Things to Do with Dad on Father’s Day in Williams

Father's Day in Williams

Celebrate Father’s Day in Williams with Adventure, Food, and Family Fun

If your dad enjoys steaks, fishing, road trips, golf, breweries, scenic views, weird museums, or simply escaping the daily routine for a weekend, Father’s Day in Williams might be exactly what your family is looking for.

Located along historic Route 66 and surrounded by pine forests, lakes, and outdoor adventure, Williams offers the perfect mix of relaxation, fun, and memorable experiences. Whether your dad is the outdoorsy type, the “tell bad jokes all day” type, or the guy who just wants a good burger and a cold drink, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the third Sunday in June.

And the best part? Whether you’re an adult looking for breweries and guided tours or a kid excited about dinosaurs, trains, and outdoor adventure, there’s something for everyone to enjoy with dad in Williams.

At a Glance: Father’s Day in Williams

  • Celebrate Father’s Day in Williams with outdoor adventure and family fun
  • Go fishing at scenic mountain lakes
  • Treat dad to a steakhouse dinner
  • Play a round of golf surrounded by pine trees
  • Visit the Grand Canyon together
  • Ride the historic Grand Canyon Railway
  • Explore Historic Route 66
  • Explore the hilarious and fascinating Poozeum
  • Enjoy breweries, live music, and guided tours
  • Discover more things to do with Dad in Williams

Why Williams Is Perfect for Father’s Day

Some dads want tools for Father’s Day. Some want socks. But let’s be honest… most dads would probably rather spend time with family doing something fun.

That’s what makes Williams such a great Father’s Day destination.

Instead of another predictable gift, families can spend the weekend fishing, golfing, road tripping, eating great food, exploring Route 66, or simply enjoying cooler mountain weather together. June is one of the best times to visit Williams because the weather is beautiful, outdoor activities are in full swing, and the town has a lively, welcoming atmosphere.

Whether you’re planning a quick Sunday trip or turning Father’s Day into a full weekend celebration, Williams gives families plenty of ways to create memories together.

Take Dad Fishing in Williams on Father’s Day

Take dad fishing

If your dad’s version of relaxation involves a fishing pole and a peaceful lake, Williams delivers.

The area is home to several beautiful fishing spots where families can enjoy cooler temperatures, mountain scenery, and a slower pace of life. Kaibab Lake, Cataract Lake, and Dogtown Lake are all popular places to cast a line and spend quality time outdoors.

Fishing also happens to be one of those rare activities where everyone can relax at the same time. Dad gets to fish, kids get to explore nature, and nobody has to answer emails for a while.

Not a bad Father’s Day plan.
Find Where to Go Fishing in Williams

Treat Dad to a Legendary Steak Dinner on Father’s Day

Take Dad to a Steakhouse on Father's Day

After a full day of adventure, there’s a good chance Dad will be ready for a serious meal.

Luckily, Williams has plenty of restaurants and steakhouses where families can celebrate Father’s Day with juicy steaks, burgers, comfort food, Southwestern favorites, and local drinks. Some spots even feature live music during busy weekends, giving the town an extra fun atmosphere during June celebrations.

Whether your dad orders the biggest steak on the menu or insists he’s “just getting something light” before stealing everyone else’s fries, a great dinner is always part of a successful Father’s Day.

Find Local Favorite Steakhouses

Go Golfing with Dad on Father’s Day

Go Golfing with Dad

Golf and Father’s Day practically go together.

If your dad enjoys spending time on the course, Williams offers a refreshing mountain golf experience surrounded by tall pines and cooler summer temperatures. Elephant Rocks Golf Course is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a relaxing round in beautiful Northern Arizona scenery.

Even if nobody in the family is winning any tournaments anytime soon, golfing together gives families a chance to laugh, compete a little, and spend uninterrupted time together.

And yes… dad is still probably going to explain his golf strategy before every single shot.
Find Where to Go Golfing in Williams, Arizona

Visit the Grand Canyon Together

Visit the Grand Canyon with Dad on Father's Day

You really can’t talk about Father’s Day in Williams without mentioning the Grand Canyon.

