Looking for a great gift or activity that your father will enjoy this year? Check out our list of 20 ideas for Father’s Day, and you’re sure to find something he’ll enjoy!
TRAVEL DEALS: Be sure to check out our Central Florida Travel Deals at VisitCentralFlorida.org/travel-deals where you will find discounts for many of the places below.
Click each idea (listed in no particular order) for more information.
1. Golf
Is your dad into golfing? Treat him to a round at one of Polk County’s 30+ public access courses surrounded by natural scenery including the critically-acclaimed Streamsong Resort in Streamsong as well as The Club at Eaglebrooke in Lakeland, Highlands Reserve in Davenport and Southern Dunes in Haines City.
2. Explore Nature
Enjoy the natural side of Polk County as you and your father embark upon a nature journey at Colt Creek State Park, Circle B Bar Reserve, Lake Kissimmee State Park, Mosaic Peace River Park or any of the 37 nature parks located within Polk where you’re sure to spot native plants and wildlife.
3. 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.
4. Airboat Tours
Airboat rides are an excellent way to stay cool while experiencing nature in Polk County with a number of different companies that offer airboat rides, and a perfect idea for dads.
5. Lakeland Flying Tigers
Take dad “out to the ball game”, and enjoy daily promotions such as $1 Mondays, All-You-Can-Eat Wednesdays, fireworks on Saturdays, and more! Lakeland’s Minor League Baseball team, the Lakeland Flying Tigers, play their home games at Joker Marchant Stadium April-August, which also doubles as the Detroit Tigers’ spring training home. For tickets, visit LakelandFlyingTigers.com.
6. Streamsong Resort
Treat dad to luxury at Florida’s newest premier golf resort. Streamsong features two 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.
7. Lake Kissimmee Segway Tours
Looking for a different idea this year? Back Trail Adventures of Florida allows you to experience, a Segway x2 Personal Transporter, as you glide through the pristine Florida landscape of Lake Kissimmee State Park in Lake Wales.
8. Kayak/Boat Rentals
Rent a boat 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 boat rental outfitters make it easy to get on the water.
9.Shooting Ranges
Is your dad into shooting ranges or archery? Polk houses shooting and archery ranges throughout the county including one of the top shooting ranges in the U.S., the Universal Shooting Academy in Frostproof as well as other ranges as Tenoroc Shooting in Lakeland, Imperial Polk Gun Club in Winter Haven, Leadfeather Guns and Archery in Winter Haven and Shoot Straight in Lakeland.
10. Action Paintball
Why not treat your dad to a game of paintball, the nation’s fastest-growing extreme sport, this year at Action Paintball in Winter Haven? Walk-ons are always welcome at Action Paintball, and a friendly ref is on staff to organize games and help new players.
11. Absolute Aqua Sports
How about treating dad to a thrilling new experience? Rocket 45 feet out of the water, swim like a dolphin, or surf the sky, riding a Flyboard, the hottest new extreme watersport, for an experience like none other.
12. Off the Wall Adventures
Off the Wall Adventures could be the perfect idea for dad with a sprawling athletic complex located in Lakeland that includes a heated swimming pool, paintball field, and batting cages. hit the batting cages?
13. Preston Aviation Biplane Rides
Think your dad is in for a thrill this Father’s Day? Give the gift of flight with Preston Aviation’s features biplane rides and instruction in a Boeing Stearman and Piper J3 Cub at the Winter Haven Municipal Airport.
14. Westgate River Ranch
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 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.
15. Cycling
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, BeFly Bike Tours, LeRoy’s Bikeworks and Road and Trail Bicycles offer an assortment of rentals.
16. Skydive Lake Wales
Craving adventure this Father’s Day? Bring your father to Skydive Lake Wales which 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.
17. Dining
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.
18. Central Florida Street Rod Association’s Father’s Day Rod Run
Attend the Father’s Day Rod Run, a 26 year tradition for the Central Florida Street Rod Association and its attendees. Start your own tradition this year when you stop by this two-day car show at The Magnuson Grand Cypress Hotel in Winter Haven that starts on the Friday prior to Father’s Day and ends on the Saturday prior to Father’s day. You’ll find games, food, raffles, silent auctions, a DJ, and plenty of cool cars.
19. Andy Thornal
Andy Thornal 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.
20. Paddleboard Winter Haven
Get out on the water this Father’s Day! Paddleboard Winter Haven offers private paddleboard parties, corporate “board” meetings, paddleboard adventure trips, and Paddlefit workouts. Paddleboard Winter Haven even offers two stand up paddleboards that are rigged for fishing with a rod holder, anchor, and cargo net.
Which activities listed here do you think your dad would enjoy most?
