a relaxing launch to the day. Stop by Jerry’s Docks starting at 9 a.m. on weekends. Rentals start at two hours for $35 and include kayak, tandem kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals. Pick your kayak and float peacefully with Dad as you explore the Milwaukee River, careening through miles of cityscape and nature.
OR
10 a.m. – Hiking
Maybe Dad would prefer to get the day underway on dry land. In that case, maybe a hike might better suit him. With tons of hiking around town and hideouts for birding. Find the ideal trail to blaze with Dad with our Trail Finder.
Noon – Lunch at Milwaukee Public Market
What better place for the world’s best dad than to take him to the country’s top public market? This year, the Milwaukee Public Market won USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for the best public market. From its variety of vendors to the bustling energy throughout the market, it’s a great place to grab a bite no matter what Dad’s craving. From a classic deli to Thai cuisine, vegan fare to fresh seafood, there’s something to delight Dad in the Milwaukee must-stop market.
Find a vendor that catches your eye, and take your meal to the outdoor patio overlooking the Historic Third Ward.
2 – 3:30 p.m. – Fishing at Lakeshore State Park
Wrap up your lunch and make your way to Lakeshore State Park for a Father’s Day Fishing event. Whether Dad’s an expert fisherman or a complete fishing novice, this free event welcomes all ages and abilities for 90 minutes of fishing fun in the shadow of the majestic Milwaukee skyline.
3:45 p.m. – Bike or walk the Lakeshore State Park trail to Oak Leaf Trail
Before you take Dad to dinner, take some time to stretch your legs and take in the splendor of nature steps away from downtown. Rent a Bublr Bike at a station located right outside of Discovery World and ride the 1.7-mile trail around Lakeshore State Park, or head off into the sunny summer afternoon towards the Milwaukee Art Museum, Veterans Park and the Oak Leaf Trail.
6 p.m. – Dinner at Harbor House
A dinner with a view of the shimmering shores of Lake Michigan and the cityscape, drop off your Bublr at the station and walk a few blocks to the Harbor House. Inside, you’ll find a bright New England-style seafood restaurant, with a restaurant composed of sensational crab, fish, surf and turf, and so much more.
Nightcap – Beer Garden at War Memorial Center
Close out the perfect Father’s Day out in the great outdoors at the War Memorial Beer Garden. Enjoy a selection of Hofbrauhaus brews along the lake.
Game On: Sports Day
For the dad who loves all things athletics, we’ve got you covered for a sporting Father’s Day unlike any other. From golf to baseball to cycling, it’s always gameday in Milwaukee. Even on Father’s Day.
7 a.m. – Breakfast at Blue’s Egg
Sports are built on tradition, and at Blue’s Egg, you’ll find a brunch institution that knocks it out of the park every time. Opened in 2010, the Tosa hotspot boasts a brilliant brunch of well-worn classics like omelets, eggs, pancakes and bacon and inventive morning delights like stuffed hash browns with chorizo and the restaurant’s staple: eggs benedict. Swing on by for a bite before driving to the golf course. May we suggest some sausage links before you hit the links?
8:30 a.m. – Golf at Brown Deer Golf Course
Link up with your party at the Brown Deer Golf Course clubhouse and roll to the first hole. The crown jewel of the Milwaukee County Parks system, you can tee up a memorable morning with Dad as you play the course famed for Tiger Woods’ professional debut (And a hole-in-one to boot). Get nine or—if you’re moving at a decent clip—18 holes in before lunchtime on this pristine championship-caliber course.
Noon – Lunch at Saz’s State House Restaurant
Game time is fast approaching, don’t putt-er! Take your cuts at Saz’s State House Restaurant with a rack of the restaurant’s award-winning ribs and a menu full of barbecue delights, including signature BBQ chicken or pork sandwiches and classic stadium-friendly fare like burgers. No matter what you order, don’t pass up the famed sampler platter featuring fest faves like fried cheese curds, mozz sticks, and sour cream and chive fries.
No need to rush your meal to get to the ballpark. Saz’s offers shuttle service to all home Brewer games for patrons. Once you finish dining, hop aboard the shuttle and fly to American Family Field.
1 p.m. – Fielder’s Choice – Milwaukee Brewers or Lake Country Flying Monkeys
1:10 p.m. – Milwaukee Brewers vs. Cincinnati Reds
This, the N.L. Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers take on division foes the Cincinnati Reds on Father’s Day. The Crew will rep special jerseys and hats to mark the occasion, and the first 10,000 fans in attendance will receive a Milwaukee Brewers brewmaster shirt. Take Dad out to the ball game to see the upstart, division-leading Crew as they look to clinch another Father’s Day win in front of the home crowd.
OR
1:05 p.m. – Lake Country DockHounds vs. Cleburne Railroaders
Across town, the Lake Country DockHounds are set to face off against the Cleburne Railroaders at Wisconsin Brewing Company Stadium in Oconomowoc. On Friday, June 14, through Sunday, June 16, the DockHounds will magically transform into the Flying Monkeys for a weekend of alter ego-inspired fun. The whimsical special theme weekend includes alternate jerseys, limited edition merch, and so much more.
5:30 p.m. – Dinner at Vientiane Noodle Shop
As featured in “Good Things Brewing,” Vientiane Noodle Shop has been a staple of the Silver City community for more than 20 years. The restaurant features authentic Laotian and Asian-inspired dishes, including dishes like the Phan Khao Poon wrap (beef, egg rolls, vermicelli noodles and fresh veggies), in addition to pan-pan fried noodles, fried rice, and so much more. Less than two miles from American Family Field, Vientiane Noodle Shop is a great place to celebrate a big Brewers W.
