Dad's Night Out Ideas Around Philadelphia

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Do you crave the thrill of being a Ninja Warrior? If so, you are in luck because the excitement is at Icore Fitness. They offer various obstacles and training equipment such as climbing walls, zip lines, rope jungles and much more. Get your friends together for a true adrenaline rush.

See Open Gym hours & prices starting at $25 for 2 hours per person and $10 for each additional hour.

Tim Ponisciak said:  Nothing gets the heart racing like a day at the track! Gather your buddies and head out to Harrah's where you and the guys can enjoy some slots, black jack, roulette and Texas hold 'em and then go watch and bet on some horse races. While you are there, get some great food from Guy Fieri's Philly Kitchen.

Tim Ponisciak said:  Round up the fellow dads and relax with a night of laughs! The Colonial hosts comedians periodically throughout the year. Sit back and enjoy some comedy in this gorgeous theatre.

Shila said:  The object of the game is to go out & capture a flag; you also try to eliminate opposing players by tagging them with a paintball marker (gun)! What makes this park special are the intricate outdoor courses.

Call ahead & reserve a time. You do not need a big group to play, if you attend alone or in a small group you'll be mixed in with players of the same skill level. 

The park closes by dinnertime. Just do laundry before sitting down at the table! Bring the kids next time (ages 10+). 

The cost is $45 per player.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Do you dream about the thrill of flying? You can grab some buddies and experience the freefall simulated experience of flying in a vertical wind tunnel at iFLY indoor skydiving in King of Prussia, PA. There are no parachutes or jumping, it is just you flying in the air in a safe and exciting environment. They offer per person and group rates starting at $69.95. Get your thrill on, and afterwards, check out the many restaurants and sports bars in the area for a post flight meal or drink.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Grab the guys and hit the links for a round of golf at The Club at Shannondell. They feature meticulous landscaping on beautiful sweeping grounds with wide fairways and higher cut rough and pitched greens to accommodate golfers of all skill levels. They offer both 9-hole and 18-hole golfing. Golfers have access to the locker rooms and pro shop.

Cost: Rates start at $22/per person to walk and $36/per person to ride after 3 pm. Golf carts and clubs are available to rent.

Juan L. said:  Even dads who aren't huge car buffs will like the Simeone Foundation Auto Museum . If dad IS way into cars, then this museum will absolutely blow his mind. The extensive collection is truly dazzling with vehicles ranging from classic to futuristic. The staging is fantastic, the cars are rare, and the staff is helpful.

General admission tickets start at $12.

Shila said:  A canopy tour takes place atop a mountain as you experience a series of zip lines, rope bridges & challenges through the trees under the "canopy" of leaves. You'll take the chair lift to the top.

There's a few different levels based on your experience & preference. Go in a group, or just with a few buddies. And bring the kids (age 6+) & family next time!  

Canopy Tours range from 1-4 hours with multiple tours running at once. Reservations required. See site for pricing, as it'll vary by tour & time.

Tim Ponisciak said:  Get on down to see the Sixers! Sixers games are a blast with some great amenities, suites and food available at the Wells Fargo Center. Make a whole night of it and go to Xfinity Live! before hand for some pregaming festivities!

Tim Ponisciak said:  There's nothing quite like the energy behind an NHL hockey game. Hockey is pretty popular in Philly, but there are some guys who have never gone to a game in person! Make sure to rally your buddies to head out to the Wells Fargo Center and take in a game with the orange and black. Wells Fargo features a lot of great food and drink options, and if you are getting together for a big night like a bachelor party you can always get a suite! Stop by Xfinity Live! beforehand to get the night started on the right foot.

Tim Ponisciak said:  Even if you don't have tickets to the big game, head out to Xfinity Live! with the boys for some good food and as many tvs as you could ever hope for! Xfinity Live is conveniently located right by Philly's sports complex so you can pre-game there if you choose. The facility has six different restaurants/bars to choose from and often hosts larger events for big games.

Juan L. said:  Daddis MMA is run by a legit-as-they-come MMA fighter, muay thai kick boxer, and BJJ practitioner and has a reputation as one of the best MMA gyms in the city. Perfect for those dads who are into combat sports, Daddis offers MMA classes, yoga, Crossfit, BJJ, and muay thai. You'll have to contact them for pricing, but they usually have a free trial offer going. Daddis also offers a kids martial arts program, in case a little one wants to tag along with dad.

Tim Ponisciak said:  After having a long day with the kids at the Philadelphia Zoo, stick around for a night cap with your buddies at the Watering Hole! The Watering Hole is located at the Zoo, and features local brews along with some great sandwiches and snacks. It has a great open air atmosphere too!

