Heather Rafanello 
Father’s Day comes only once a year, but Dads, uncles, grandfathers, and all types of father figures deserve far more celebrating than just that. Core memories are significant memories, often from childhood, that impact how we understand ourselves and the world. So, when thinking about how to find things to do with dad for Father’s Day, think about those core memories. To make things a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of local spots to recreate some of those childhood memories with Dad this Father’s Day.
Hoboken
Fitness in the Park
Fitness in the Park is one of the most popular summer happenings in the Mile Square, and it will return for the 2026 season. The 2025 lineup was announced in early June last year, so be on the lookout for the lineup of outdoor fitness classes that run throughout the summer. Attendees can get healthy and create memories by bringing Dad to an outdoor fitness class.
Last year, local fitness studios, including YogaRenew, CKO Kickboxing, Ken Pilates, and more, hosted classes at Pier A Park, Southwest Park, and Northwest Resiliency Park.
Gravity Vault | 1423 Clinton Street
Photo Credit: Gravity Vault
Climbers and Dads can help their relationships climb to new heights at this 25,000 square foot climbing facility. This is a great spot for both new and experienced climbers. Gravity Vault has private lessons, kids programs, memberships, and parties.
Reservations are required for new climbers who don’t know how to belay and manage the ropes. Reservations can be made by calling 201-740-1423.
Hoboken Cove Community Boat House | Intersection of Frank Sinatra Drive + Maxwell Place
Hoboken is home to New Jersey’s largest free paddling program, which is an all-volunteer non-profit organization called Hoboken Cove Community Boat House. The community has a private cove for paddlers to safely explore the water and enjoy unobstructed, front-row views of the city skylines. For the adventure seekers, the group also has River trips and outrigger canoe paddling trips.
No reservations are required, though if preferred, there are limited reservation slots that are released four days before each paddle day. There is no minimum age, though minors must have an adult present. This is also a pet-friendly activity, and while it is completely free, donations are greatly appreciated.
Hoboken Historical Museum | 1301 Hudson Street
Visitors can explore the rich history of the Mile Square City through the museum’s thought-provoking exhibitions and interactive workshops. If Dad is a history buff, this spot is sure to make him smile. After visiting the museum, take Dad on the museum’s self-guided Sinatra Walking Tour.
The museum is open six days a week and is located in one of the oldest buildings on the Hoboken waterfront. Admission is $5, and the Museum hosts a variety of lectures, films, tours, family fun programs, and more throughout the year.
Read More: The Best Restaurants With a Waterfront View in Hoboken + Jersey City
Hudson Golf | 16 Hudson Place
This venue has it all: five Trackman technology bays, a full-service bar, and an elevated bar menu full of fresh, house-made bites. Whether golf is a childhood pastime or a new adventure, this spot is sure to swing up some fond memories.
The bays, which can accommodate up to eight golfers at a time, can be reserved online up to seven days in advance and are rented out by the hour. The bar is fully accessible even without a reservation. Hudson Golf welcomes children of all ages, however, guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Hudson Sportfishing | Hoboken
This new business was founded by a Hoboken local, and father, Billy Mensch. He created Hudson Sportfishing to create memorable fishing experiences, regardless of skill level, by providing equipment and local expertise. Billy has taken his childhood memories of fishing at the Jersey Shore and brought them to the Mile Square City.
Pier trips can be booked for one, two, or three hours on the Hudson Sportfishing website.
Hudson Table | 1403 Clinton Street
Let Dad pretend that he’s Carmen, played by Jeremy Allen White, in The Bear this Father’s Day with a cooking experience at Hudson Table. ‘Yes, chef,’ your way to being his favorite child quickly at this interactive culinary studio. Gather the family because reservations are for groups of three to five people, and everyone should plan to get involved in the meal prep. After the meal is prepared, the class gathers around the table for a communal meal.
Classes and events can be booked through the website, which is where the full events calendar can also be found.
Leo’s Grandevous | 200 Grand Street
Like Dad, Leo’s Grandevous is an old-school classic. This spot has been a staple in Hoboken since 1939 and is Hoboken’s oldest family-owned restaurant, making it a great place to celebrate the family man himself, Dad. Leo’s is filled with Hoboken history for Dad to enjoy. Frank Sinatra, his band, and crew would frequent Leo’s so often that the restaurant became known as his hangout until he moved.
Play! Hoboken | 1012 Grand Street
Play! Hoboken is a Dad’s indoor playground – golf, billiards, bowling, ping-pong, air hockey, pinball, board games, darts, the list goes on.
Reservations are not required but are recommended for groups or to guarantee a specific attraction. Reservations and booking inquiries can be made at playhoboken.com/booking.
Jersey City
Aerow Archery | 98 Forrest Street
The most important rule at Aerow Archery (aside from safety) is to have a blast! The 8,000 square foot range is the largest in Jersey City, and features 24 lanes. Visitors can also choose to immerse themselves in a one-of-a-kind archery experience by booking an exciting introductory class on horse bow archery.
