Father’s Day events in New England
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Still searching for the perfect place to take your old man on Father’s Day? From antique car shows to complimentary rounds of golf, New England has a ton of fun activities for your dad to enjoy on his special day. Check out some of these family-friendly events going on around the region this Father’s Day weekend. — Matt Juul/Boston.com correspondent
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Catch a Pawtucket Red Sox game
Pawtucket, R.I.
The Red Sox may be down in Baltimore this Father’s Day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t treat dad to a ball game. Head to McCoy Stadium on June 16 and catch the Sox’s Triple A affiliate take on the Buffalo Bisons.
The club will also be hosting Father’s Day activities prior to the game, including letting families have a catch with dad on the field and a special all-you-can-eat BBQ.
Tickets to the pre-game festivities also double as general admission tickets to the game, but must be purchased in advanced. $26 for adults, $20 for chikdren 12 and under. Kids under 2 are free.
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Rock out at the Maine Blues Festival
Naples, Maine
If your dad loves rocking out to the likes of B.B. King or Muddy Waters, then he’ll definitely enjoy this year’s Maine Blues Festival. The three day event, held from June 14-16, will feature a host of local and national blues artists and, of course, plenty of food and drink vendors.
Tickets are $12 if purchased in advanced, $16 the day of the festival. Children 12 and under are free.
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Outdoor fun at Brownstone Park
Portland, Conn.
Is your old man is the adventurous type? Then head over to Brownstone Park for a day of rock climbing, zip lining and more. June 15-16, the park will be offering half-priced admission for dads with purchase of a specialty pizza lunch.
Brownstone is also bringing back its cliff chipping contest this Father’s Day weekend. Each visitor with paid admission will get a chance to hit a golf ball off an 80 foot cliff. Land it in the floating green for a chance to win a free round of golf for four.
Admission varies by activity, check the website for details.
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Visit the Franklin Park Zoo
Boston
The Franklin Park Zoo will be offering free admission to all fathers on June 16. Be sure to check out the zoo’s resident dads such as Kitombe, a western lowland gorilla, and his daughters (pictured).
The Stone Zoo in Stoneham will also be offering complimentary admission to dads on Father’s Day.
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Climb into a cockpit
Windsor Locks, Conn.
The New England Air Museum will be hosting its next “Open Cockpit Sunday’’ this Father’s Day. Grab dad and climb aboard one of the museum’s 10 vintage aircrafts or take a ride in the flight simulator. A pair of luxury cars on loan from Lime Rock Park will also be on site.
Admission is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors and $6.50 for children ages 4-11. Kids 3 and under are free.
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Free admission at Maine’s state parks
Maine
If your dad like to hike or mountain bike, then spend Father’s Day having fun outdoors at one of Maine’s many scenic spots. All state parks and historical sites in the Pine Tree State will be offering free admission to Maine residents on June 16.
Baxter State Park and the Penobscot Narrows Observatory not included. Only vehicles with Maine license plates will receive free entrance.
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Cruise around Boston
Boston
Spirit Cruises will be offering both lunch and dinner cruises on June 16, so take dad on a scenic trip around Boston Harbor this Father’s Day. The relaxing, maritime voyages will feature a live DJ as well as a buffet. There will also be an open soda and juice bar, an ice cream sundae bar and goodie bags for the kids during the lunch time cruise.
Reservations required. Prices vary, check the website for details.
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Free golf and ziplining for dad
Bretton Woods, N.H.
The Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods has a pair of exciting deals this Father’s Day. Dad can get a free round of golf at the Mount Washington and Mount Pleasant courses or a complimentary zipline ride with the purchase of an accompanying round of golf or canopy tour.
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Watch a lumberjack competition
East Burke, Vt.
Head up to East Burke this Father’s Day for the 5th Annual Vermont Invitational Lumberjack Competition. The event will feature championship lumberjacks from New England and abroad competing in a variety of events and will also include delicious barbeque.
Admission is $5 per person, children 8 and under are free.
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Pig out at the Rock’n Ribfest
Merrimack, N.H.
Skip the usual Father’s Day brunch fare and head to Merrimack for this year’s Rock’n Ribfest. The three day event, held from June 14-16, will feature mouthwatering ribs from some of New England’s top barbecue spots, including Boston’s famed Big Moe’s M&M Barbeque (pictured).
Admission is $7 if purchased online, $10 at the gate.
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Check out antique cars
Hyannis
Take dad on a drive down memory lane at the 19th Annual Father’s Day Car Show. Over 50,000 spectators are expected to attend this year’s event, which will feature approximately 350 different antique cars.
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Take a golf and yoga workshop
Stratton, Vt.
For the dad that is serious about upping his golf game, Stratton Mountain will be hosting a golf and yoga workshop, June 14-16. The two-day retreat combines yoga inspired flexibility and core strength exercises with traditional golf school program instruction.
$599 per person, lodging not included.
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