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Littles' Dads, Bigs' Dads: A local Father's Day guide for all ages

Updated: Jun 10

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 15, and this year, it lands right in the middle of Morinville Festival Days, which means there's already a ton going on. But if you're looking to do something extra with Dad—whether you're little, big, or somewhere in between—we have some fun (local, naturally) ideas. We've sorted them into Littles' Dads, Middles' Dads, and Bigs' Dads, but outside 18+ age restrictions, they're good for all ages.


Heads up! Many activities happen before Father's Day—check dates so you don’t miss out.



First up: Festival Days fun — Father’s Day magic 🎉


You could just spend the whole weekend at Festival Days, June 13-15, and we totally support that idea. It’s like this festival was made with dads in mind: a classic car show, firefighter’s challenge, 70s style rock concert with burger bar (buy tickets in advance), movies, and food, food, FOOD!



Activities include, but are not limited to:


Littles' Dads

  • Train rides

  • Bouncy castles

  • Bubbles, face painting, and sidewalk chalk play

  • Music, cotton candy, general festival fun!

  • Family movie

  • Pet adoption event?


Middles' Dads

  • Firefighter Combat Challenge

  • Napa Show 'n' Shine (car show)

  • Carnival games with sweet treat prizes

  • Mini-golf

  • Drum circle

  • Family movie

  • Pet adoption event?


Bigs' Dads

  • all the Mediums Dads things

  • BC/DC Concert + Burger Bar (Saturday) An 18+ event at the MCCC

  • Yes, they’re streaming the Oilers game too.

  • Pet adoption event?



Next up:🎣 Fishing and/or golf: the classic Dad plays


Morinville and surrounding Sturgeon County are spoiled for choice when it comes to fishing spots. We've got THREE (3!) stocked lakes/ponds with washrooms, picnic tables, grassy areas, and firepits (though best to bring a small gas barbecue or cold picnic in case of fire bans). 


✅ Don’t forget: You do need a fishing license to cast a line in Alberta.


Tip: A Father’s Day gift basket from The Flower Stop & Gift Shop will make your picnic extra special.


BONUS: There will be a FREE Father’s Day BBQ hosted by the Lions Club at Cardiff Park by the Lake.



Littles' Dads

Paved trails for strollers and wagons
Paved trails for strollers and wagons

The best bet for dads with toddlers and preschoolers. A paved path circles the whole pond — perfect for wagons, strollers, or tiny bikes. There are usually ducks and geese, and maybe even a muskrat or beaver.


The skate park next door adds energy and there’s a playground at Skyline Ball Diamonds just a short walk away. And if your Father's Day includes Fido, the off-leash park is nearby too.


Golf's probably not in the cards at this age — sorry, Dad. You'll have to sneak away another time.



Middles' Dad

Heritage Lake 🎣+ Mini Golf ⛳ at Deb’s Greenhouse 


They do look a little like graves, but they're horseshoe pits!
They do look a little like graves, but they're horseshoe pits!

Heritage Lake feels just a bit more wild — in a good way. You get a nice sense of escape even though it's just off the highway barely a minute out of town. Toss some horseshoes (check Home Hardware for a set), fish from shore, or listen to the birds while you hang out lakeside. There is a boat ramp here, but motorized boats are not allowed.


For before or after fishing, Deb’s Greenhouse is right across the road and has a fun little mini-golf course tucked in alongside a kids' Secret Garden play area.



Bigs' Dad

🎣 Cardiff Lake + 🏌️ Driving Range at Cardiff Golf & Country Club 


Cardiff Lake is a former coal mine turned lake, so it is wildly irregular in shape, creating lots of tucked-away shoreline spots. Grassy hills, trees, the breeze over the water ... this lake is perfect for de-stressing and the fishing is solid.


Bonus: There’s a huge park, playgrounds, volleyball courts, and fields galore — plus that FREE Father’s Day BBQ we mentioned at the top, hosted by the Lions Club.


Head across the road to Cardiff Golf & Country Club for some swings at the driving range or a full round. Maybe even wrap your whole day up with a drink and some dinner on the patio at the Flat Iron Grill.



And last:🏠 some indoorsy ideas


Littles' Dad


🎨 Creative Cove: Daddy & Me Ceramics Let your creativity get a little messy with a laid-back paint-your-own-pottery session. Pieces start at just $10, and they’ve got everything from mugs to monsters to paint.


Finish the outing with a walk to The Ice Hut for a cone. (So many flavours. So many.)


Middles' Dad (or Bigs' too)


🏛️ Musée Morinville Museum 


Not normally open on Sundays, the Musée Morinville Museum is open for Father’s Day. Go in and see an exhibit of handcrafted miniature versions of Morinville’s historic buildings alongside photos and stories from days gone by, including memories of past town festivals. This is a beautiful way to explore the town’s roots with dad or grandpa. 


This is another outing that begs to be followed up with a treat from The Ice Hut.



Bigs' Dad


🎸 One more time: BC/DC Concert + Burger Bar (Saturday) We are bringing it up again, because it's just so perfect. As we mentioned in the intro, this 18+ event at the MCCC promises loud riffs, burgers, and big fun. It’s a full AC/DC tribute experience — and yes, they’re streaming the Oilers game too. Hockey, rock, burgers, beer. What more do you need?


🏛️ Musée Morinville Museum and swap the Ice Hut for a pint at Sturgeon Brewing Company, and this becomes a fabulous 'Bigs Dad' idea.


Wait, we've got a couple more:



... and check out our Restaurants & Bars directory for snacks, drinks, takeout picnics or sit-down dinner!



However You Celebrate...


Whether your crew still fits in a wagon or they’re old enough to buy you a round, make some memories this Father’s Day. Grab a cone, throw a line in the water, browse the museum, catch a concert — whatever fills your tank. You’ve earned it.


And hey, if you're a dad reading this? Forward it to your kids (or someone who can help them out if they're too small yet).



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