15 Fun Things to Do With Your Dad on Father’s Day

Looking for simple and meaningful Father’s Day activities that will help you bond with your Pops? Check out these fun father-son and father-daughter activities for children of all ages and dads with all different interests. You’re sure to make lasting memories!

Father’s Day is just around the corner. Unlike last year where most of us were stuck homebound due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year, with restrictions lifting and social distancing rules easing, we should be able to go out, meet Dad and have some fun engaging in Father’s Day activities.

Whether you’re an adult who wants to take dad out for a beer tasting or a spouse looking for some adorable DIY father’s day crafts, we’ve got you covered!

We have activities the whole family can be involved in and some ideas that allow dad to spend time relaxing on his own.

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1. Scavenger Hunts

If your dad loves games, mystery, and history, taking him on a scavenger hunt might just be the perfect thing for his special day. Sites like cityhunt.com, cityscape.com, and Riddleroutes.com are a great place to look for professionally organized games. You can also find fun free printables to use walking around the neighborhood.

Most scavenger hunts take place in a city, so this is an excellent idea if you live close to a major city or your dad is up for a drive. These hunts are a great way to bond with dad, and you can include the entire family if you wish, as many are customizable.

2. Backyard Movie Night

The backyard movie trend has been growing for the least several years as a great way for families to engage but stay home. If you are still concerned about COVID this is an excellent way to stay home but get out at the same time!

You don’t need a fancy projection screen; all you need to do is hang up a white sheet or table cloth, so it is taut. You will, however, need a projector. You can find many projectors on Amazon for under $200, and the best part is you can re-use this gift over and over!

Mix up some of dad’s favorite foods and snacks, fill a bucket with ice and beverages, bring some blankets or chairs out to the backyard and put on one of dad’s favorite movies!

3. Golf

If you have a dad who loves golfing, then this is an easy gift! You can reserve him a tee on a favored green, or you can head out to the driving range together. If you have little kids, consider a round of mini-golf and then give dad some time to play the grown-up version on his own or with his buddies.

If the weather is poor, check out your area to see if they have any indoor mini-golf courses!

4. Head to a Ballgame

One of my fondest memories as a kid was going to Phillies games with my parents. I have a picture of me and my dad on my fridge from when I was about two; all decked out in an 80s style Phillies short-set!

Baseball is, as they say, America’s pastime, and it is a great way to spend the day with dad. You can indulge in ballpark food and beer together as you sit and relax watching your favorite team.

Many stadiums have started opening up again, so check out if your team is playing and the guidelines. You can also look to see if your local minor league team will be in town!

5. Fishing or Boating

If your dad loves the lake, consider taking him out for a fishing or boating excursion. If there is no local fishing spot nearby, you can always take a road trip and maybe even rent a cabin for the night.

Even if you’re not an angler yourself, fishing poles are relatively inexpensive, so you should be able to pick one up to tag along with dad!

6. Have a Cookout

It may seem cliche, but sometimes all you need to have the perfect father’s day is good food and spending time as a family. If dad loves to cook, then let dad take the reins and do the grilling; if not, prepare the meal for him.

You can throw in some backyard games like cornhole, ladder golf, or badminton to make it more of an event.

7. Make Something Together

If your dad is the handyman type then maybe a great gift is to make something together! Younger kids might enjoy building a birdhouse together that can be hung in the backyard as a keepsake. Craft ideas and kits of all kinds can be found online so there are plenty of options out there for dads of all types!

8. Spa Day

Yes, you read that correctly; spa days are not just for Mother’s Day. There are plenty of dads who love a good massage and even get pedicures, manicures, and facials; if your dad is the kind who enjoys pampering treatments or likes a strong deep tissue massage, consider booking him some spa treatments!

9. Go for a Bike Ride or Hike

Some other outdoor and fun Father’s Day activities are going for a bike ride or a hike. Most parts of the country have pretty mild temperatures in June, so it’s the perfect time to strap on those hiking boots or biking shoes and spend some time outdoors. Many places offer bike rentals as well, so even if you or dad don’t own a bike, the local park and sports activity center might be able to help you out.

10. Take Dad Axe Throwing

We recently tried this for my partner’s birthday, and he loved it! Honestly, so did I! Axe throwing may not be one of the more traditional gift ideas, but it is definitely one sure to leave an impression! There are age restrictions, however, so check with your local site before booking. Most likely, your child will have to be at least 13 to participate in this unique Father’s Day gift.

11. Go Beer Tasting

Watch out for listings for local beer festivals or beer tasting events. Or, if your dad prefers whiskey or bourbon, consider taking him to a distillery for a tour. It is always fun to learn about the process of your favorite drink and then to be able to enjoy it at the end!

You could also hit up a local brewpub and order a few flights of beer to sample a variety of styles and flavor profiles.

12. Game Tournament

Having a family game tournament is one way to make dad’s day fun and unique. Whether your dad enjoys board games, video games, or both, you can indulge your dad by playing his favorite game. Playing games together is a fun way to hang out and bond with dad too!

13. Cooking Class

A great way to take dad around the world without leaving home is to enroll in a cooking class! Cooking classes can be an enjoyable thing to do together, or if dad is looking to up his game, you could enroll him in a series of classes he can attend on his own. There are few better ways to say “I love you” than good food!

14. Bowling

Nothing says Happy Father’s Day like a trip to a traditional bowling alley! Many bowling alleys have the nostalgic feel from your dad’s past, and the junk food and beer haven’t changed either! Plus, you don’t need to be good at bowling to enjoy it and it is a great activity that even young kids can participate in!

15. Visit a Museum

With more and more museums reopening, chances are it’s been a long time since dad was able to explore one. Consider taking him to a favorite spot or trying out a new one together. At the very least many zoos are open, and you and the family can enjoy walking around outside viewing and enjoying some animal antics!

Source: Familyeducation.com