Time to make plans for Father's Day!

The N.C. Symphony's Summerfest Series will feature a great concert for families at 7:30 p.m., June 16. Fables for Families at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary will feature classic family favorites such as Peter and the Wolf, along with selections from Harry Potter, Hansel and Gretel, The Firebird and more. The best Harry Potter-inspired costumes will win prizes. Get your tickets now to save a few dollars. They are $28 in advance for a lawn ticket or $33 the day of the show. Tickets for seating at a table are $33 in advance or $38 the day of the show. The symphony will bring out its popular Instrument Zoo, allowing kids and adults to check out orchestra instruments. Musicians will be on hand to help. (My kids *love* the instrument zoo).

Pick up some meat for the big day at the Western Wake Farmers' Market in Cary, which will mark Father's Day with a special Meat Day from 8 a.m. to noon, June 16. Learn all about the different types of meat available at the market and pick up some recipes. There will be music, along with the usual fresh produce, baked goods (think breakfast for Father's Day) and more.

American Tobacco Campus in Durham will have its annual Father's Day Tribute Celebration Pops for Pops from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., June 17. The Durham Community Concert Band will perform this free concert featuring marches, classical selections and other favorites. These concerts are popular with families. There's room to spread out on the lawn and let the kids run around and dance.

Noah's Landing in Coats will hold a special Father's Day Fest from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 16, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., June 17. Special events like this at Noah's Landing, which is about an hour from the Triangle, provide a chance to explore the zoo on your own instead of the usual guided tour. Staff will set up a variety of kid-friendly activity area including a Dino Dig, scavenger hunt and more. Admission is $8 per person. Dads are half price with a child.

Marbles Kids Museum in downtown Raleigh will mark Father's Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 16 and June 17, with special activities, including mustache making, tool tinkering and a relay race. It's free with admission, which is $5 per person.

Beatles-loving dads might enjoy a trip to Cat's Cradle in Carrboro to see Abbey Road Live! perform a family show at 11 a.m., June 16. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for kids. The band, which makes regular stops at Cat's Cradle, plays tunes from all eras of the Beatles' career.

The Raleigh Fire Department will celebrate its centennial with a fire truck parade at 10 a.m., June 16, in downtown Raleigh, followed by family activities, including a zone for kids, antique apparatus pumping exhibitions, firefighter challenges and a big birthday cake.

Historic Yates Mill County Park in Raleigh will have a Father's Day Hike from 11 a.m. to noon, June 17. It's a wonderful opportunity to explore this beautiful park. Registration is required. It's $5 per family. Call 919-856-6675 for details.

Harris Lake County Park in New Hill has Canoeing with Dad from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., June 17. The cost is $10 per canoe. Take Dad canoeing at the park's fishing pond. Registration is required. Call 919-387-4342 for more information.

Crowder District Park in Apex has a Daddy and Me Game Day from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., June 17. Play some nature-related games and cool of with some refreshments afterward. For ages 5 and up with an adult. The fee is $5 per family. Registration is required. Call 919-662-2850.

And Sk8-Cary Skate Park will host a Father's Day Jam from noon to 10 p.m., June 17. Dad's can show off their old school skills while they skate together with their kids. Dads and their kids enjoy free admission when skating together.