Things to Do on Father’s Day: Local Shopping, Restaurants, and Activities

June 7, 2019

Once again, the time has come for celebrating Father’s Day. For some, this means buying or making their first Fathers Day gifts. New moms may need some guidance to create the perfect experience for their kids’ dads. Thankfully, there are tons of activities, dining experiences, and local shopping options to be explored right here in the Toms River area. In this article, we’ll fill you in on local Father’s day events as well as the best places to celebrate and shop for Fathers Day 2019!

What to Do for Father’s Day

Toms River Township and its surrounding areas are full of great activities for the perfect Fathers Day weekend. Whether you’re looking for fun in the sun, kid-friendly outings, or some grown-up entertainment, the Jersey shore area has you covered.

Below are some of this year’s best choices to fulfill those Fathers Day wishes:

The boardwalk carnival and water park will be offering special “Dad Rates” on June 16th from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Dads ride Seaside boardwalk rides free while accompanying their child and are given free entry to the water park with a paid child admission.

This restaurant and lounge offer “happy hour” drink specials and half-priced appetizers from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The establishment will be celebrating Father’s Day with special menu items not offered regularly to be served all day.

On Saturday, June 15th, Pine Park will host its second annual Father’s Day Sports Event. The fun starts at 12:00 PM and includes a series of child-friendly sports like water kickball, Zorb Ball soccer, eating contests, obstacle courses, and more.

The glass art studio will be offering a Fathers Day crafts mosaic workshop on June 16 from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Customers will be instructed in creating mosaic shapes such as dinosaurs, sailboats, turtles, and more. The class is for all ages, and all creations are brought home the same day.

On Saturday, June 15, this cookie kitchen will host a “Dad & Me Cookie Decorating Workshop for Dads & Kiddos.” Dads and kids will decorate four styles of cookies with instructions from Sweet Dani herself. The workshop runs from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM. Space is limited, and registration closes on June 11.

The southern style riverboat offers a Father’s Day brunch cruise. Passengers will enjoy an elegant atmosphere aboard the River Belle while enjoying the sights of Manasquan River, Point Pleasant Canal, and Barnegat Bay. Sailing Time will be from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM with a full brunch buffet.

If you are planning your activities to take place outside, be sure to keep an eye on the weather. We recommend using National Oceaniac and Atomospheric Administration (NOAA) for the most accurate weather forecast.

Best Fathers Day Gifts

Everyone wants to get the dad in their life the best Fathers Day gift. Whether he’s your father or the father of your children, Father’s Day gifts for dad are a great way to let him know you appreciate the hard work and love he put into raising you or your kids. The Toms River area has plenty of local shopping locations to suit your needs, no matter what the dad you’re shopping for is into.

Fishing Gear:

For the fisherman dad in your life, Capt’n Hippo Bait & Tackle has everything you need. The small business located in South Toms River boasts a wide variety of fishing tackle, bait, and gear. The proprietors have over 20 years of experience fishing the waters of Toms River and surrounding areas; which makes them as knowledgeable as can be when it comes to equipping your dad with the proper tools for local fishing. Whether it’s a fishing rod, live bait, lures, or crabbing supplies, the fishing store has the items to make dad a happy sailor.

Golf Clubs:

The modern golfer is only as good as his club. Michael Hovance was aware of this when he established his club fitting studio in South Toms River back in 1999. Perfect Swing Golf Shop is dedicated to creating the perfect golf club for each patron. Rather than purchasing mass produced golf clubs online or in a sporting goods outlet, Perfect Swing has clubs in stock that are tested for strength and performance before being made available for customers.

The business’ true claim to fame would be the custom-built clubs. Customers who come in for a club fitting will have a professional fitter analyze the golfer’s swing speed, launch angle, spin rate, ball trajectory, and more. Using cutting edge, high tech equipment, custom clubs are built in house to ensure optimized performance and improvement on a golfer’s game. With many reputable publications listing them in the top 100 club fitters in the country, Perfect Swing is the best golf store around to treat the patriarch of your household.

