5 things to do with Dad on Father’s Day – TribLIVE

What’s your plan for celebrating Father’s Day?

Are you going to gather around the grill — again — for yet another round of burgers and beer?

Chances are Dad is as tired of the same-old, same-old as the rest of the family.

Here are a few suggestions for getting out of the backyard and giving Dad a day to remember for years to come.

Something’s fishy

For the angler Dad, there’s a free fishing derby from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at Twin Lakes Park east of Greensburg.

Registration begins at 7 a.m. at the boathouse on the lower lake. All contestants must be registered by noon to be eligible for trophies and prizes.

First and second place trophies and merchandise will be awarded for the longest trout, longest carp and longest other fish of legal size in both adult and youth categories. Trophies also will be awarded for best “Catch of the Day” for youth and adults.

There will be a door prize drawing following the derby for all registered youth participants.

Those 16 and older must display a valid 2022 Pennsylvania Fishing License.

For information, call 724-830-3950 or visit co.westmoreland.pa.us/parks.

City safari

Does Dad like to walk on the wild side?

Take him to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium in Highland Park, where fathers of all ages enter free on Sunday when accompanied by a kid.

For an extra special zoo experience, consider treating Dad to a Wild Encounter, a 30-minute private experience with some of the zoo animals and an expert guide.

Wild Encounters can accommodate groups of up to five guests, with fees starting at $250 for two people. Be advised that tickets for this program must be purchased online at least 72 hours in advance.

Even without a Wild Encounter, there’s plenty happening at the zoo. The sprawling 77-acre facility has nine separate habitats housing more than 8,000 animals representing more than 600 species.

Zoo hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Gates close at 4 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit pittsburghzoo.org.

Batter up

Take him out to the ballgame. Take him out with the crowd.

Buy him some peanuts and Cracker Jack — or a Chicago Dog and BBQ Bacon Waffle Fries, two of the new menu items that debuted this season at PNC Park. And don’t forget to buy him one of the 22 beers on tap.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are at home on Sunday, hosting the San Francisco Giants at 1:35 p.m.

In honor of Father’s Day, all dads and kids will receive a replica Pirates batting practice cap. Arrive early and check out the activities at the Family Fun Zone on Federal Street, outside the North Side ballpark.

For tickets and more information, visit mlb.com.

Cruisin’ along

For the Dad who loves all things automotive, there’s a Father’s Day Car Cruise from 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Hartwood Acres Park Amphitheater in Hampton.

If Dad is more about the music than the motors, he can listen to live music from King Solomon Hicks, a guitar virtuoso out of New York City’s Harlem. Hicks has been playing professionally since age 13, collaborating with a who’s who list of musicians across all genres, from Tony Bennett, to B.B. King, to Bruce Springsteen.

If Dad works up an appetite, treat him to some grub from one of the food trucks on site.

The free event is hosted by Allegheny County Parks. For more information, visit alleghenycounty.us/special-events.

So bad it’s good

Is your Dad bad to the bone?

Take him to The Palace Theatre in Greensburg, where George Thorogood and The Destroyers will hit the stage for a stop at 7:30 p.m. Sunday on their “Good To Be Bad Tour: 45 Years of Rock.”

After the show, treat Dad to one bourbon, one scotch or one beer. Just don’t let him drink alone.

Tickets are $39.75-$69.75. To reserve, call 724-836-8000 or visit thepalacetheatre.org.