7 Father's Day Ideas in Decatur, IL

Do you live in the Decatur, IL area? Do you plan to celebrate Father's Day? Here are 7 ideas for things to do and experiences to share this Father's Day.

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

In the past, Scovill Zoo has done a “Dads’ Day Dollar Deal” – say that 5 times fast! – where the whole family gets to see the animals for $1 per person. Normally, tickets are $6.95 for adults and $4.95 for children, so that is quite a deal.

This Father's Day, the dollar deal has seen a small price increase to $2. The special Father's Day event is now the "Dads Two Dollar Deal."

This Father’s Day discount event lasts from 9:30am 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

On Sunday, June 19th from 12-7pm, celebrate the traditions of Juneteenth at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater. Starting at noon, a community picnic will be catered by Vinnies BBQ, and the first 200 attendees will eat free!

Local vendors and musical groups are welcome to reserve a booth to show their talent to the community, or battle it out on stage. This is a family friendly event open to all of Decatur and those in the surrounding area.

Father’s Day Idea #3: Enjoy a Homestead Prairie Farm Open House

The Rock Springs Conservation Area houses the Homestead Prairie Farm. On Sunday, June 19th from 1-4pm, enjoy a Homestead Prairie Farm Open House! Discover this 1860s farmhouse and the lives of the people who lived there. You can view more information about this event on the Macon County Conservation District website.

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: 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 is located near the Millikin University campus, and they serve fresh pizzas, sandwiches, pita wraps, calzones, craft beers, and more.

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 #6: 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 Top Gun: Maverick (PG13), Lightyear (PG), and Dominion (PG13). You can check showtimes and available movies at theavon.com!

Father’s Day Idea #7: 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!