5 Ways to Spend Father's Day in Montgomery County

For those who may have forgotten, this Sunday (June 19, 2011), is Father’s Day! If you’re like me, you would like to do something nice for your father this year, but the typical card and box of golf balls seems to be getting repetitive. I’m sure fathers would be grateful for any gift given to them, but most would likely prefer to spend quality time with their children if given the option. Like the old saying when giving a gift, “It’s not the price, but the idea that counts”. To save you the hassle, we’ve scouted out the special events going on this weekend for Father’s Day around Montgomery County. Below are a variety of ideas to make this Father’s Day a special one.

Enjoy Nature: Weather permitting, spending time in the great outdoors is always a good idea. Throughout the county, there are a number of lakes, rivers, and ponds that offer public fishing. These include the Perkiomen Creek @ Central Perkiomen Valley Park, the lakes @ Green Lane Park, Penny Pack Creek @ Lorimer Park, and the stream @ Norristown Farm Park.

If reptiles are of interest, Upper Schuylkill Valley Park is featuring the “Snakes Alive!” program at its park from 1-3PM on Father’s Day. To learn about snakes and their natural habitat, pre-register by calling (610) 948-5170.

Sample Local Brewery Beers: For those of legal drinking age, taking your father on a local brewery tour could be a great way to score some points. On Saturday the 18^th, the Slyfox Brewery in Royersford offers a free guided tour where visitors get to “see and smell the full brewing experience.”

Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant in North Wales also features its own brand of brewed beer. Stop by 1-9PM this Father’s Day for the Sunday Prime Time special. For $19.95 one receives salad or soup + glass of house beer or wine + choice of Roast Prime Rib of Beef au Jus or Pan Seared North Atlantic Salmon.

Relive History: Geared towards those history-buff fathers, Graeme Park is hosting a Father’s Day Lunch as well as living history demonstrations around the park grounds. This 42 acre historic park off of County Line Road in Horsham features the 18^th century governor’s mansion called the Keith House. The lunch includes an all-you-can-eat buffet of pulled pork and sausage sandwiches, hot dogs, and assorted side dishes beginning at 12 noon. The event also features a magic and comedy act at 1pm as well as a guided tour of the mansion at 2PM.

Courtesy of Friends of Graeme Park

Go Camping: This long time father/son tradition definitely needs to be added to the list. This year Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown has organized a Father’s Day Campout in the zoo on Friday, June 17^th. This overnight adventure includes a BBQ cookout, crafts, animal presentation and breakfast the following morning.

For a more traditional camping trip in Montgomery County, Deep Creek Campground in Green Lane Park offers family camping along with various other recreational activities.

Build Something: Building anything can be a rewarding experience, especially if it’s done with friends or family. Whether it be a bird house, model car, spice rack, or even an addition to your house, a project with your father could turn out to be a positive learning experience. On Saturday, June 18^th area Home Depots are holding a special Father’s Day Workshop from 9AM-12PM. Designed for children 5-12 years old, this workshop teach attendants how to build small toolboxes.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]