High-Fives and Hugs: Celebrating Dads in Downtown Arlington

You know what Dad really wants for Father’s Day this year? He wants to spend time with you, kicking back over a great meal or telling a few Dad jokes* or discovering something new together or laughing about that time when…

We’ve got all that and more in Downtown Arlington. In no particular order, here are our Top Eight ideas for hanging out with Dad on Father’s Day. Or any day.

Relive old glories. Arcade games, listening to records and comics were Dad’s jams back in the day. Instead of talking about times gone by, let Dad show you at Free Play Arcade, Truth Vinyl and Growl.

Pampered Papa. Take Dad shopping for his new favorite tie at The Man’s Shop. Wally Hardin and his team know how to impress the pickiest client with old-school customer service and on-trend fashion advice. Want to pamper Dad from head to toe? After a visit to The Man’s Shop, take him to Legendz Classic Barbershop or 817 Barbershop.

Cheers to Dad. Now that you’re older, how about taking Dad out for a pint or his favorite cocktail? There are plenty of options in Downtown Arlington, including the tasting rooms at Legal Draft Beer Co. and Division Brewing; On Tap and Kool Keg for dozens of unique beers on tap; and Hooligan’s Pub and 4 Kahunas Tiki Lounge for some serious mixology magic.

Bust a belly. Satisfy even the hungriest Papa Bear in your family with locally-owned, one-of-a-kind dining options in Downtown. The Tipsy Oak delivers on its promise of elevated bar food, while Urban Alchemy Coffee + Wine Bar and The Sanford House’s restaurant 506 serve up artisan fare. Flying Fish, Babe’s Chicken, Mellow Mushroom and Twisted Root are other chow-down, hands-down favorites.

Get his toes tapping. Here’s a great idea: pair a night of free music under the stars at the Levitt Pavilion with Dad’s favorite comfort food to go. Old School Pizza Tavern, maybe? Or Jack’s Chicken Shack? Or Fuzzy’s Tacos? All within walking distance of the Levitt’s lawn.

More toe-tapping combos. When was the last time Dad hung out and listened to live music? Whether it was last weekend or not since the 90’s, show him a great time at Arlington Music Hall, Grease Monkey Burger Shop and Social Club, Cartel Taco Shop, J.R. Bentley’s, J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill, or any of Downtown’s awesome indoor music destinations.

Peak performance. Ready for an urban adventure? Take Dad indoor rock-climbing at Dyno-Rock or try your hand at indoor axe-throwing at the soon-to-be open Lone Star Axe Throwing.

Love Dad to the moon. Now you can reserve tickets in advance to see an out-of-this-world star show at the UTA Planetarium, one of the three largest planetariums in Texas.

*A Few Dad Jokes

What time did the man go to the dentist?

Tooth hurt-y.

I had a dream that I was a muffler last night. I woke up exhausted.

Me: “Dad, make me a sandwich!”

Dad: “Poof, You’re a sandwich!”

Two guys walk into a bar, the third one ducks.

Why do chicken coops only have two doors?

Because if they had four, they would be chicken sedans.

I used to have a job at a calendar factory but I got the sack because I took a couple of days off.

Click here for more Dad Jokes courtesy of BuzzFeed.

Getting Around Downtown

Don’t let the construction work on Abram St. get you down. There’s still plenty of free street parking and the garage at 101 Center. Download Waze for free and see real-time traffic, find optimal routes, and avoid road closures. Or skip parking altogether and hail Via Arlington ride share for only $3, Uber, or Lyft.

About Downtown Arlington

Designated by the State of Texas as the Arlington Cultural District, Downtown Arlington blends a unique mix of activities, sights, tastes and sounds that attract visitors and locals alike. Within its less than a two-mile radius, Downtown is home to a top tier public research university, prolific fine and performing artists and arts institutions, live entertainment, exciting NCAA and professional athletics, one-of-a-kind dining and retail, and a supportive business climate. Be the first to know about the latest Downtown Arlington news and events! Subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and tag us with @DTArlington.