Father's Day in Cleveland

We're always keen to publish info on the fine attractions and activities on hand in Cleveland, host of Gay Games IX in 2014. We're taking advantage of Father's Day, which many of our readers will be celebrating this Sunday, to share this post from Positively Cleveland on some great activities (our favorite is the Duct Tape Festival), but wherever you're celebrating, have a great day!

Celebrating our Fathers is at the top of the to-do list for this weekend. Here are some ideas for what to do with Dad, no matter what he’s into.

Father’s Day at the Zoo

Take a walk on the wild side as Dad comes nose-to-trunk with a 13,000 pound elephant at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Rainforest. From 10am-7pm this Father’s Day, all Dads receive free admission to the Zoo and Rainforest, including the newest exhibition, African Elephant Crossing. Throughout the day, special Dad-related events and activities will occur around the Zoo. Visit www.clemetzoo.com or call 216.661.6500 for more information.

Avon Duct Tape Festival

Can Dad fix anything with a little Duct Tape? Pay tribute to his talent as well as inspire him at the Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival, June 17-19. Taking place at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Avon approximately 20 miles west of downtown, the festival features duct tape sculptures, games, live music and even a parade to celebrate the “Duct Tape Capital” of the world. This year’s theme, “Real Fans Stick Together,” will feature sports-themed structures with the logos, mascots and colors of favorite college teams all available as part the newest line of College Duck Tape® brand duct tape. Admission to the festival is free. For more information, visit www.ducttapefestival.com.

Awesome Automobiles

On June 19, cruise into the 54th annual Father’s Day Classic, Antique & Collector Car Show at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens. One of the oldest car shows in America, the event, which runs from 9am-4:30pm, features more than 350 vehicles manufactured between 1896 and 1978. The theme for 2011 is the “Year of the Chrysler” featuring the Chrysler Town and Country cars from the 1940s in the “Inner Circle.” Prizes are awarded in 25 classes. General admission to the show is $12 for adults and $5 for children. Free parking and shuttle service is available. Visit www.stanhywet.org or call 330.836.5533 for more information.

When Dad can’t get enough of yesterday’s automobiles, head over to the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum for a collection featuring everything from a Model-T to a modern day speed machines. With more than 150 antique, vintage, and classic automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, automobile culture and aircraft, the museum highlights various marvels in mobile technology. Throughout the collection is extensive documentation of auto and aviation history aimed to enhance the viewing experience. Admission to the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum is $8.50 for adults and $5 for children and includes entry to the History Museum as well as the library. The museum is open 10am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday. For more information visit www.wrhs.org or call 216.721.5722.

If Dad has a need for speed, take him to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, located south of Cleveland near Mansfield. This auto-racing facility boasts a 2.4-mile, 15-turn sports car road course and a 2.25-mile, 13-turn circuit. The 330-acre complex, often considered the nation’s most competitive, hosts the Vintage Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio on June 24-26. For tickets or more information visit www.midohio.com or call 614.793.4600.

Find the Perfect Pour

Treat Dad to a cold one at Cleveland’s quickly growing brewery scene. Take him to Ohio’s oldest craft brewery and local legend, Great Lakes Brewing Company in Ohio City for a Brewery tour, try an award-winning draft from Fat Head’s Brewery in North Olmstead, or choose from one of Lakewood’s Buckeye Beer Engine extensive draft and bottles list.

Play Ball

Take Dad out to the ballgame at Canal Park as the Akron Aeros, the Double A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, take on Portland at 1:05pm Sunday, June 19th. The first 1,000 fans will receive an Akron Aeros necktie. Families can enjoy playing catch on the field before the game, getting player autographs, playing carnival games on the concourse and more, all a part of the family FUNday events at Canal Park. Or, enjoy some major league action with the Cleveland Indians as they take on the Pittsburgh Pirates at Progressive Field all weekend long.

On Sunday, June 19, Dads are treated to free admission to a Legendary Father’s Day at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with the purchase of an adult, child or senior admission. Dads also receive a free gift and an opportunity to explore 83,000 square feet of pigskin history. For more information, visit www.profootballhof.com.

For Dads who are more of the Phil Mickelson type, treat him to a day on the greens at one of the eight Cleveland Metroparks Golf Courses throughout the Cuyahoga County area. With a wide variety of skill levels, from a sporting par-three to championship layouts, there are plenty of opportunities for Dad to score a hole in one.

Or, team up and tee off with Dad in the Father/Daughter golf tournament at Little Met Golf Course in Rocky River Reservation in Cleveland on Sat., June 25. For more information, visit any Cleveland Metroparks golf course or www.clemetparks.com/recreation/golf for more information.