Wondering how far the Grand Canyon is from Williams? The South Rim is located about an hour away and makes an unforgettable Father’s Day trip filled with scenic overlooks, hiking opportunities, wildlife sightings, and incredible family photos.

Some dads love the hiking trails. Some dads just want to stand there dramatically looking at the Canyon while pretending they discovered it personally. Either way, it’s hard to beat the experience.

Many families stay in Williams because it offers easy access to the Grand Canyon while still giving visitors a fun town atmosphere filled with restaurants, attractions, breweries, and Route 66 charm once the day trip is over.

Planning an overnight Father’s Day getaway? Explore places to stay in Williams

Laugh Your Way Through the Poozeum

Take Your Dad to Poozeum

Want to guarantee dad jokes on Father’s Day? Take Dad to the Poozeum.

This one-of-a-kind museum is dedicated entirely to fossilized dinosaur droppings, also known as coprolites. Yes, really.

The funny concept immediately gets everyone laughing, but the museum is also genuinely interesting and educational. Kids love it because it’s weird and funny. Adults love it because… honestly, it’s still weird and funny.

The Poozeum has quickly become one of the most unique attractions in Williams and makes a perfect stop for families looking for something memorable and different during Father’s Day weekend.

Learn more here:
Poozeum Dinosaur Museum

Explore Breweries and Live Music with Dad on Father’s Day

Go with Dad to a Brewery

For dads who appreciate a craft beer, good food, and a little live entertainment, Williams is a great place to spend Father’s Day weekend.

The town’s laid-back Route 66 atmosphere makes brewery hopping and enjoying live music especially fun during June.

Many restaurants and patios around town also feature live music during busy weekends, creating a fun and lively atmosphere that feels perfect for a Father’s Day celebration.

It’s the perfect way for Dad to kick back, raise a glass, and enjoy great food with family after a busy day.

Two popular spots include:

Historic Brewing Company — Offers locally crafted beers, pub favorites, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Grand Canyon Brewing + Distillery — Is a great place to relax with a meal, sample local brews, and unwind after a day of exploring.

Take a Ride on the Grand Canyon Railway with Dad on Father’s Day

Go with Dad to a Brewery

If your dad enjoys trains, history, scenic views, or simply trying something different, a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway makes a memorable Father’s Day experience.

Departing directly from downtown Williams, the historic train takes passengers on a scenic journey to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Along the way, families can relax, enjoy beautiful Arizona landscapes, and experience a piece of living history that has been carrying visitors to the Grand Canyon for more than a century.

The train ride itself is part of the adventure, making it a great option for families who want to spend quality time together while enjoying one of Arizona’s most iconic attractions.

Explore Historic Route 66 Together

Go with Dad to a Brewery

Sometimes the best Father’s Day memories come from doing something simple.

Historic Route 66 runs right through the heart of Williams, and spending an afternoon exploring downtown can be a fun way to slow down and enjoy time together. Browse local shops, grab an ice cream, stop for a family photo by a classic Route 66 sign, or simply wander the streets taking in the nostalgia of America’s most famous highway.

Many dads enjoy the history, vintage cars, old-school diners, and small-town charm that make Williams one of the most iconic Route 66 destinations in Arizona.

Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or spending the entire weekend in town, Route 66 offers plenty of opportunities to create memories together at your own pace.

Looking for ideas?
Explore these things to do on Route 66 in Williams.

Explore Northern Arizona with a Guided Tour on Father’s Day

Go with Dad to a Brewery on Father's Day

If you’d rather leave the planning and driving to someone else, a guided tour can be a fantastic Father’s Day activity.

Local tour companies offer opportunities to explore some of Northern Arizona’s most scenic destinations while learning about the area’s history, geology, wildlife, and culture. Guided tours allow families to relax, enjoy the experience, and focus on spending time together rather than worrying about directions or logistics.

Two popular options include:

  • Grand Day Tours — Offers sightseeing adventures and guided experiences throughout Northern Arizona and the Grand Canyon region.
  • Canyon Dave Tours — Known for personalized tours, storytelling, and local knowledge.

