Eight Things To Do With Dad on Father's Day

(Phot0 of the Odyssey by Entertainment Cruises)

It’s time to celebrate dad again! We know … we should be celebrating dad all year long. But since most of us often forget to show our appreciation for the ones we care for most, we need days like June 17 to focus on pops.

But, what to do for Father’s Day in Boston?

It’s no easy task, coming up with a memorable day for the man who raised you. It has to be special, and it has to be fun. But fear not. There are plenty of ways to treat dad to a fun-filled day in Boston — not to mention that there are tons of places to eat and gifts to buy for him. Whether he wants to get active or unwind, there’s something for every dad this Father’s Day.

Boston Harbor Cruise
Spend a day on the water with the whole family. The Odyssey and Spirit of Boston cruise ships set sail around the Boston Harbor for a few hours of relaxation and spectacular views. On Father’s Day, go for a brunch buffet with an ice-cream bar that will keep the kids entertained while dad relaxes and enjoys the views and the atmosphere. The cruises set sail for a two-hour getaway.
Entertainment Cruises, 200 Seaport Blvd., Boston. $35.95-$59.90. Info at entertainmentcruises.com.

Cirque du Soleil
Take dad out for a night of spectacular entertainment as the renowned Cirque du Soleil acrobats perform incredible acts that center around the theme of man’s evolution.
June 10-July 17. Boston Marine Industrial Park on the Waterfront, 22 Dry Doc k Ave., Boston. Tickets are $48.50-$153.50, available at cirquedusoleil.com.

Deep Sea Fishing
There’s no better way to bond with dad than on a fishing adventure. Whether you are seasoned pros — or if you’ve never picked up a rod — charters such as C.J. Victoria’s Fishing Charters in Winthrop provide you everything you need, so you can relax and enjoy the day together.
C.J. Victoria Fishing Charters, 707 Shirley St., Winthrop. Half day: $550; three-quarter day: $650; full day: $1,100. Book online at cjvictoria.com.

Canoe or Kayak on the Charles River
If dad is an outdoorsman, a Charles River canoe or kayak trip makes for a perfect Father’s Day. Charles River Canoe and Kayak offers locations along the Charles River to rent your vessel of choice. Renters can do a round-trip adventure or choose a one-way rental to its Cambridge location. All that rowing can work up an appetite. Canoe and Kayak also does barbecue tours. A barbecue will be held at the Cambridge location Saturday, June 16. Why limit the Father’s Day fun to one day?
Charles River Canoe and Kayak, 1071 Soldier’s Field Road, Boston. Canoe, $17/hour; kayak, $15/hour. Rent on site or make a group reservation at paddleboston.com.

Climb the Bunker Hill Monument
Calling all history buffs: Enjoy a day at the Bunker Hill Monument on June 17, the anniversary of The Battle of Bunker Hill, which took place in 1775. What better way to commemorate the battle than by climbing the monument’s 294 steps?
Bunker Hill Monument, Monument Square, Charlestown. Free admission, open daily 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. cityofboston.gov.

Walk the Boston Sports Trail
The Sox are away this year on Father’s Day, but that doesn’t mean he can’t enjoy some Boston fandom outside the ballpark. Take dad to the Boston Sports Trail. This GPS-guided tour, which you can download here, guides you to sites such as the Boston Sports Museum, Fenway Park, and the Mathews Arena. No GPS? No problem. A map of the tour and all the tour stops can be found here.
GPS tour, download at boston.com. For a list of tour stops, visit geovative.com.

Emerge Spa
We’ve all caused a gray hair or two. Make good at the Men’s Club at Emerge Spa on Newbury Street. The spa is offering a special Father’s Day package for $155, which includes a Swedish massage and expert shave.
Emerge Spa, 275 Newbury St., Boston. Book online at emergespasalon.com.

Tour of Harpoon Brewery
Beer is perfect for Father’s Day, but free beer? Even Better. Head over to Harpoon Brewery for a tour that includes a free UFO beer tasting at the end, and check out the brewery store for some Harpoon merchandise.
Harpoon Brewery, 306 Northern Ave., Boston. Open Sunday 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. harpoonbrewery.com. Tours are $5 and start every half hour.