DAZZLE Your DAD

Despite such cultural influences as “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy,” not all dads spend the weekend balancing beer cans on their stomachs. Some fathers actually enjoy wholesome pursuits with the family.

All the more reason to take Dad on an adventure for Father’s Day. How long has it been since he’s been fishing on a lake? Rock climbing? Bowling? This year, instead of the usual breakfast in bed and “be nice to Dad” promises, take the old man on an experience he’ll never forget. Here are some suggestions to get you started.

* Irvine Lake near Orange is a private park that offers fishing day and night for catfish, crappie, bass, trout, bluegill, sturgeon and carp.

On Father’s Day weekend, anglers can participate in a $5,000 tagged catfish tournament. The contest is included in the price of regular daily admission, which is $13 for adults, $7 for children and $10 for seniors. No licenses are required, and the lake is open seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, it is open for evening fishing from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. (same prices). Irvine Lake, 4621 Santiago Canyon Road. (714) 649-9113.

* For rock climbing, head to ClimbX in Huntington Beach. Owner Jim DaSilva says many father-daughter and father-son teams climb regularly at this indoor facility.

Cost is $10 for students (elementary through college) and $12 for adults for an all-day pass. Equipment rental is $5 per person per day for harness and shoes.

Brief safety instructions are all that is needed before the upward trek. ClimbX, 18411 Gothard St., Huntington Beach. (714) 843-9919.

* Some hipsters think bowling is passe. But this sport never went out of style if the number of lanes in Orange County is any indication; there are almost as many bowling alleys as movie theaters.

One of the coolest spots is Kona Lanes in Costa Mesa. Retro “Kon Tiki” decor circa 1950 lends a nostalgic note to one of America’s favorite pastimes. Saturday nights feature “glow in the dark” bowling from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Weekday hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and weekend hours are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Games cost $2 and shoes rent for $2 per person per session. Dad will be pleased with your frugality. Kona Lanes, 2699 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa. (714) 545-1112.

* Dad doesn’t golf? Maybe he hasn’t been to the right golf course. Tustin Ranch Golf Club is considered one of the most attractive public courses around.

The course is open dawn to dusk and charges $125 for 18 holes, including a golf cart. The club offers a twilight rate of $85 beginning at 3:30 (includes cart).

Caddie service is $40 a bag and $30 for each additional person.

For Father’s Day, the club is serving a special brunch with seatings at 10 a.m. and noon for $22.95 for adults, $7.95 for ages 6 though 12 and free for children younger than 6.

The brunch features a carving station, seafood, omelets, waffles and dessert. The price includes Bloody Marys and champagne. Tustin Ranch Golf Club, 12442 Tustin Ranch Road. For brunch reservations, call (714) 730-4725. For golf reservations, call (714) 730-1611.

* If Father’s Day promises sunshine, a cruise around Newport Harbor is a fun excursion. Head to Balboa Peninsula’s Fun Zone next to the Ferris wheel.

Fun Zone Boat Co. offers 45-minute cruises around the peninsula, past John Wayne’s house, Shirley Temple’s childhood home and George Burns’ and Gracie Allen’s love nest.

Cost is $6 for adults, $2 for children and free for children younger than 5.

For a 90-minute cruise, cost is $9 for adults, $2 for children and free for those younger than 5. Fun Zone Boat Co., 600 E. Edgewater Place, Newport Beach. (949) 673-0240.

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Fourth of July Celebrations

Showers of fireworks, brass bands marching in patriotic parades, picnics, barbecues and concerts--how does your community celebrate Independence Day? Send flyers, press releases or postcards telling us where we can get more information on what your city or neighborhood has planned. We’ll put them all together in a special Calendar Weekend cover story. Send to Orange County Calendar Weekend, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, 92626; fax to (714) 966-7790; or e-mail us at ocweekend@latimes.com.