Things to Do for Father’s Day in South Jersey This Year (2026)

Father’s Day is the perfect excuse to skip the generic gift and plan something Dad will actually enjoy. Whether that means grabbing a great meal, getting outside, checking out cars, catching live entertainment, or spending the day near the water, South Jersey has plenty of ways to celebrate.

If you’re looking for ideas, here are some of the best things to do for Father’s Day in South Jersey, including local events, casual outings, and experiences that make the day feel a little more personal.

Where to Take Dad for Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner

Make your reservations before it turns into a “we’ll just figure it out” situation. That rarely ends well on a holiday.

Spots Worth Booking

Cinder Bar – Williamstown & Clarksboro
A solid choice if Dad likes good food, drinks, and a relaxed but polished atmosphere. Cinder Bar is known for small plates, wood-fired options, brunch, cocktails, and whiskey selections, making it a good fit for groups that want something casual but still a little elevated.

DiPaolo’s Ristorante – Penns Grove
A classic South Jersey pick for Italian food and a bigger Father’s Day meal. If your family prefers a traditional sit-down brunch or dinner with generous portions, this is a strong option.

Adelphia Restaurant – Deptford
A popular choice for holiday brunches and larger family gatherings. Adelphia is a good option if you’re planning for a group and want something easy, familiar, and event-style.

The ChopHouse – Gibbsboro
A steakhouse is never exactly groundbreaking for Father’s Day, but there’s a reason it works. The ChopHouse is a good pick if Dad is more into steak, seafood, and a classic dinner setting than brunch.

MudHen Brewing Company – Wildwood
If you’re making a shore day out of it, MudHen is hosting a Father’s Day brunch with its MudMan Competition, brunch buffet, Bloody Mary and “Mudmosa” bar, music, and other giveaways. It’s more of an experience than a standard meal, which makes it a fun choice if Dad would rather do something than just sit at a table.

Father’s Day Events in South Jersey

If you want to plan the day around an actual event, there are a few solid options happening Father’s Day weekend.

Events Worth Checking Out

Monster Trucks at New Jersey Motorsports Park – Millville
New Jersey Motorsports Park is hosting a Monster Truck Festival on June 20 and 21 from 5 PM to 10 PM. The event includes featured trucks like Bad News Travels Fast, Killer Bee, The Ripper, Metal Monster, Backdraft, and Play’n Hookie. If Dad likes loud engines, big trucks, and something that feels very much not like brunch, this is probably the winner.

Father’s Day Car Shows & Cars and Coffee Events
For the dad who can identify a car by the sound of the engine before he even sees it, a car show is an easy win. Around Father’s Day, South Jersey and nearby areas typically have several car-focused events, including Cars & Coffee gatherings and larger Father’s Day shows. Current listings include options in places like Haddon Heights, Mount Laurel, Pennsville, Waterford Works, and Elmer.

Because car shows can change with weather, always confirm the details before heading out.

Get Outside for the Day

If Dad prefers something simple, low-key, and not overplanned, South Jersey has plenty of easy outdoor options.

Easy Outdoor Ideas

Batsto Village – Hammonton Area
A peaceful option with walking trails, historic buildings, and plenty of open space. It’s a good choice if Dad likes history, nature, or just wants to avoid the crowded restaurant scene.

Cooper River Park – Pennsauken/Collingswood/Cherry Hill Area
A simple but reliable option for a walk, bike ride, or casual afternoon outside. The water views and long path make it easy to turn into a relaxed family outing.

Smithville Park – Eastampton
A great mix of trails, open space, and historic scenery. It’s low-pressure, easy to walk, and works well if you want something outdoorsy without making the day feel like a full hike.

Cape May Point State Park – Cape May
If Dad likes the shore but not necessarily the boardwalk chaos, Cape May Point is a great call. You can walk the trails, check out the lighthouse area, and pair it with lunch or dinner in Cape May.

Plan Something More Active with Dad

Topgolf – Mount Laurel
Topgolf is a great option because it works for serious golfers, casual golfers, and people who are mostly there for snacks and drinks. The Mount Laurel location has all-weather bays, multiple floors, and plenty of space for groups.

Book a Tee Time at a Local Golf Course
If Dad is an actual golfer, skip the novelty and book the tee time. South Jersey has plenty of public courses, including options in Cherry Hill, Medford, Mount Laurel, Egg Harbor Township, and the shore towns.

Go Fishing or Book a Charter
For the dad who would rather be near water than inside a restaurant, fishing is a great Father’s Day plan. You can keep it simple at a local lake or river, or go bigger with a charter out of the shore area.

Cape May Whale Watcher – Cape May
Cape May Whale Watcher is offering a Father’s Day-related promotion with half off one ticket per group for daily trips from June 14 through June 21. It’s a different kind of day trip and a good option if Dad likes being on the water.

Grab a Beer, Wine, or Cocktail

For a more casual Father’s Day, a brewery, winery, or distillery can be a great middle ground. You still get out of the house, but no one has to pretend they wanted a five-course brunch.

Local Spots to Consider

Double Nickel Brewing Company – Pennsauken
A good choice for craft beer, food, and a relaxed atmosphere. It works well for a casual Father’s Day hangout without needing to make the whole day overly structured.

Eight & Sand Beer Co. – Woodbury
A South Jersey brewery with a tasting room and beer garden feel. Check their current hours and event schedule before going.

Amalthea Cellars – Atco
A good pick if Dad is more into wine than beer, or if you want something quieter than a brewery. It’s relaxed, local, and easy to pair with dinner nearby.

Willow Creek Winery – Cape May
If you’re heading toward the shore, Willow Creek can turn Father’s Day into more of a full-day outing. It’s a scenic option with food, wine, and a relaxed Cape May setting.

Make It a Shore Day

Father’s Day lands right at the start of summer, so the shore is an obvious option.

Easy Shore Day Ideas

Ocean City Boardwalk
A family-friendly choice with food, shops, rides, and plenty of space to walk around. Great if kids are part of the plan.

Cape May
A better fit if you want something a little more relaxed and scenic. You can do lunch, shopping, a beach walk, a lighthouse stop, or a cruise.

Wildwood
A good option if Dad likes a more energetic shore day with boardwalk food, rides, breweries, and live music.

Keep It Simple, Yet Thoughtful!

The best Father’s Day plans do not have to be complicated. In most cases, Dad probably does not need a packed schedule, matching outfits, or a forced family photo shoot. Unless he’s into that, in which case, respect the brand!

Whether you book brunch, hit a brewery, go golfing, catch a car show, head to the shore, or spend the afternoon outside, South Jersey has plenty of ways to make Father’s Day feel special without overdoing it.

If there’s one tip to take from this list, it’s this: plan around what Dad actually enjoys! Being able to do something he loves with the people he loves is always a guarantee for a successful Father's Day!

Need help deciding where to take Dad this Father’s Day? Get in touch with our team for more local recommendations or questions about any of the great spots listed above.