Fun Father's Day Activities That Will Become Your New Family Tradition
Read more
Head to a Retro Diner
Whether it's to grab breakfast, lunch, or just milkshakes, Dad will appreciate indulging in his favorite treats with you by his side.
Read more
Go for Ice Cream
The best conversations often happen over scoops of Rocky Road or mint-chocolate chip. Head to your local ice cream shop, and, if weather allows, savor your treats outdoors.Prefer to stay in? Team up with Dad to make your own ice cream. One of these easy homemade ice cream recipes is sure to tempt you.
Read more
Plant Something Together
If Dad loves to garden, spend some time outside tending to his masterpiece alongside him. "My dad loves when I tag along with him to the nursery to pick out plants for a new container. Then we head home to plant it," says Terri Robertson, senior editor at CountryLiving.com.
Read more
Help Add to His Collection
Whether he collects vintage fishing tackle or loves to hunt for old gas station signs, Dad will definitely appreciate you tagging along on his next junkin' excursion—and Father's Day is the perfect excuse to head to that antique mall he's always wanted to visit.
Read more
Learn the Family History
Use Father's Day as an opportunity to ask Dad more about his experiences growing up, and to learn about the lives of his ancestors. StoryCorps can help you guide the conversation, and gives you the opportunity to archive a recording of it at the Library of Congress. How cool is that!?
Read more
Hang a Hammock in the Backyard
It'll be a favorite family hangout for years to come!
Read more
Treat Dad to a Backyard Picnic…
Pile Dad's favorite main dishes, sides, drinks, and treats (to satisfy that sweet tooth!) into a basket or cooler, grab a blanket, and head out to the nearest patch of grass for an alfresco affair.
Read more
Or a Cookout
Even though he's the reigning king of the grill, show him what you've learned from him and treat him to a cookout. Make it a success with these best backyard grilling recipes.
Read more
Wash the Car
When you're in kindergarten, washing the car with Dad is an excuse to play with bubbles and cool off with the hose on a hot day. When you're grown, it's a chance to spend time with him while he imparts fatherly advice on everything from your next big life decision to your buffing technique. At any age, this Father's Day activity is timeless.
Read more
Rent His Dream Car
Every dad has a car they've always wanted. Make his dreams come true by renting his ultimate ride for the day. Check out these best road trip stops in every state for some fun places to take a spin.
Read more
Make Dad a Playlist
There's no shortage of songs about dads. Remind him how much you appreciate him with a playlist stacked with songs about dads. Our bet is he'll listen to this collection all year long.
Read more
Enjoy a Family Game Night
This one's not just a win for Dad, but for everyone in your family. It's the perfect way to get your family off their phones and invested in real conversations—plus, laughter and good food are to abound. If you need ideas for games to play on Father's Day, check out our favorite family board games.
Read more
Go Bird-Watching
You don't have to be an all-out nature enthusiast to enjoy bird-watching. Basically, all you have to do is explore the neighborhood or nearest park with a set of binoculars. The fresh air will do everyone some good!
Read more
Host an Outdoor Movie Night
Treat him to a screening of best Father's Day movies with an outdoor movie night.Set up blankets and pillows for maximum comfort, hang some festive backyard string lights, and—of course—bring out bowls of popcorn and his favorite movie theater candies!
Read more
Make Fondue
Cook him an extra-memorable meal for Father's Day dinner. Throw together a creative fondue menu for something a little different. Dip appetizers and entrées in cheese fondue, and for dessert, bring out some melted chocolate. It's an easy meal to throw together, whatever your level of experience in the kitchen.
Read more
Take Him Shopping
How many times has he taken you shopping and picked up the tab? Even if he'd rather do, well, anything, other than shop, get creative.Pick a store you know he already loves or lead him to discover a new favorite. For example, if he loves to hunt, take him to a shop that caters to hunters.
Read more
Host an At-Home Wine Tasting
Calling all wine-loving dads! Select three to five bottles of wine to try and rate on "wine scorecards", and create a restaurant-worthy charcuterie board. Invite faraway friends and family to participate remotely. Buy Dad his own supply (everyone else can stock up on their own), then "host" the party over a video call. Also, think of it as an investment
Read more
Host an At-Home Wine Tasting
for future Father's Days—take note of his favorite varietal and gift him a bottle next year.
Read more
Play Backyard Games
Enjoy your beautiful backyard and play some outdoor games, like cornhole, horseshoes, or croquet. It will tap into his competitive side, plus it's a great way to get active before a big Father's Day cookout.
Read more
Tackle a Task Together
If Dad has a creative side, plan a project you can do together. If he doubles as the family handyman, you could help him fix something around the house (and make Mom happy, to boot).
Read more
Plan a Bike Ride
Perhaps one of the best parts about Father's Day is that it falls in the beginning of the summer, when the weather is just about perfect. Go on a bike ride and get some fresh air while working up an appetite for a special Father's Day meal.
Read more
Make Breakfast Together
Let Dad make the breakfast items you've all come to know and love while you cook up your own Father's Day breakfast ideas. Together, the two of you are sure to whip up a breakfast for the ages.
Read more
Plan a Float Trip
If the weather is right, plan a trip to a nearby lake or river for an afternoon kayaking or canoeing. Talk about a fun way to work up an appetite for a delicious picnic!
Read more
Go Camping
Relaxing in the great outdoors—is there any better way to spend Father's Day? Whether you're camping off the grid or in the backyard, he'll appreciate relaxing and enjoying time with family.
Read more
Surprise Him with Brunch
Start Father's Day off right by treating him to his favorite breakfast meal, no matter how indulgent (who can resist these chicken and cornbread pancakes with spicy syrup?).
Read more
Go Fishing
If a quiet day on the water is his idea of perfection, make it happen. Surprise him with a best gift for fishing dads, and if you're lucky, you might just catch supper!
Read more
Host a Beer Tasting
Have a variety of craft beers delivered to Dad and host an adults-only Father's Day bash devoted to tasting new brews.
Read more
Go on a Hike Together
Escape to a nearby mountain, hill, meadow, or lake and go for a serene, nature-filled walk—the perfect activity for an outdoorsy dad.
Read more
Take a Cooking Class
Who wouldn't want to add a few cooking skills to their repertoire? Whether you choose a local class that you attend in person or a virtual class online, you two will be world-class chefs in no time.
Read more
Break a Sweat in an Online Exercise Class
Whether he's looking for inner peace (hello, yoga) or ready to pump some iron, you can sign Dad up for an online exercise class.