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 seven 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. Murphs Surf 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.

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 and kitchen! They have an extensive beer list sourced from breweries all over the world, including plenty of locally-crafted microbrews. Check out their upcoming unique programming for watch parties, retro films, and much more!

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. With more than 900 acres of green space in Sandy Springs, there’s plenty of room 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 gourmet cookies from Sugar Shane's, pick up freshly baked baguettes or sandwiches to-go at Café Vendôme, or load up on delicious goodies 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 always a safe bet for Father's Day. Start the morning with classic breakfast fare like pancakes, omelets, and scrambles at the family-friendly Egg Harbor Café, settle in for Southern comfort food at the Southern Bistro, or go all out with a riverside lunch at Ray's on the River, where the food and the views are equally impressive.

Dinner plans sorted too? Sandy Springs has no shortage of options. Pizza lovers can choose between the oven-fired pies at Hearth Pizza Tavern, the thin and crispy artisanal slices at Mister O1, or the neighborhood favorite Sunnyside Pizzeria. If dad deserves a proper steakhouse night out, Kaiser's Chophouse and Nowak's Steakhouse both deliver top cuts, classic fare, and the kind of meal worth making a reservation for.

6. Play a Round of Golf

Sometimes the best Father's Day gift is 18 holes and no interruptions. Steel Canyon Golf Club is a public course open seven days a week, so tee times are easy to come by. Get there early and warm up at the covered, lighted driving range, which features ball tracking technology to help you dial in your swing before you hit the course. Whether dad shoots par or loses a few balls in the rough, it's a great way to spend the afternoon together.

7. Sip and Savor at a Local Brewery

Sometimes the best Father's Day plan is a cold beer and good company, and lucky for us, Sandy Springs has two great craft breweries to choose from. Mutation Brewery is a high-energy taproom with a rotating selection of creative, small-batch brews that always keeps things interesting. Pontoon Brewing is a local favorite with a lively, welcoming atmosphere and a wide variety of beers on tap. Stop by one or make an afternoon of it and visit both!