Best Activities To Do With Dad In Minnesota

Enjoying time with dad should not be reserved for just Father's Day. Throughout the year, and especially in the summer, Minnesota is teeming with activities for dads to participate in with their kids. Sporty, nature-inspired and more relaxing options are highlighted here, but use it as a guide to inspire a memorable adventure with your father based on his interests. No matter if he is brand new to the title or a seasoned vet, a special summer outing is sure to bring a smile to good ol' dad's face.

Tommy's Tonka Trolley
379 Lake St.
Excelsior, MN 55331
(952) 220-0101
www.tonkatrolley.com

Located on the shore of Lake Minnetonka in the charming town of Excelsior, Tommy's Tonka Trolley is a great place to enjoy a summer day with dad. Families can enjoy hourly, half-day or full-day rentals of single kayaks, double kayaks or stand-up paddleboards to cruise around Lake Minnetonka. After you've worked up an appetite in the hot summer sun, cool off with Sebastian Joe's ice cream which is sold at Tommy's Tonka Trolley. Local favorite Nicollet Avenue Pothole is available along with other unique ice cream flavors including Salty Caramel and Danish Nut Roll.

National Eagle Center
50 Pembroke Ave.
Wabasha, MN 55981
(651) 565-4989
www.nationaleaglecenter.org

If your dad is a fan of wildlife, take him to the National Eagle Center for an up-close look at America's national bird. All ages will enjoy the onsite educational programs featuring live, rescued eagles and knowledgeable naturalists who speak on the eagles' history and habits. There are also indoor interactive exhibits to brush up on fun facts and learn more about the serious issues eagles face. Don't miss the outdoor observation decks and spotting scopes that allow dad to locate wild eagles along the beautiful river banks of Wabasha.

Alexis Bailly Vineyard
18200 Kirby Ave. S.
Hastings, MN 55033
(651) 437-1413
www.abvwines.com

Adult children should consider treating dad to a summer afternoon of wine tasting and relaxation at the Alexis Bailly Vineyard. Not only does this local winery have delicious wines to sample, including its popular Ice Wine and award-winning signature red Voyageur, but there are also plenty of leisurely activities to enjoy. After making the rounds in the tasting room, venture outside for a walk through the sculpture gardens, a picnic in the vineyard or a game of bocce ball. Events are regularly scheduled, including off-leash dog socials and jazz music in the vineyard.

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Twins Game & Target Field Tour
1 Twins Way
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 659-3877
www.minnesota.twins.mlb.com

Any Twins fan will love a day at the impressive Target Field, complete with a tour and baseball game. Take dad on the game day or pre-game experience tours, which give you a glimpse into the visitor's clubhouse and dugout areas, pre-game preparation and batting practice. Following the tour, treat him to a tasty meal at one of the many concession areas within the park. Kramarczuk's sausages, Murray's steak sandwiches and Nachos Grande in a souvenir baseball helmet are local favorites. Cap it off with a win from the home team and it's a day dad will never forget.

For adventurous, water-loving dads, try a family log rolling class. With a variety of one-hour, four-week-long session times and class locations on the shores of both Lake Nokomis and Lake Calhoun, there are many options to fit a busy family's schedule. Dad and clan will be in for a heart-pumping, smile-inducing workout. And while the activity is a great source of exercise, don't let it scare off the youngest and oldest of your family. These classes are perfect for children as young as five and popular with seniors as well.

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Cortney Mohnk is a freelance writer covering all things Minnesota. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.