8 Father's Day Ideas in Decatur, IL (2023)

Do you live in the Decatur, IL area? Do you plan to celebrate Father's Day? Here are plenty of ideas for things to do and experiences to share this Father's Day.

Father’s Day Idea #1: Head to the Zoo for $2

This Father's Day, Scovill Zoo is doing their Dads Dollar Day Deal where you can enjoy $2 per person admission for dear ol’ Dad and the entire family!

This Father’s Day discount event lasts from 9am through 5pm, and there are plenty of animals to look at! The zoo has everything from zebras to flamingos to tarantulas.

Scovill Zoo also has an Endangered Species Carousel, a 1-mile train ride, and a big playground that has a rock wall, music station, and lots of slides.

You can visit this Decatur Zoo at 71 S. Country Club Rd.

Father’s Day Idea #2: Juneteenth Celebration at Devon Lakeshore Ampitheater

The Decatur Park District in collaboration with area volunteers are proud to announce the 2023 Juneteenth Celebration on Sunday, June 18 at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater.

The event will run from 2-6 pm and is free to enter. The day will feature entertainment, vendors, food trucks and more. Additional details to come!

Father’s Day Idea #3: Enjoy a Celtic Whistle Concert

On June 18, Celtic Whistle will take the Summer Concert Series stage again to delight us with some Irish music and lovely harmonies, complete with flutes, accordions, and banjos.

The performance begins at 7pm and will be held near the pavilions at Rock Springs Conservation Area. Snacks will be available for purchase. All concerts are free, and in the event of rain, they will move indoors.

Father’s Day Idea #4: Visit the Bloomington Farmer’s Market

Pick up some fresh produce and enjoy the morning at the Bloomington Farmer’s Market! It’s held in downtown Bloomington on Saturday from 7:30am-12pm.

This producer-only market offers a wide selection of farm products, including fruit and veggies, cheeses, meats, eggs, flowers, plants, and herbs.  

If you can’t make it Father’s Day weekend, the market is open from May through October!

Father’s Day Idea #5: Take Him to the Front Yard

Why not take your dad out to his front yard on Father's Day?

Stick with us on this one – Card My Yard Decatur does some incredible lawn displays that are sure to surprise your dad in the best way!

You can book your special lawn card display at www.cardmyyard.com/decatur and let them come up with something PUN-derful!

Father’s Day Idea #6: Have a Meal With Dad

If you’re not sure what to get dad for Father’s Day, a meal certainly won’t hurt! There are plenty of wonderful restaurants to go to on Father’s Day!

Benny’s Grill offers a Sunday brunch buffet from 10am-2pm. Be sure to call ahead to make a reservation at 217-875-7706. Downtown Café is open on Sundays from 8am-2pm and offers a great breakfast/brunch!

If you want something a little more casual, Donnie’s Homespun Pizza is open on Sunday from 11am-8pm. Donnie’s serves fresh pizzas, sandwiches, pita wraps, calzones, craft beers, and more.

If Dad enjoys a good craft beer, stop by Decatur Brew Works!

And of course, you could always go to a chain restaurant such as Cracker Barrel (7am-9pm) or Perkins (open 24 hours).

Diamond’s Family Restaurant is also a popular Sunday joint, and they’re open from 6am-9pm.

Father’s Day Idea #7: Go to the Movies

Whether the kids are toddlers or teens, there are lots of great new movies to choose from that will be airing in Decatur, IL on June 19, 2022.

The Avon is a great local Decatur theatre, and as of this writing, the upcoming movies include TRANSFORMERS: Rise of the Beasts, THE FLASH, and Pixar's ELEMENTAL. You can check showtimes and available movies at theavon.com!

Father’s Day Idea #8: Take Dad to Church

A great way to celebrate Father’s Day is to take dad to church.

Decatur, IL has a ton of great churches if you aren’t already affiliated with one, including:

• GT Church (500 S 27th St)
• Renaissance (456 N Water St)
• St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (1 Bachrach Ct)
• St. John’s Lutheran Church (2727 N Union St)
• Heartland Community Church (3253 N Brush College Rd)
• Decatur First Church of the Nazarene (1177 W Hickory Point Rd)
• First Christian Church (3350 N MacArthur Rd)
• Life Foursquare (2954 W Ash Ave)
• Northwest Christian Church (1306 N Stanley Ave)
• First United Methodist Church of Decatur (201 W North St)
• Antioch Christian Church (5409 E, US-36)
• Crusaders Church of Decatur (3245 N MacArthur Rd)
• First Presbyterian Church (204 W Prairie Ave)
• New Day Community Church (4191 Greenswitch Rd)

Taking your dad to church for Father’s Day is a great, special way to honor him and your heavenly Father.

Conclusion

What are your plans for Father’s Day? Let us know what events and ideas we missed in the comments section below!