Treat Dad to a Day of Fun Around Town
When it comes to Father’s Day, gift giving isn’t always so easy. How many ties does one man need, unless he works at Soapy Joe’s and dons a bow tie every day!
We want to help you show Dad how special he is, so we put our soapy minds together and discovered 10 fun and unusual activities around San Diego – ones you can all enjoy together.
Go-Karting
What’s more exhilarating than zipping around an indoor track at speeds up to 45 miles per hour? At K1 Speed near downtown San Diego, Dad and his crew can compete in 14-lap heats against the clock. If you’re planning a group of 8 or more, you can reserve the entire track and race only each other. Just remember to let Dad win on his special day. Races start at $19.99 per person, with special packages and group rates.
Skydiving
As the famous question goes, “why would anyone jump out of a perfectly good aircraft?” The answer: because it’s fun! It may sound intimidating or even scary, but it’s thrilling. You’ll roll out of the airplane at 13,000 feet connected to a tandem instructor, then free-fall for about one minute at approximately 100 mph. During your seven-minute gentle glide down, you’ll take in spectacular views for miles around. Special pricing starts at $169 and groups of 10 or more receive a $20 per person discount at Skydive San Diego.
Indoor Skydiving
If jumping out of a plane is more than Dad can handle, maybe indoor skydiving will be a better option. While ‘indoor’ and ‘sky’ may seem like a contradiction in terms, you can enjoy the simulation of free-fall in a high-tech wind tunnel. Compressed air will lift you up just like you’re flying. Certified flight instructors will train you and then be with you during the whole experience. Pricing starts at $79.95 for two flights at iFly San Diego in Mission Valley.
Indoor Rock Climbing
Rather than falling from the sky, how about climbing to reach it? If Dad craves adventure, but in a safer environment, massive indoor climbing structures might just be what he wants to try. No matter what your age or skill level, there are countless indoor rock climbing challenges. Mesa Rim rock climbing centers in Mira Mesa and Mission Valley offer regular day passes starting at $20 per adult, $17 for those 10-17 and $13 for children 10 and under. Classes and coaches are available to get the most out of your experience.
Paintball
What could be more fun than blasting Dad with paintballs? You’ll have even more fun with low impact paintballs that are smaller and burst easier at San Diego Paintball Park in Clairemont Mesa. You’ll run through obstacles dressed in protective gear while you pellet your whole family with exploding color. Refreshments are available between rounds. Pricing starts at $29 per person for 200 paintballs, plus special rates for groups.
Laser Tag
If you don’t think Dad would like getting battered with hundreds of paintballs, then maybe a cleaner, high-tech version is more his style. At Ultrazone in Point Loma, he’ll be living in his own real life video game in this black-lit environment of mazes and passageways enhanced by graphic art, a massive sound system and theatrical fog. Adult prices are $9 per game, while children 7 to 10 are $7.50 per game.
Escapism Puzzle Room
If your dad grew up watching Mission Impossible or even reading The Hardy Boys, he may get a thrill out of solving a mystery while the clock ticks away at Escapism Puzzle Room in Hillcrest. He and your whole family will be trapped in a room and have 60 minutes to escape while working together, finding clues, solving riddles and cracking codes. Game masters monitor each team via video cameras to ensure a safe experience. Prices start at $30 per person with special rates for groups of 8 or more.
Trains, Planes and Automobiles
San Diego Air & Space Museum at Balboa Park
We’re not talking about the famous Steve Martin and John Candy movie, rather museums in our famous Balboa Park that have everything dads love. There are attractions dedicated to trains, air & space, cars and sports. Museum prices and memberships vary. Find out more here.
Bike Rentals
It may have been a while since Dad has been on a bicycle, but like the old adage goes – “just like riding a bike” – it will all come right back the second he hops on. No matter where you are in the county, you can check out the sights on a bike. Remember to wear safety gear, and bring water and snacks, or pack a healthy lunch to enjoy when you’re all ready for a break. If you don’t have your own bikes, check out one of these San Diego bike rentals.
Gone Fishin’
If Dad loves the great outdoors, how about a road trip to one of San Diego’s 20 gorgeous lakes to help him get back in touch with nature. These hidden gems feature a variety of activities the whole family can enjoy together. Some offer fishing, boating, hiking or horseback riding. Many have picnic and grilling areas where you can cook for your hungry crew. Explore some of our favorite lakes in San Diego.
If you can’t spend time with Dad while enjoying one of these fun activities in San Diego, how about treating Dad to the gift of a clean car? For a limited time, you can save up to 20{ebf3208d063e73ef6e5ee1668dab9d6769d587ce5368a2180ce4b1fe93ea4453} on Soapy Joe’s gift cards available at all eight locations or online by clicking here.
