Do dad a favor and give him an experiential gift this Father's Day. These Los Angeles activities are better than another tie any day.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. the Houston Astros: For the sporty dad, nothing says Father’s Day relaxation like baseball, a cold beer, a bag of peanuts and a hot dog. Treat dad to all four and indulge the sports fanatic he raised you to be at this afternoon Dodgers game. After the game, families can head down to the field to play a game of catch, with foam balls. June 19, 1:30pm, tickets $5- $1601000 Elysian Park Avenue, at Stadium Way, (323-224-1448 or losangelesdodgers.mlb.com)
Peterson Automotive Museum: If fast cars and faster motorcycles are dad’s thrill, cruise over to the Peterson Automotive Museum, where pops can check out the 150 classic cars and bikes on display, and indulge his PCH car chase fantasies in the process. 6060 Wilshire Boulevard, at South Fairfax Avenue, (323-930-2277 or petersen.org)
Father's Day at Descanso Gardens: If dad is all about nature, (and the meat it provides), treat him to an afternoon at the gorgeous Descanso Gardens. The 160 -acre outdoor venue is throwing a BBQ on their main lawn, so bring a blanket on which to eat and lounge while listening to barbershop singers, the Jet Set Quartet. June 19, 11am1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge, (818-949-4200 or descansogardens.org)Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County: Take dad back to the origins of man with a tour through the Los Angeles Natural History Museum’s Dinosaur Hall and Butterfly Pavilion. Admission includes access to view the newly restored, 7,000 pound Fin Whale skeleton. 900 Exposition Boulevard, at South Vermont Avenue, (213-763-3466 or nhm.org)
Father’s Day Pork-Fest at Drago: Meat loving dads will love getting into the beer and pork pairings at Santa Monica’s Drago. The restaurant’s five-course pork tasting menu includes head cheese, pig trotter croquettes and pork belly displays. The venue promises full “snout-to-tail utilization” and beer options including the Ommegang Abbey Ale and Ayinger Brewery's Celebrator Doppelbock.June 19, $20-$59, reservations recommended2628 Wilshire Boulevard, at 26th Street, Santa Monica, (310-828-1585 or celestinodrago.com)
Father’s Office: A slightly cheesy Father’s Day destination, perhaps, but there will be nothing to scoff at when dad happily tears into the signature, juicy, ketchup-free Office Burger and basket of sweet potato fries. The kitchen opens at noon.1018 Montana Avenue, at 11th Street, Santa Monica, (310-736-2224 or fathersoffice.com)
The Grand Ole Echo: Country artists Skip Heller, David Serby & Dirt Poor Folklore play the Echo for an alt-country good time on Father’s day. The accompanying BBQ will appease all of the meat-loving cowboy dads in attendance. June 19, 5pm, free1922 Sunset Boulevard, at Lemoyne Street, (213-413-8200 or attheecho.com)
Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony: The Los Angeles Musicians Symphony and Chorus will play Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony for this classy cultural event at downtown’s Disney Hall. Enjoy the music (and your pa’s company) while enjoying this show benefiting Japan’s earthquake relief effort. The concert will culminate in an audience sing-along of the symphony’s grand finale. June 19, 7pm, tickets $3-$140111 South Grand Avenue, at West First Street, (323-850-2000 or laphil.com)
Dad Double Feature at The Egyptian: Celebrate dad’s eternal virility by taking him out for a double feature of classic manly men flicks at Hollywood’s Egyptian Theatre. The two-fer includes the Clint Eastwood gangster classic "The Untouchables" and John Badham's helicopter action thriller "Blue Thunder."June 19, 7:30pm, tickets $116712 Hollywood Boulevard, at (323-466-3456 or americancinemtheque.com)