Make Father’s Day in Williams a New Family Tradition

At the end of the day, Father’s Day isn’t really about buying the perfect gift. It’s about spending time together, sharing experiences, and creating memories your family will laugh about for years.

And remember—whether you’re an adult looking for breweries and local entertainment or a kid searching for adventure, trains, dinosaur museums, and family fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy with dad in Williams.

So this June, skip the boring gift bag and plan an adventure instead.

Explore More Local Activities

FAQs About Father’s Day in Williams

What are fun things to do for Father’s Day in Williams?

Some of the most popular Father’s Day activities in Williams include fishing, golfing, riding the Grand Canyon Railway, exploring Historic Route 66, visiting the Grand Canyon, enjoying local breweries, taking guided tours, eating at local steakhouses, and visiting the Poozeum.

Is Williams a good Father’s Day weekend destination?

Yes. Williams is a great Father’s Day destination because it offers outdoor adventure, family-friendly attractions, cooler weather, Route 66 charm, and easy access to the Grand Canyon.

Are there family-friendly things to do in Williams for Father’s Day?

Absolutely. Families can enjoy fishing, sightseeing, train rides, museums, wildlife attractions, guided tours, and outdoor recreation together during Father’s Day weekend.

How far is Williams from the Grand Canyon?

Williams is located about one hour from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, making it a popular home base for day trips.

Is the Grand Canyon Railway a good Father’s Day activity?

Yes. The Grand Canyon Railway offers a scenic train ride from Williams to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, making it a fun and memorable Father’s Day experience for families of all ages.

What is the Poozeum in Williams?

The Poozeum is a unique museum dedicated to fossilized dinosaur droppings, also called coprolites. It combines humor, science, and history into one unforgettable attraction.

Are there breweries in Williams, Arizona?

Yes. Williams has several breweries, restaurants, and live music venues that make great evening stops during a Father’s Day weekend getaway.

RV Parks in Williams Arizona: Where to Hook Up

Grand Canyon Railway RV Park Williams AZ

Williams, Arizona is a lively town near the Grand Canyon, also known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon®; it is one of the most sought-after places for RV travelers looking to make a night’s stop on their way to the Canyon itself. But don’t think of Williams as just any town; it is filled with all sorts of recreational, dining, and outdoor activities. In fact, there’s so much to do in Williams, that it should be a holiday spot of its own. So much so that you will want to stay in one of the many fantastic RV Parks in Williams as your home base for a while, all of which are just an easy drive to all that Williams Arizona has to offer.

From shopping options galore to restaurants that serve every type of food for your fancy: Steaks, burgers, pizza, Chinese, and Italian – whether you’d like to dine in or just grab and go – Williams offers it all. 

For the RV travelers to the Grand Canyon National Park itself, Williams has several RV parks where you can station your RV and drive up to the South Rim, Grand Canyon – or just take the scenic train route to the Canyon.

For information on Grand Canyon distance from Williams, please read our How Far Is the Grand Canyon from Williams Arizona guide here.

There are a number of lakes located near Williams where visitors can readily go for picnics, fishing or hikes through pristine forests and open grounds.

Nearby Lakes in Williams

Kaibab Lake

Kaibab Lake, located at 6800 feet elevation is an ideal spot for fishing, picnics, and recreation; it is located a 5-mile drive north of Williams, 

The lake and the area around it are good for a lot of activities. If you’re in the mood for fishing, just go down to the fishing pier, book a boat and set off to the deeper lake. Fish species include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, rainbow trout, and northern pike. Do note that swimming is not allowed in the lake.

Kaibab also has over 300 miles of hiking trails so travelers can put their time to good use before traversing the Grand Canyon; you’ll be climbing through the pine trees and open ground to have a fun time hiking in Kaibab. 

Camp facilities include campsites and tables for individuals and groups; you can also pitch your own tents or park your trailers and motorhomes (up to 40 feet only).

Cataract Lake

If you are looking for a beautiful spot to enjoy the calming effects of nature, Cataract Lake is the perfect place.

