Plenty of new to do on Father’s Day

Father’s Day doesn’t have to be a routine; check out our list of fun activities to do with dad this weekend.

Maybe you’ve taken your dad out to the same restaurant the past three years on Father’s Day – each time providing the excuse that “it’s his favorite place.” Maybe you’ve driven into San Francisco with your dad for the past three years and done similar activities there. Well, it’s time to get a little bit creative. We've compiled a list of cool activities and eateries that helps you do just that.

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Driving bumpers cars was always fun, but what about a Go-Kart? Find out and enjoy the excitement at Umigo Indoor Kart Racing in Livermore. For more information, call: 925-373-7223 or visit umigoracing.com.

If you want something with a little more muscle, at Bay Area Exotic Cars in San Francisco, you can rent a BMW M5 or a Lamborghini Gallardo for the day. For more information, call: 877-899-6266 or visit bayareaexoticcars.com

To look but not touch, visit the Blackhawk Museum and their amazing collection of classic cars. This Sunday, fathers get in for free, and, if you arrive with a “classic” or “collectible” car, the driver and passengers receive free admission to the museum. There will be two tours, one at 12 p.m. and another at 2 p.m. For more information, call 925-736-2277 or visit blackhawkmuseum.org.

Color Me Mine in Lafayette can bring out the artist in you and the pops. And it never hurts to bring back some youth. For more information, call: 925-299-2615 or visit lafayette.colormemine.com.

For a different type of hands-on activity, consider visiting the USS Hornet Aircraft Carrier Museum in Alameda. Visitors have the opportunity to participate in mission briefings, see airplanes lifted to the flight deck and sit in a fighter jet cockpit. For more information, call 510-521-8448 x 282 or visit uss-hornet.org.

The oldest man to scale Mt. Everest was 70-years-old. That being said, heading over to Concord’s Diablo Rock Gym might not be such a far-fetched idea—all summits are less than 100 feet. For more information, call: 925-602-1000 or visit touchstoneclimbing.com/cd.html.

“Swing! Batter-batter, swing!” The A's are out of town, but you can catch an SF Giants game (and maybe a ball) in the afternoon. As part of a promotion, the first 15,000 fans receive an orange necktie. For more information, call 877-473-4849 or visit sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com.

If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, why not have a BBQ? Dad can either sit on the couch and be served, or he can continue to give you pointers on when to turn the meat on the grill. Luckily, Orchard Supply Hardware and World Market are both having storewide Father’s Day sales. For more information, call the Concord OSH at 925-685-3000 or the Walnut Creek World Market at 925-287-0610.

Comedy never hurt anyone – except for The Three Stooges and Charlie Chaplin. “Year One,” the comedy with Jack Black and Michael Cera opens a couple days before Father’s Day. Also opening that weekend, “Whatever Works,” a romantic comedy directed by Woody Allen and starring Larry David, the co-writer of “Seinfeld,” who is also known as the writer and co-creator of “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Find showtimes at movies.com.

Animals in captivity can be quite captivating—especially when your life’s a zoo. Visit the Oakland Zoo on Father’s Day and Dad gets to ride the train free, all day. Be careful, though, among other things, animals tend to steal the show. For more information, call 510-632-9525 or visit oaklandzoo.org.

Remember all of those cool projects you used to do with your dad when you were a kid? Here’s a new project: build a solar car, well, one made out of Legos. All you need to do is get a team together and it only costs $5 to participate, plus general admission. Building sessions are from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. or 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., don’t forget to sign up. For more information, call 510-336-7373 or visit chabotspace.org/.

As for restaurants, here are a few places that are offering something special on Father’s Day:

Salvatore Ristorante, located on 1627 N. Broadway in Walnut Creek will be discounting bottles of wine by 25 percent on Dad’s Day. They open after 5 p.m. and are currently accepting reservations, so secure you discounted vino now. For more information, call 925-932-2828 or visit salvatoreristorante.com.

Located on 1919 Fourth Street in Berkeley, Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto is offering a la carte Father’s Day specials from 3:00 to 10:00 p.m. Special selections include prime rib, king crab, stuffed salmon and sautéed jumbo prawns and scallops – yum. Guests will be eligible to win a golf adventure by participating in the restaurant’s Father’s Day contest. For more information, call 510-845-7771 or visit spengers.com.

The Chevalier Restaurant, which is located in Lafayette on 960 Moraga Road, is serving special plates of food for an evening dinner. Enjoy the delicious French food – with names like “Bavette a L’ Echalotte” (Montana Natural Piedmontese Skirt Steak, pan seared with Burgundy wine and shallot sauce, served with French fries), you and Dad can’t go wrong. For more information, call 925-385-0793 or visit chevalierrestaurant.com.