Shila said:  Bat-A-Rama is South Jersey’s premier indoor batting range (& more). The facility features equipped batting cages with baseballs at 40 mph - 70 mph. All of the batting cages are token operated & no reservations are required. $2/ per token will give you 20 balls (specials available). 

If you are bringing in a larger group (or team), cages are available for rent in 30 min - 1 hour long increments. Reservations must be made at least one day in advance.

Michelle Joy Blattner said:  Video games and beer, what could be better for a guy's night out?

Be sure to check out Dave & Busters for a night of good food, great drinks, and challenging games! Dave & Busters always features specials, especially if you plan on eating and playing one of their many addicting games. See who can get the most tickets and the most brag-worthy prize at the end of the night!

Tim Ponisciak said:  Head back to school with the guys! Philly Beer School (run by Philly Wine School) can teach you all about beer, whether you want to try tasting different types of beer, pairing beer with food or want to take a course in brewing your own beer! Schedule is available online.

Cost: Varies by program, but starts at $41.

Juan L. said:  ComedySportz is one of Philly's longest-running improv comedy shows. And it's a great place for a unique dad's night out. Dads will have a blast interacting with the performers during the skits and on-stage games. Audience participation is encouraged: Whether it's suggesting ideas, performing a role on stage, or even getting lightly teased by the performers! ComedySportz is BYOB so dads can enjoy some refreshments to go along with their comedy.

Juan L. said:  The Helium Comedy Club is the spot for a guy's night out filled with laughs. Big names in comedy pop up here regularly. It's the perfect spot to grab a beer, some food, and buckle in for a night of belly laughs. Guys should be aware that, like at many comedy clubs, there is a two-item minimum.

Check Helium Comedy Club's site for the calendar of acts.

Tim Ponisciak said:  Nothing says guys' night out like cigars and whiskey! Head out to Ashton Cigar Bar to enjoy both. The bar has a huge selection of cigars available and an extensive cocktail list as well. The bar has a state-of-the-art air purifier system, so you won't come out smelling like smoke!

Tim Ponisciak said:  When you just need to sit back, relax and look proper, this old school barbershop is for you. The barbers here will give you a top notch cut all while you feel like you are back in the '60s! Make sure you schedule an appointment.

Cost: $28 for a haircut, $35 for a shave

Tim Ponisciak said:  Head out with the boys to do some bowling or any number of other activities at Lucky Strike! There is also ping pong, shuffleboard, pool and more! Lucky Strike has some great food and drink options as well and offers a really cool atmosphere.

Tim Ponisciak said:  Get a few of the other dads together and go on a brew tour! Learn how beer is made while you visit 4 different breweries and sample up to 16 beers. You don't have to drive, City Brew Tours will take care of that for you! Make sure you leave a lot of time, as the tour takes five hours. Tour includes light dinner.

Cost: $99/person

Juan L. said:  This one's a little different, but it's also a fantastic time. Dr Thunder hosts karaoke nights at several bars/venues across Philly and each one is a blast. Voted Best Karaoke by Philadelphia Magazine, the Dr's unique approach (fun costumes for everyone in attendance to wear, an infectious attitude) will make this one guy's night out to remember...

Shila said:  Working with heavy materials, molten glass & furnaces that reach over 2,300 degrees is certainly a unique experience to be had with friends. Gather a crew together, & expert glass blowers will tailor up a private introductory session for your group (or take class in the studio).

There's also "Musical Chairs" where you can collaborate together as a group in a private setting, with everyone taking turns working on the art piece together. 

Private glassblowing rates vary depending on number of participants, & what you choose to make. The studio fee for a group of 6-10 people can start around $100. 

Shila said:  The Gun Range is operated as an educational facility & staffed by firearms professionals. You'll see frequent enthusiasts, or guests just coming to learn & try something new.

The Gun Range is open to the public and you do not have to be a member in order to shoot at the facility. You do not need to a carry permit (LTCF) to shoot at the range either. However, you must be over 18 - 21 years old to use the full facility. There are 13 lanes, each 20 yards long. Be sure to read additional FAQs to help you plan.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Enjoy an adrenaline rush Dad's Night Out with your buddies at Go Vertical Indoor Rock Climbing Gym with 13,500 square feet of climbing surfaces. You and your friends can soar high with 250 climbing routes ranging from 5.3 to 5.13 with climbing walls that go up to 50 feet high. They also feature bouldering from V0 to V8, top rope routes on walls and slabs, sport leading routes and much more!