Bonus: 4:05 – 8:15 p.m. – Tour of America’s Dairyland Manitowoc Maritime Bay Classic
For the dad whose energetic passion for sports has no end, if you have a little extra time on your hands, you can make it up to Manitowoc for the Tour of America’s Dairyland Manitowoc Maritime Bay Classic. The 0.72-mile criterion road race is part of the grueling 11-day, 11-stage race, which takes cyclists across some of Wisconsin’s most challenging landscape, creating an exhilarating experience for fans and participants alike.
Fun for the Whole Fam: Family Fun Around Town
A Father’s Day with fun for everyone! We’ve got you covered with a day for Dad and the whole crew to do together in Milwaukee.
8 a.m. – Breakfast at Fuel Café
Why’d the motorcycle tip over? It was too tired! (*Pause for laughter*) Fuel Café is a motorcycle enthusiast’s dream with a killer brunch. The Walker’s Point restaurant includes classic brunch dishes with eggs and bacon with a side of perfectly seasoned breakfast potatoes, alongside dishes like cauliflower wings and a menu item titled “bacon crack,” thick cut, double-smoked bacon, brown sugar and cracked black peppercorn, a flavor combination that truly must be savored to be understood.
9:30 a.m. – Father’s Day at the Milwaukee County Zoo
Take Dad for a walk on the wild side at the Milwaukee County Zoo. In celebration of Father’s Day, all dads get in free on Sunday. Stop by and say hi to your favorite animal dads and their offspring throughout the zoo’s 190 acres, including Kudu Hasani and his offspring, Chula.
Noon – 3 p.m. Father’s Day Tournament at First and Bowl
At First and Bowl, Father’s Day Fun is the goal. Enjoy an afternoon Father's Day Tournament loaded with fun activities, a side of hybrid sports, and free pizza in Wauwatosa. Events kick off at noon with a fun family rivalry game of dodgeball, kids vs. fathers, before a game of whiffle ball. Finally, to close out the afternoon, the wonderfully unique sport of football bowling combines elements of football, bowling and bags to create a game that everyone in the family can enjoy.
3:30 p.m. – Harley-Davidson Museum
Rev up the fam for a fun-filled afternoon at the Harley-Davidson Museum with free admission for dads on Father’s Day. The 20-acre museum campus is loaded with history and fun for the whole family as you explore the city’s iconic bike brand. With more than 450 Harley-Davidson Motorcycles throughout the two-story gallery, check out Serial Number 1, the evolution of H-D’s style through the years, and so much more before visiting the Imagination Station, which features games, puzzles and even a dress-up station. Then, be sure to stop by the Experience Gallery to hop on a real Harley-Davidson Motorcycle and snap a few family pics.
5:30 p.m. – Dinner at MOTOR Bar & Restaurant
Is someone’s stomach rumbling? Well, lucky for you, MOTOR Bar & Restaurant isn’t more than a few steps away. The restaurant is hosting a noon Father’s Day Beer-BQ with five beer and food pairings featuring Indeed Brewing beer and bites from MOTOR. For dinner, the restaurant offers a sensational BBQ, mac and cheese, burgers, and a kid's menu with meals for just $9.99. Roll on in from your motorcycle marveling and find your fuel at MOTOR Bar & Restaurant.
7 p.m. – Desert at Kopp’s Frozen Custard
What would a family outing be without a scoop or two (or three if you’re geared up for a massive sugar rush) of frozen custard at Kopp’s Frozen Custard in Glendale, Greendale or Brookfield? With Dad-forward flavors of Nuts for Daddy (Beer nuts, beer nuts, beer nuts, in a rich caramel malt custard with ribbons of special hardening chocolate) and pretzels & beer flavor (Root Beer flavored custard with white chocolate-covered pretzels), alongside the classics of chocolate and vanilla, Kopp’s is the perfect place to close out Father’s Day in Milwaukee.
The Classic: Relaxing Day with Dad
A big day out may not be how Dad rolls. Instead, maybe he prefers a chill day in is exactly how he wants to spend this Father’s Day. Even so, there are still plenty of ways to make the day special.
Noon – Cookout
Even the simplest Father’s Day celebrations can make Dad’s day with just a few simple touches. A hallmark Father’s Day staple is an informal cookout with the fam, and this year, you can add a special Milwaukee flair with some iconic Milwaukee fare. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make Dad’s day:
- A Cream City staple, you can’t have a party without a cheese plate from The Village Cheese Shop or Wisconsin Cheese Mart.
- Sizzling brats on a summer afternoon is a match made in Milwaukee! Swing by your local supermarket to pick up Usinger’s Sausage for brats that range from Cajun to cheddar and jalapeno, and of course, the classic fresh bratwurst.
- Salad, buns and fresh deli meats from Glorioso’s.
- Ice cold beer from one of Milwaukee’s local craft breweries.
- For dessert, seek a special sweet treat at one of the city’s many chocolatiers, ice cream shops or bakeries, such as Ultimate Confections, Delicious Bites, Sweetly Baked or Purple Door Ice Cream.
- Hosting a brunch? Don’t forget the donuts! Stop by bakeries like Cranky Al’s or Mochinut Donuts at Bayshore for everyone’s favorite breakfast bite.
If you’d prefer to leave the cooking to the professionals, Sendik's Catering has everything you’re looking for and more to make this Father’s Day fun and easy.
1:10 – Milwaukee Brewers vs. Cincinnati Reds (TV or radio)
You can watch the Crew go yard from your yard! Just tune your radio to the dulcet tones of Bob Uecker on the call or watch it on TV as the Milwaukee Brewers take on the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field. Kick back, relax and soak up a perfectly planned Father’s Day with Dad.
Plan your Father's Day getaway and book your stay today!
