Wondering how to spoil dad on Father’s Day on June 21 without emptying your pockets or bank account?
There are plenty of entertaining ideas around the Erie area this weekend from walks around Presque Isle to axe throwing to even catching a Lake Erie sunset with family.
We did some research around the area for some free, or near free, activities you can treat dad to on Father’s Day weekend. Here are some of our top results.
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Take dad on a nature walk in Erie
The beauty of Erie is that it is filled with nature. There are free parks at Presque Isle, Asbury Woods, Six Mile Creek in Harborcreek and Wintergreen Gorge which offer incredible sights.
If dad is a bird watcher, the Erie Bird Observatory offers a checklist for birds with over 340 species around Erie County and Presque Isle.
Make sure to check the GoErie.com AccuWeather forecast before making any outdoor plans.
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Catch a Lake Erie sunset
According to multiple travel and tourism sources, including Trip Advisor, Lake Erie has the third most beautiful sunset in the world.
VisitErie says these are the best places to catch a Lake Erie sunset around Father’s Day:
Half off admission at the Erie Zoo
During Father’s Day, the Erie Zoo at 423 W. 38th St., is offering half off admission for fathers or father figures.
Regular admission for adults is $13, so Father’s Day will be $6.50 for fathers and father figures.
Don’t forget about the Chinese lantern festival at the Zoo, Glow Wild going on until July 5 every Thursday through Sunday.
Axe throwing at Stumpy’s Erie
Help your dad relieve stress this Father’s Day with some axe throwing.
When customers bring dad to Stumpy’s Hatchet House at 3728 Liberty St., dads get to throw for free.
Spots must be reserved online beforehand at stumpyshh.com or by calling 814-528-5005.
Free climbing at ASCEND Erie
From June 19-22, ASCEND Erie, at 426 State St., will offer free admission for fathers.
If dad is already a member at ASCEND, he gets to bring one guest for free and everyone in the group will get free rental equipment.
Climbers can take advantage of these specials all weekend long and multiple times.
Climb lighthouses around Erie
Perhaps you want to take your father on a tour of a lighthouse.
The Presque Isle Light House and the Erie Land Lighthouse are both open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Father’s Day with last climbs at 2:40 p.m.
To climb the Presque Isle Lighthouse is $9, or free for members. To climb the Erie Land Lighthouse is $7 or free for members.
Father’s Day specials at Splash Lagoon
At Splash Lagoon at 8091 Peach St., treat dad to family fun.
On June 21, dads swim for free with purchase of a full-price admission pass. This offer is only valid on passes purchased at the water park front desk.
Free sandwich for dads at Primanti Bros
Primanti Bros at the Mall at 5800 Peach St., is celebrating Father’s Day with a special meal.
With a $10 minimum purchase for dine-in customers only, dads get a free Primanti Bros sandwich.
Taste of Summer Festival
The Taste of Summer Festival is taking place in North East at Gibson Park on June 20 and 21. Take dad to enjoy live music, food from local food trucks and specialty vendors and let dad sip on wine, beer and other craft beverages.
More: Listen to live music outdoors in Erie this summer. Here’s your guide
Live music on Father’s Day
On June 21, take dad to enjoy some live music. At Arundel Cellars and Brewing Company at 11727 E. Main St. from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Riff Riders will play live.
At Mazza Chautauqua Cellars and Five and 20 at 8398 W. Main St. in Westfield, New York, Jesse and Erika will play from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Check out area bars or restaurants for more options, or visit GoErie.com’s Things To Do page to find other events.
Contact Nicholas Sorensen at Nsorensen@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: A list of nearly free Father’s Day activities around Erie