7 Great Father’s Day Activities in Sandy Springs

From postcard-perfect fishing trips on the Chattahoochee River to family movie nights, there are plenty of ways to celebrate dad on Father’s Day in Sandy Springs.

Here are six to give you a jumpstart on your planning.

1. Enjoy the Great Outdoors

With more than 950 acres of parkland and 22 miles of the Chattahoochee River, outdoor adventures are always nearby in Sandy Springs. Take dad on a hike along the 2.5-mile loop trail at the Powers Island unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, explore the leafy trails lacing the 30-acre John Ripley Forbes Big Trees Forest Preserve, or head to the always photo worthy overlook at East Palisades.

If dad prefers to be on the water, the 22 miles of Chattahoochee River that run through Sandy Springs offer an array of fun ways to spend Father’s Day. Plan a morning trout fishing (we recommend booking a guided trip with River Through Atlanta), spend an afternoon paddling the tranquil waters of Bull Sluice Lake at Morgan Falls Overlook Park. High Country Outfitters operates a paddle shack onsite where you can rent kayaks and paddleboards. If you and dad would rather spend the day floating downriver–the ultimate way to relax on a summer day, stop by the Nantahala Outdoor Center Outpost at Powers Island and rent a rafts, kayaks or tubes. Grab your kayak, tubes and stand-up paddleboards and hit the water.

Want to get him some new gear? Grab a gift card to High Country Outfitters or get him a gift certificate for a rental at the The High Country Paddle Shack. Another great gift that you can give dad now that he can use later is a gift certificate for River Through Atlanta's guided fishing trips on the Chattahoochee River.

2. Catch a Movie (and Buy Dad a Beer)

A visit to The Springs Cinema & Taphouse is no ordinary trip to the movies. The venue showcases the latest films in recently updated theaters with reclining seats, and features a full taphouse–so while you catch a movie, you can also treat dad to a delicious libation. The taphouse has an extensive beer list sourced from breweries all over the world, including plenty of locally-crafted microbrews. They also have a variety of wines and cocktails as well as a menu of elevated theater snacks.

3. Plan a Picnic in a Park

Grab take-out from a local restaurant and relax with a picnic on the shores of the Chattahoochee. Visit Sandy Springs With more than 16 different city parks, there’s plenty of green space to spend Father’s Day soaking up the summer sunshine. Spread a picnic blanket beside the Chattahoochee River at Morgan Falls Overlook Park, explore the inventive playground at the Abernathy Greenway Linear Park, combine a family-friendly hike with an alfresco lunch at the historic Island Ford in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, or cool off on the splash pad at City Green.

Before you head out, be sure to pack a picnic basket with all of dad’s favorite snacks. For a tasty Father’s Day treat, grab a box of artfully-crafted donuts from DaVinci’s Donuts, pick up freshly baked baguettes or sandwiches to-go at Café Vendôme, or load up on delicious goodies, like cupcakes, brownies, and cookies, at Henri's Bakery & Cafe.

4. Challenge Dad at Battle & Brew or Bury The Hatchet

What’s better than a family game night? Spend a fun-filled Father’s Day challenging dad to a little friendly competition at local spots like Battle & Brew or Bury The Hatchet. A video game themed restaurant sure to delight gaming enthusiasts of all ages, Battle & Brew offers a wide array of options, including racing simulators, television-centered gaming stations, and nostalgic arcade games, along with more than 100 different board games. The restaurant’s menu features classics like cheesesteaks, burgers, and house-made desserts, along with an extensive selection of cocktails and craft beers.

Those looking for a bit of a thrill can head to the indoor axe throwing range at Bury The Hatchet. Book your hour long session and see who can hit the most bullseyes. It may sound hard, but anyone can learn how to throw an axe. It's all in the form! Bury The Hatchet also has a bar so you can enjoy a few drinks between rounds.

5. Treat Dad to Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner

Brunch is a surefire way to please dad. Visit Sandy Springs Whether you want to spoil dad with a hearty breakfast, a laid back lunch on a sun-bathed patio, or an elegant evening out on the town, there’re plenty of choices. Order up time-tested breakfast classics like griddle-cooked pancakes, omelets, and ingredient-loaded scrambles at the kid-friendly Egg Harbor Café, tuck into crowd-pleasing comfort food favorites at the Southern Bistro, or feast on artfully-prepared cuisine while enjoying a perfectly paired wine at Ray’s on the River.

If dad is more of a burgers, pizza, or steak guy, enjoy dinner at Grub Burger Bar, Hearth Pizza Tavern, or Kaiser's Chophouse. Grub Burger Bar is a casual restaurant offering burgers, fresh salads, milkshakes and crafted cocktails. Hearth serves oven-fired pies with a wide selection of beers, wines, and spirits. For something a little more upscale, treat dad to a meal at Kaiser's Chophouse. The menu at Kaiser's features top cuts of meat, an extensive wine list, and classic steakhouse fare. You can't go wrong with any of these options!

6. Play a Round of Golf

An afternoon playing a round of golf is the perfect way to bond with dad on Father’s Day. Steel Canyon Golf Club is an 18-hole, public golf course, that's open seven days a week from 7am to 9pm. Begin the day practicing your swing at Steel Canyon's lighted and covered driving range before heading out to the course.

Written by Malee Baker Oot for Matcha in partnership with Sandy Springs GA.

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