The lake itself is located in a beautiful wooded area of the Kaibab National Forest; it has a small campground complete with picnic tables and fire pits and a toilet.

There is a boat launch on the north side of the lake which is open year-round. However, the road to this launch is not plowed during the winter months.

Cataract Lake is great for a variety of activities but especially popular with boaters and anglers. The lake has several species of fish, including rainbow trout, catfish, and bass. The calm waters of the lake are great for boating, kayaking, or canoeing.

Dogtown Lake

Travelers venture out to Dogtown lake mainly for picnics and fishing – for trout and crappies. You can also enjoy a guided nature and hiking trail; the campground is located about 6.5 miles south of Williams and has dazzling views of Bill Williams mountain.

White Horse Lake

Lying 19 miles southeast of Williams, the White Horse Lake is the perfect place for hiking, riding mountain bikes or simply watching wildlife. There are a couple of hiking trails located near the lake.

Visitors can choose to set up camp for picnics or a barbecue (you can reserve either single-unit sites or group sites before coming). A number of campsites are also wheelchair accessible.

RV Parks in Williams Arizona

The most urgent question for any RV traveler is access to an all-facilities provided RV park and campground. There are several such RV parks either in Williams or nearby, all of which boast countless facilities for your comfortable stay.

Canyon Gateway RV Park

Located at 1060 N, Grand Canyon Blvd – atop a hill near Williams, the Canyon Gateway RV Park offers unparalleled views of the scenic valley below; it has a long list of facilities available for use for RV travelers who park their RVs here:

  • 24 RV Spaces
  • 24-Hour Internet Availability And Access
  • Daily OR Weekly Rates
  • Picnic Tables and Picnic Area
  • Showers and Restrooms
  • Chevron Station
  • Gift Shop
  • Restaurants on site

Contact: 928-635-2718 OR 1-888-635-0329

Website: http://www.grandcanyonrvparks.com/

Canyon Motel & RV Park

Located at 1900 E Rodeo Road adjoining the Kaibab National Forest, the Canyon Motel & RV Park offers various types of lodging facilities, a picnic area, and a hidden garden patio for smaller gatherings. 

Lodging Facilities (Rooms):

  • Historic Motel Rooms
  • Caboose Suites
  • Railway Car Suites
  • Nomad RV for Rent

Other Facilities:

  • Dry Storage Park: Perfect for leaving your RV parked safely while you are exploring out and about.
  • Hidden Garden Patio
  • The RV Park can accommodate fairly big rigs.

Contact: 928-635-9371 OR 1-800-482-3955

Website: http://www.thecanyonmotel.com/

Grand Canyon Railway RV Park

Located at 601 W. Franklin Avenue, the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park is right next to the train depot. This is where the Grand Canyon Railway departs for the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, meandering through the lush forests and valley and providing you with an unforgettable rail journey in its classic diesel-powered wagons.

Facilities at the Grand Canyon Railway Park include:

  • Three types of RV spaces (pull-throughs, buddy spaces, and back-ins).
  • Suitable for bigger rigs. All spaces are 50-amp.
  • Digital TV (with each space)
  • High-Speed Internet
  • Indoor Swimming Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Coin-operated laundry machines
  • General picnic area
  • Pet Resort (28 spaces for dogs, 16 for cats)
  • Convenience Store
  • Basketball and volleyball courts
  • All-paved RV park (only one such in Williams)
  • The Fred Harvey Restaurant opposite the RV park.