Reservations are required because each booking is for 1 lane per person; there’s no sharing.
Beyond the Plate Food Tours | Downtown + The Heights
This food and walking tour is perfect for foodie fathers. Founded by Alessia Aron, Beyond the Plate Food Tours has been a top food and drink experience in Jersey City for over 10 years. Dad is the real VIP, so treat him to a VIP culinary experience. Leave the planning to the pros, and enjoy being a tourist for the day with Dad.
How it works: Pick between a private or public tour, pick between a Jersey City Heights or Downtown Jersey City tour (tours are also available in Somerville or Red Bank), and savor the experience led by a local guide. 2.5-hour walking tours start at $91 and include all food at 4-5 restaurants, and select drinks at multiple restaurants.
Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal | 1 Audrey Zapp Drive
Built in 1889, the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal remains a cornerstone of Liberty State Park. It is not only a landmark in the state, but also a national historic site known for its distinctive architecture and rich history. Pack some lunch, and spend the afternoon enjoying the views and the immersive history that the CCRNJ has to offer.
There is no entry fee for Liberty State Park, and visitors can explore the terminal on their own. However, pre-registration is required for all history programming because space is limited. To receive a schedule or for more information, contact the Nature Center at 201-915-3400 x503 or email [email protected].
Departed Soles Brewery | 150 Bay Street
This one is for the dads who enjoy a cold one, including the gluten-free fathers, because yes, this spot has gluten-free beer (and it was ranked as a top GF beer in the USA). Departed Soles was the first brewery and tasting room in Jersey City, opening 10 years ago. In addition to the tasting room, the bar hosts trivia nights, movie nights, live music, and various other meetups – there’s something for every dad to enjoy.
The Brewery and Tasting Room has indoor and heated outdoor seating, and if dad likes the beer, he can get some to go. Reservations are not required, and while the brewery is family and pet-friendly, it has an under-21 policy, which can be found on the website.
Liberty Science Center | 222 Jersey City Boulevard
This one is for the out-of-this-world dad. The Liberty Science Center is an interactive science museum that is located within Liberty State Park. Fun fact: When it opened, it was the largest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, and the fourth largest in the world. This 300,000-square-foot learning center houses 12 exhibition halls, 110 live animal species, giant aquariums, a 3D theater, simulations, the Western Hemisphere’s biggest planetarium, and a dome theater.
While LSC is extremely family-friendly, it also hosts LSC After Dark hours weekly for an adults-only immersive experience. LSC strongly recommends that visitors purchase tickets online in advance, as tickets may not be available on site.
RPM Raceway | 99 Caven Point Road
A world-class racing experience for a world-class Dad. The multilevel LED tracks at RPM Raceway make for an exhilarating experience. If the memories aren’t enough, winners can take their rightful place on the podium and snap a pic to remember the moment forever! In addition to the bowling alley, virtual reality (VR) simulators will surely provide ample entertainment and memories to last a lifetime.
Racing operates strictly on a first-come, first-served basis; reservations are not necessary, but are recommended for groups or to guarantee availability.
Sea the City | 84 Audrey Zapp Drive
There are so many aquatic activities in Hudson County, but we’d bet that traveling down the Hudson River in a hot tub is not something that Dad has done before. If a hot tub tour isn’t his style, Sea The City is the #1 rated jet ski tour in NYC, and the largest tour operator in the NY Harbor. Jet ski tours provide spectacular views of iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Guests can book a one-hour or two-and-a-half-hour tour via the Sea the City website. No experience is necessary, but drivers must be 18+, and riders must be 12+.
Tutu School | 499 Palisade Avenue
Photo Credit: Tutu School
Tutu School is a boutique ballet school for toddlers and children, founded on the principle that “Every child should know what it feels like to dance.” First-time dancers can try a free trial class, quite literally making this a priceless experience, and we can’t think of a sweeter core memory than dancing with Dad for Father’s Day.
Victory Point | 112 Brunswick Street
If dad is a gamer, this go-to destination for all things board games and trading cards is a must. Victory Point is both BYOB and BYOF (bring your own food – outside food is allowed). Here, gamers can host a game night without having to do the hosting. Bring dad, drinks, and food to play some games and hang out. They also host murder mystery nights and other themed nights.
The events calendar is full of fun activities, and free Play reservations can be made on the Victory Point website, which allows players to reserve seats in the play area – the listed price is per person for the whole evening.
White Eagle Hall | 337 Newark Avenue
The newly restored and renovated historic theater has it all – two onsite restaurants – Cellar 335, and Madame – and a slew of events from live music, to comedy shows, and a candlelight orchestra performance.
The events calendar and tickets can be purchased on the White Eagle Hall website, and dinner reservations are recommended for both of the onsite restaurants.
See More: A Guide to Spring + Summer Flea Markets at the Jersey Shore
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