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Boston Area's Best Activities To Do With Dad For Father's Day

From a lunch or dinner cruise to a three-day art festival or a family fun walk, Boston has it all covered when it comes to celebrating Father's Day. Spend time with dad on a two-hour lunch or dinner cruise, compete against each other in a fun 5K or enjoy a relaxing afternoon at an art festival. The options abound in and around Boston. Take a scavenger hunt, walk through a breathtaking wildlife sanctuary or just have a simple, traditional dinner in Boston's theatre district before seeing a show. Boston is the place that can't be beaten for family time with dear ol' dad.

12/1 Nightlife & Music Spirit of Boston
Photo Credit: Spirit of Boston

Spirit Cruises
200 Seaport Blvd., Suite 75
Boston, MA 02210
(866) 429-9283
www.spiritofboston.com

The Spirit of Boston sails dad on a two-hour lunch or dinner cruise around Boston Harbor and environs. This ride gives passengers a one-of-a-kind glimpse of Beantown. Features include an appetizing and delightful buffet and great views of the city and the harbor. Music provided by a DJ is all but guaranteed to get sea legs moving. Children are entertained with balloon art and goodie bags.

Moose Hill
(Photo Credit: Massaudubon.org)

Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary
293 Moose Hill St.
Sharon, MA 02067
(781) 784-5691
www.massaudubon.org

Utilizing a scavenger hunt-themed, self-guided, one-hour walk, this winding trail through Moose Hill is sure to delight in family fun. As each point on the trail is reached, hikers find a new "clue" and continue on until all clues are solved, culminating in a special prize awaiting at the end of the trail. Moose Hill is considered the largest and oldest of all the Mass. Audubon sanctuaries. Birds, butterflies, amphibians and countless plants and trees make this an educational adventure.

The Children's Museum in Easton
(Photo from: The Children's Museum in Easton)

Father's Day Road Race and Family Walk
The Children's Museum in Easton
9 Sullivan Ave.
North Easton, MA 02356
(508) 230-3789
www.fathersdayroadrace.com
Date: June 16, 2013

The 19th annual Father's Day Road Race and Family Walk includes both a 5K and 10K certified course for runners. Walkers enjoy a Fun Walk, and both options bring participants through the quaint center of history that is Easton Village. Proceeds benefit the museum's educational programs. Free t-shirts are given to all runners and an award ceremony with a post-race party follow. Goodie bags are provided and raffles will take place, too.

Related: Boston's Best Running Clubs

South Shore Art Center
(Photo Credit: SSAC)

South Shore Art Center
119 Ripley Road
Cohasset, MA 02025
(781) 383-2787
www.ssac.org
Date: June 14-16, 2013

This three-day art event features New England artisans, a fine art exhibit, children's art and music. Food is provided by local restaurants and church groups. Located in the lovely seaside village of Cohasset, this event is just a quick ride south of Boston, near the famed South Shore Music Circus. A jazz reception is featured on Saturday. This will be the event's 58th year.

upstairs-on-the-square
(Credit: Upstairs on the Square)

Upstairs on the Square
91 Winthrop St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 864-1933
www.upstairsonthesquare.com

This quirky restaurant located in the thick of Harvard Square in Cambridge offers trendy, traditional favorites with a nouveau flare. Even its grilled cheese and tomato sandwich is made with an English-cheddar surprise. The zebra-print decor in its Zebra Room or the slightly more casual Monday Club Bar offer a Sunday brunch any dad will adore. Maybe dad will even go for one of the "signature pink cocktails" made exclusively at this one-of-a-kind establishment overlooking Winthrop Park.

Related: Guide to Boston's Best Seafood Restaurants

Kathleen Mueller moved to Massachusetts as a toddler and has lived in many communities throughout the Bay State. Currently splitting her time between Worcester county and Cape Cod, she enjoys spending time at the beach with her dogs, reading, and taking scenic drives in New England. Kathleen is a frequent contributor to examiner.com check her out at Examiner.com.

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