Contact: 928-635-4224 OR 1-800-843-8724

Website: http://www.thetrain.com/

Railside RV Ranch

Located at 877 E Rodeo Road, adjacent to the Grand Canyon Railway, the Rail RV Ranch offers the following facilities (apart from RV parking):

  • Free 24/7 Wifi and Digital TV
  • Fresh and clean restrooms.
  • 24/7 laundry room
  • Playground
  • Dog Wash Station
  • Tent sites

Contact: (928) 635-4077

Website: http://railsiderv.com/

Williams/Circle Pines KOA

Located at 1000 Circle Pines Road, 4 miles west of downtown Williams, the Williams KOA offers easy access, spacious RV parking facilities. Other amenities include:

  • Spacious RV sites  (90’ max length)
  • All spaces are 50 amp
  • 24/7 Wifi
  • Cable Tv
  • Snack Bar
  • Miniature Golf Rental
  • Swimming Pool
  • Hot Tubs/Sauna
  • Spa
  • BBQ Rentals
  • 1-Room OR 2-Room rentals
  • Gift Shop
  • RV Supplies
  • Bike Rentals
  • Laundry facility
  • Bear Trax Cafe

Note: Open March 15 – November 1

Contact: 928-635-2626

Website: http://www.williamskoa.com/

Grand Canyon KOA

Located at 5333 State Highway 64, the Grand Canyon KOA RV park is the closest RV park in Williams to the Grand Canyon (a meaningful grand canyon connection). Boasting modern facilities, the Grand Canyon KOA prides itself as being ‘the’ base camp for all your Arizona adventures. 

Facilities include:

  • 24/7 wifi and free cable TV
  • Snack bar
  • 50 amp RV spaces
  • Spaces suitable for bigger rigs
  • Swimming pool
  • Gift Shop
  • Fire Pit Rentals
  • Laundry facilities

Contact: 928-635-2307

Website: http://www.grandcanyonkoa.com/

Note: Open All Year

Day Trips To Other Towns In Arizona While Staying At Williams

If you plan on making one of the RV parks in Williams home for a while, then here are some nearby towns you can visit during your stay:

Sedona

Nestled between high-jutting, multi-hued desert rocks, Sedona is located 60 miles south of Williams. There are a ton of things to do in Sedona; from dining out in its vast selection of restaurants to hiking or biking along gorgeous tracks – while taking in the hourly changing ‘colors’ of the desert rocks – to visiting the dozens of art galleries lining the streets. 

Some special things to do in Sedona are:

  • Bike a part of the 400+ miles of trails.
  • Oak Creek Canyon fishing
  • Go for golf at one of the four golf courses in Sedona
  • Visit the Jordan historical park
  • Birdwatch at the Sedona Wetlands Preserve
  • Enjoy a trolley tour aboard the Sedona Trolley
  • Take a hot air balloon ride to the skies!
  • … Or take a helicopter ride
  • Enjoy a refreshing cup of coffee at Java Cafe (or other coffee places)
  • Venture into the Verde Valley

Flagstaff

Known as the ‘City of 7 wonders’, Flagstaff is located 33 miles east of Williams – about a 40-minute drive. Flagstaff has a unique natural beauty of its own and its red stone buildings are a historical sight to behold.

There are a number of accommodation and dining options in Flagstaff for all budgets and tastes. 

Other activities to do in Flagstaff, while on a day trip from Williams, are:

  • Visit the national monuments: Walnut Canyon and Sunset Crater Volcano
  • Ride the Arizona Gondola at Arizona Snowbowl
  • Enjoy the award-winning delicacies at Sweet Shoppe
  • Visit the Northern Arizona Museum
  • Get a free Lunar Landmarks Passport over at the Flagstaff Visitor Center and mind-blowing info on the training of moon-landing astronauts training (all of whom trained in Flagstaff)
  • Zipline through the pristine Ponderosa pine forest at the Extreme Adventure Course.

Prescott 

Prescott lies about 70 miles south of Williams, a 1 hour 15-minute drive. It is known for its mild season all year round and thus perfect for visiting anytime; and nestled between the pine forests of Arizona, it boasts a refreshing and clean atmosphere for its visitors. 

Prescott is famous for hosting four of Arizona’s most known museums; and there are a lot of art galleries, restaurants, and golfing opportunities to keep you busy on your day trip from Williams or while just passing through.

For fishing, boating and kayaking, head down to Watson lake and enjoy the crystal clear water of the lake. Or shoe up and head to the Granite Mountain wilderness – you will encounter a lot of wildlife here (elk, deer, and wild boars) – and this area provides the perfect background for all of your nature photos.