Things To Do On Father’s Day in Southern California

Father’s Day may not receive as much attention as Mother’s Day, but it remains a significant occasion to honor fathers worldwide. While a card or a phone call may suffice for most dads, we have compiled a list of activities to make this day even more special for your dad and put a smile on his face. Father’s Day is Sunday, June 15, 2025.

Southern California Railway Museum: Ride a Train

Check out the Orange Empire Railway Museum if you’re in Perris, CA, this Father’s Day weekend. You’ll ride on some of the museum’s biggest trolley cars, including the Big Red Cars. On Sunday, treat Dad to a fun day out and enjoy riding the rails together. Trains will be running from 11 am to 5 pm.

Knott’s Berry Farm: Fun Rides & Chicken Dinner

Are you looking for a perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day? Consider visiting Knott’s Berry Farm, where you can enjoy a variety of thrilling rides and indulgent meals, including the famous Knott’s Berry Farm Chicken Dinner. With affordable ticket prices and family discounts, it’s an excellent choice for a fun-filled day with your loved ones.

USS Iowa Battleship: Check Out The Big Guns

Embark on a captivating journey aboard the colossal vessel stationed at the Los Angeles Harbor.  Self-guided tours enable guests to explore the seven decks of this massive ship. One of the main attractions is the huge 16-inch guns on the main deck. These guns could fire shells weighing up to 2700 pounds and hitting targets over 20 miles away.

Goat Hill Junction, Costa Mesa Free Train Rides

Are you looking for a fun and affordable family adventure? Look no further than Goat Hill Junction, which offers free train rides on the third weekend of every month. And with Father’s Day falling on that same weekend, it’s the perfect way to celebrate Dad’s special day. Afterward, consider visiting Huntington or Newport Beach to cap off the festivities.

Palm Springs Tramway: Take Dad to New Heights

For an exciting yet safe adventure to enjoy with your father? Look no further than the rotating Tram that takes passengers up 8,516 feet to the peak of Mount San Jacinto. Along with this thrilling experience, Palm Springs offers many nearby attractions and dining options for a perfect day with Dad.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park: Take Dad on A Safari

Take Dad on an African Safari without leaving Southern California. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is situated in a secluded inland valley, where lions, tigers, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, and gazelles roam. Visitors can observe animals roaming freely in an environment that closely mimics their natural habitat, surpassing the experience offered by traditional zoos.

Not Sure What To Do on Father’s Day? Try These Free Things

We’ve put together a list of affordable or free activities to enjoy in Southern California. Discover Chinatown in downtown Los Angeles, immerse yourself in nature at the Bolsa Chica Wetlands, or drive along the Pacific Coast Highway to the Point Dume Nature Preserve. Consider taking your dad out on a Saturday to avoid lengthy restaurant waits.

Wild Rivers Irvine

Looking for a fun way to celebrate Father’s Day? Consider cooling off at Wild Rivers water park in Irvine, California. After being closed for ten years, the park has reopened in a new location that’s even bigger and better. With 20 acres and 20 exciting rides,  Wild Rivers features a variety of attractions, including 20 rides, three dining options, and a 1940s South Pacific theme that combines nostalgia with modern technology.

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