Cost: $19/unlimited day pass and $17/bouldering only pass during peak hours. Equipment rental is available. Street parking is free.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Make a night out with the guys to tour Philadelphia Distilling in Fishtown. You and your buddies can tour the space, meet the distillers and learn the history of Philadelphia Distilling. Tours include a taste of their premium spirits. The venue offers private event space, retail store and outdoor patio.

Tim Ponisciak said:  Come on out to SugarHouse and hopefully you or one of your buddies will go home a winner! Go all in at the only poker room within the city, eat something delicious at Hugo's Frog Bar and Chop House, or see one of the bands or comedians that take the SugarHouse stage!

Juan L. said:  Barcade, located in Fishtown, is the perfect spot for a guy's night out for all those dads hoping to relive their days spent dishing out quarters at the arcade. There are tons of classic arcade games to choose from, along with a diverse craft beer selection and a well-curated food menu. 

Shila said:  Kensington Quarters is an american eatery/bar set in a repurposed warehouse. Other than a great place to dine in, they also host classes in butchery. Classes are limited to small groups & are hosted by the kitchen & butcher shop staff.

There's even a class called the "Whole Pig" ($100). The butcher will break down a side of one of their woodlot-raised pigs, demonstrate butchering techniques, various cuts & best cooking methods. Attendees will take home sample cuts of pork to cook & taste. See site to view the butchering class schedule, also for similar cooking classes.

Vanessa M. said:  Guys know that throwing stuff is fun, so what could be more fun than throwing axes competitively at targets? Urban Axes is great for group events like bachelor parties or guys night out, or just grab a friend and come in for a walk-in session. Trained coaches will guide you and supervise your axe-throwing session. Click here to book a group session.

Must be 21 or over.

Cost: walk-in $20 per hour, group event $35 for 2.5 hours

Shila said:  You can have a private "Clay Date" with your buddies. Quite popular for corporate events, casual groups are also welcome to get their hands into creative pottery pieces and clay art. The lounge comes with a video projector, pool table, arcades and music. You can even arrange for food and drinks.

This could be a fun way for guys to get together, and create something special to each bring home as personalized gifts. Depending on which day of the week, prices range from $50 - $65 / person.

Pinsetter Bar & Bowl said:  Pinsetter Bar & Bowl is the perfect impromptu night out with the boys! Hit the lanes for some friendly competition or play darts and shuffleboard in the cafe! Pinsetter has over 15 TVs and big screen projectors to watch live games as well! There's always a food & drink specials and great Happy Hour Deals! Free parking & no reservations!

Tim Ponisciak said:  Round your buddies up and spend a day on the driving range! Burholme Park has a great range available. Plus, if you want to relive your glory days, take some swings in the batting cages as well!

Cost: Small bucket of balls is just $6.

Tim Ponisciak said:  Head on out to the race track with your buddies and place some bets on the horses! Parx Racing hosts a number of different horse races each year along with with viewing parties for races like the Kentucky Derby. There are also options for renting facilities for group outings too!

Tim Ponisciak said:  Destress a little bit by going to play some laser tag! It's not just for kids. Grab some of your buddies and see who still has the skills from their youth! There are also plenty of video games to try out as well.

Shila said:  Dutch Springs features a 50-acre lake in a natural setting full of adult & family activities, including an aqua park, watercraft rentals, snorkeling & more.  The lake is spring-fed from an underground aquifer. The water is filtered through limestone, providing clear water & visibility. 

Scuba Diving is a popular sport to do with a buddy or in a group with certified scuba instructors. Under water you'll discover attractions such as a school bus, fire truck, air craft, & of course, various freshwater fish at depths up to 100 feet! You can rent gear. Reservations required. $175 per person.

Tim Ponisciak said:  If Dad and his buddies can get away for a while, Atlantic City may be at the top of the list! AC has great restaurants, a bunch of casinos and unique outdoor activities as well! It is only a short two hour drive from downtown Philadelphia.

Tim Ponisciak said:  For the thrill seeker dads out there, Six Flags has it all if you can get away for a whole day. Right roller coasters like Nitro, Kingda Ka, The Joker and The Dark Knight! There are also a lot of great food and beverage options available at the park, and if you want to cool off, you can get to Hurricane Harbor!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Grab your buddies for an exclusive walking tour of Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles. During the 60-90 minute tour, you will visit the famous field, Xfinity Press Box, Club and Suite levels, Locker Room and Eagles Home Interview Room. You will also discover how this stadium is environmentally green. Each guest will receive a special tour gift. 

Admission is $10 for adults. Tours are available various days and times. Parking is free in the K lot. Group tours available for 10 or more people.