And just a suggestion, use public transportation. In most cases it will save you at least $20.
ZOOS
Zoos are an excellent way to spend a Sunday you pops – and a cheap solution to some solid entertainment (I love monkeys, and I’m not talking about my baby brother). For Father’s Day, a trip to either Brookfield or Lincoln Park Zoo gives you and Dad some bonding time, and with the weather expected to be warm and gorgeous this weekend, a trip to the zoo is sure to put a smile on Dad’s face.
BROOKFIELD ZOO
HOURS
Sunday hours (daily, too) 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ADMISSION
2006 General Zoo Admission
Adults (12-64) $10.00
Children (3-11) $6.00
Seniors (65+) $6.00
Children 2 and Under Free
PARKING
Car/Van parking: $8.00
GETTING THERE
Brookfield Zoo is located at First Avenue between Ogden Avenue and 31st Street in Brookfield, Illinois, just 14 miles west of downtown Chicago.
LINCOLN PARK ZOO
HOURS
Grounds open until 7 p.m. on Sundays
ADMISSION
Free
PARKING
Weekends and Holidays there is a flat $22 fee per day.*
GETTING THERE
Lincoln Park Zoo is located just off Lake Shore Drive at the Fullerton Parkway exit, just minutes north of downtown Chicago. From I-94, exit at either Fullerton Parkway or North Avenue and go east.
NAVY PIER
Dads love the Pier. It’s outside, there is plenty of walking around, on Sunday there’s music and there’s a beer garden. I even would bet that some Dads call Navy Pier heaven. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and entertainment on the pier, but my suggestion for Father’s Day is the Billy Goat Tavern. Billy Goats may have cursed the Cubs, but they love fathers, 'Cheezborger’ 'Cheezborger’ 'Cheezborger.’
PARKING
From the Web site: Visitors can also take advantage of thousands of additional parking spaces located west of Lake Shore Drive near Navy Pier. The free Navy Pier trolley provides convenient transportation to and from remote lots.
Expect to pay over $20 for parking, so, again, public transportation is recommended.
TASTE OF RANDOLPH STREET
Last year, I took my Dad to Taste of Randolph and had a great time. There are tons of food and crafts vendors, plenty of room for walking, and great music options. The event actually begins on Friday, but of course, for Dads, we will highlight Sunday.
ADDRESS
Randolph Street and Racine Avenue
1200 W. Randolph St.
MUSIC
3 p.m.: Walt Cunningham, Jr. and One Accord
4:30 p.m.: Luce
6 p.m.: Michael McDermott
8 p.m.: Toad The Wet Sprocket
ADMISSION
$10 suggested donation benefits the West Loop Community Organization
CHICAGO SUMMERFEST IN LINCOLN PARK
Never been, but definitely another great street option for Sunday. The Web site calls it a “two-day celebration of blues and rock music features a roster of national acts, plus arts and crafts, a Father's Day brunch buffet (11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday) and kids' entertainment.” Sounds intriguing.
ADDRESS
Clark Street and Armitage Avenue
2000 N. Clark St.
SUNDAY MUSIC
11 a.m.: Gospel Brunch featuring the Deliverance Singers
1 p.m.: Stellar Road
2:30 p.m.: Nice Peter
4 p.m.: Maggie Speaks
6 p.m.: Hairbangers Ball
ADMISSION
$5 donation benefits the Mid-North Association
ANDY WARHOL/SUPERNOVA: STARS, DEATHS and DISASTERS, 1962-1964
For those with Dads who are big art fans, the Museum of Contemporary Art has a great exhibit on display. The exhibit displays more than 25 example’s of Warhol’s early artwork, including celebrities and car crashes.
ADDRESS
Museum of Contemporary Art
220 E. Chicago Ave.
SUNDAY HOURS
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
ADMISSION
Free with general admission, $6-10.
MUSIC AT MILLENNIUM
Why not take advantage of the beautiful park the city built – Millennium Park? At 3 p.m. this Sunday, the Chicago Chamber Musicians, with Paquito D'Rivera, will perform some great classical music. A picnic in the park is another cheap suggestion for making Dad’s Day great!
MUSIC
(The Grant Park Orchestra does not appear on this program)
BARBER String Quartet
COPLAND Appalachian Spring
REVUELTAS Two Serious Little Pieces
Four Little Pieces
Sensemaya
VILLA-LOBOS Quintet en forma de choros
D'RIVERA Three Poems from the New World
PARKING
The Grant Park North Underground Garage is accessible directly from Michigan Avenue at Randolph and Madison streets.
The Millennium Park Garage is accessible from Columbus Drive between Randolph and Monroe Streets.
The Monroe Street Garage is also accessible from Columbus Drive between Randolph and Monroe Streets.
The Grant Park South Garage is accessible from Michigan Avenue at Van Buren or Adams Streets.