Beer Breweries:

Toms River has a variety of brewery options in the area for beer-loving dads. Whether it’s a stout, lager, or an IPA that makes your dad’s mouth water, each microbrewery in our area has a great variety of flavorful suds that are sure to please. Stop at one or all of these local breweries to pick up some cans or growlers of beer that’ll be sure to delight and satisfy his taste buds.

  • Toms River Brewing

Located on Route 37 in Toms River, Toms River Brewing prides itself on variety and atmosphere. Toms River Brewing constantly offers new concoctions for repeat visitors. The beer maker often treats clientele to live music on the weekends too.

  • Heavy Reel Brewing Co

Heavy Reel Brewing Company has a Jersey shore aesthetic with a laid back beach vibe. The tasting room has a diverse list of tasty options for any beer fan. Heavy Reel Brewing Company is can be found in Seaside Heights and is only a block away from the beach. Grab some beers with the dad in your life and then take a dip!

  • Artisan’s Brewery

Artisan’s Brewery is a part of a restaurant and lounge. While regularly offering a Light Ale, West Coast IPA, and a Red Irish Ale on tap, they also provide three more seasonal selections. The adjoining lounge has daily happy hour specials on drinks and appetizers.

  • Icarus Brewing

Based out of Lakewood, Icarus Brewing is an enterprising company whose beer is on tap at over 200 locations across the state. These guys take brewing seriously, and have new blends and creations being made everyday. The Yacht Juice IPA, Panic Pale Ale, and Sunwalker Smoked Pilsner are just a few of the many great brews found on the tasting floor at this warm and welcoming locale.

Toms River Restaurants

The quickest way to a man’s heart is his stomach. That’s why when Father’s Day rolls around, it’s best to take the man who raised you or your little ones somewhere that’s going to satiate his manly hunger. If you’re looking for a Father’s Day brunch spot, a fine dining establishment, or a casual dining environment, Toms River’s various eateries have what you need this Father’s Day.

Shut up and Eat!

This breakfast and lunch restaurant located on Main Street in South Toms River is a local favorite and a great spot for a Father’s Day brunch. From a menu featuring a huge variety of pancakes, omelets, and waffle dishes, to the ridiculously gluttonous lunch options, this place doesn’t run the risk of leaving you hungry. With a very friendly, funny, and whimsical atmosphere, Shut up and Eat is the perfect place to bring dad and the kids for fantastic food and fun.

Villa Amalfi

Looking for a fine dining experience for a more elegant Fathers Day dinner? Villa Amalfi is a sophisticated Toms River restaurant that will not disappoint. Boasting exquisite hors d’ oeuvres, sinful desserts, and a menu full of expertly crafted entrees, this is the place to take the distinguished father. The fully stocked top-shelf bar will satisfy the seasoned drinker of discriminating taste.

Toms River Ale House

Toms River Ale House is a great spot for the laid back dad. Located on Hooper Ave., this blue-collar environment has several flat screen TVs for all sporting events, a full bar, and a menu full of belly-filling bar fare. This is a great option for a dinner with the kids in tow that will still make a dad happy.


Baker’s Water Street

Baker’s Water Street is a favorite among locals in downtown Toms River. The huge property consists of a large indoor bar surrounded by a dining room that’s quite sizeable as well. Customers can dine in and enjoy the eclectic menu options or step out onto the deck to wine and dine on the riverfront. The outdoor deck bar is open seasonally which is just right for Father’s Day, and there’s a new set of happy hour food and drink specials for each day of the week. Also, if the dad you’re entertaining is a music enthusiast, Baker’s Water Street has you covered. The tavern and eatery hosts live music, Tuesday to Sunday, all summer long!

No matter what you have in mind for Father’s Day this year, the Toms River area has everything you need. This energetic community is filled with local shops and eateries built by hard working locals, and has endless sources for entertainment. So if the dad you’re treating this year wants some beach time, bowling, music, movies, gaming, or just a good party, the toms river area will not disappoint. Check out the many great options available for a fun and safe Father’s Day weekend.

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