10 Father's Day Ideas in Decatur, IL (2025)

Do you live in the Decatur, IL area? Planning to celebrate Father’s Day?

From outdoor adventures to great meals, here are 10 ideas for things to do and experiences to share this Father's Day – including several returning favorites from previous years!

Father’s Day Idea #1: Enjoy a Free Celtic Concert at Rock Springs

On June 15, 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 7:00 pm 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 #2: Cruise into the Father’s Day Car Show at The Glass House

Car-enthusiast dads will not want to miss the 24th Annual Father’s Day Car Show, hosted at The Glass House (a local stained-glass store with a huge parking area) at 2895 N. Oakland Ave.

The show takes place on Sunday, June 15, 2025 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm making it a perfect afternoon/evening outing on Father’s Day.

Expect to see a wide array of classic cars, hot rods, and custom vehicles on display. This event is free for spectators and fun for the whole family.

Father’s Day Idea #3: Take Dad Out to Lunch

If you’d rather go out, there are plenty of wonderful restaurants around Decatur to go to on Father’s Day!

Benny’s Grill offers a Sunday brunch buffet from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Be sure to call ahead to make a reservation at 217-875-7706.

If Dad enjoys a good craft beer, stop by Decatur Brew Works! Another great spot is Coney McKane's.

Diamond’s Family Restaurant is also a popular Sunday joint, and they’re open from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm.

And of course, you could always go to a chain restaurant such as Cracker Barrel (7:00 am to 9:00 pm) or Perkins (open 24 hours).

Father’s Day Idea #4: Take Dad for a Train Ride (Dads Ride Free!)

All aboard for an unforgettable Father’s Day! Head over to the Monticello Railway Museum for a special Father’s Day weekend train ride!

It’s not technically in Decatur, but it’s just a short 30-minute drive—and totally worth it.

This hour-long ride takes you through central Illinois countryside on a real vintage train. You’ll hop on at the Nelson Crossing Depot and ride all the way to the historic Wabash Depot in downtown Monticello (or vice versa). You can even hop off downtown and explore a bit before catching a return train!

The train runs on both Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15, with departure times at 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, and 2:00 pm from Nelson Crossing.

Dads get in free with at least one paid child ticket.

Father’s Day Idea #5: Reel in Some Fun on Free Fishing Days

Father’s Day weekend is the perfect time to go fishing in Illinois because it coincides with Illinois’ Free Fishing Days, which, in 2025, run from Friday, June 13 through Monday, June 16.

It’s a four-day celebration of fishing in Illinois where you can fish for free without buying a fishing license, salmon stamp or inland trout stamp.

During this four-day celebration of fishing, anyone can fish on any Illinois public waters without needing a fishing license, salmon stamp or inland trout stamp.

Take advantage of this by planning a fishing outing with Dad at one of Decatur’s local fishing spots. Lake Decatur is an obvious choice – you can fish from the shoreline in designated areas, or, if you have access to a boat, out on the water.

Even if you don’t catch “the big one,” the time spent together outdoors will be a cherished Father’s Day memory. And if you do get a great catch, fire up the grill and have a fresh fish fry to celebrate!

Father’s Day Idea #6: 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 7:30 am -12:00 pm.

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 #7: Surprise Him with a Front-Yard Lawn Card

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

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

You can check them out further – and their awesome lawn cards – on their Facebook page.

Father’s Day Idea #8: Catch a Movie with Dad

While the beloved Avon Theatre in Decatur has sadly closed its doors this year (we’ve recommended it in the past as a cool spot to see a movie with Dad), you can still keep the tradition alive with a trip to AMC CLASSIC Decatur 10!

There are some fun new releases playing Father’s Day weekend, with something for families with kids of all ages. Here are a few movies showing:

• Lilo & Stitch
• Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
• Final Destination Bloodlines
• The Last Rodeo
• Thunderbolts
• The Accountant 2

Father's Day Idea #9: $3 Day at Scoville Zoo

Mark your calendars for Dads' Three Dollar Deal Day (weekend) at Scovill Zoo! Celebrate dad with $3 admission for the entire family.

Father’s Day Idea #10: 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)
• Holy Family Catholic Church (2400 S Franklin Street 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!