Where to celebrate on Father’s Day



With Father’s Day this Sunday, you may be wondering what to do with your father figure this weekend. We’ve got some ideas, from free outdoor activities to  some modified indoor ones. Keep in mind most activities in public will require a face mask.

1. Spend time outdoors

Central Connecticut offers lots of options for hiking and boating. 

Road access to Castle Craig at Hubbard Park in Meriden is open until 5:30 p.m. daily. You can also hike to the castle, or walk around the park. 

If you have a kayak or canoe to launch, try Black Pond in Middlefield or the Quinnipiac River. You can also fish at Black Pond. The Quinnipiac River can be accessed by Red Bridge in South Meriden, at the intersection of Oregon Road and River Road in Meriden and the Mill Street bridge at Town Park in Southington. For a full list of access points visit thequinnipiacriver.com.

Hiking trails include Guiffrida Park in Meriden, the Quinnipiac Linear Trail in Wallingford, Roaring Brook Park in Cheshire, and Ragged Mountain Memorial Preserve in Southington.  

For more hiking trails and boat launches visit the state’s website. 

2. Golfing

Whether it’s mini golf or the real thing, most courses are now open to the public. 

■Hidden Valley Miniature Golf, Southington: Open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. with food and ice cream available on the outdoor patio. 

The 30-year-old miniature golf center was recently renovated and spruced up. The first two holes were removed and replaced by a large patio with food service. 

Owner Paul Rossi said normally Father’s Day would be one of the golf centers busiest days of the year, assuming the weather is nice. This year he’s not sure what to expect, but feels confident in the safety measures they’ve added to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“We’re all about families here and we’re all about just people coming here and having a great experience,” Rossi said.

■ Hunter Golf Club, Meriden: The driving range remains closed, but the practice green and course are open. Payment for tee times, golf cart rentals and merchandise must be made over the phone by credit card. The Golf Shop is closed to the public; golf carts are available for single riders. Tee times are necessary, no walkups will be accepted. Reserve a tee time by calling (203) 634-3366.■Lyman Orchards Golf Club and Center: Reserve tee times online or by calling 860-398-6480 for the center and 860-349-6031 for the club. The golf center is open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset. ■Tradition Golf Club of Wallingford: Reserve a tee time and pay in advance online or by calling 203-269-6023 ext. 1002. Single rider carts are available at select times. 3. Recreation■Blue Ox Axe Throwing, Wallingford: Open starting June 20. Book appointments online. Sunday hours are noon to 5 p.m. ■Highland Duckpin Bowl, Cheshire: A new online lane reservation system is coming soon. A new touchless scoring system has been added. Sunday hours around 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., but subject to change. ■The Only Game in Town, North Haven: Outdoor activities are open, including go-karts, driving range and mini-golf. Sunday hours are noon to 8 p.m.■Crystal Bees, Southington: As of June 18, indoor dining, bowling and games will be open again from noon to 11 p.m. They will be hosting live music from Shakedown, a Grateful Dead Tribute Band, on Sunday, from 5 to 8 p.m. on the outdoor patio.■Montana Nights Axe Throwing, Newington: The Newington and Enfield locations are open as of Friday, June 19. The opening of a Southington location at Factory Square, which was planned this spring, has been postponed until the fall. 4. Breweries and Wineries

Many breweries and wineries are open now with outdoor seating. Some establishments are still doing curbside pickup or online orders.

■ New England Cider Co.: Open Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. Also offering a Father’s Day Special that includes a four pack of Fresh Blend 16oz cans, a custom NECC card and a limited edition pair of cotton crew socks. Order online. ■Paradise Hills Winery & Vineyard, Wallingford: Will be open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with live music from 2 to 5 p.m.■Gouveia Vineyards, Wallingford: Open Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.■ Center Street Brewing Co., Wallingford: Open Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.■Witchdoctor Brewing, Southington: Open Sundays noon to 6 p.m.■Kinsmen Brewing, Southington: Open Sundays from noon to 10 p.m.5.Gift cards for later

Maybe your Dad’s favorite spot isn’t open yet, or you’d prefer to play it safe and celebrate in private this year. If that’s the case, you can plan activities for another time by giving your father or grandfather a giftcard. See below for a few places offering giftcards:

■On Track Karting, Wallingford: Purchase a gift card for any dollar amount, no expiration, or ask them to create a special package. ■GameCraft Arcade, Southington: Purchase a gift card for any dollar amount.

bwright@record-journal.com203-317-2316Twitter: @baileyfaywright



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