How to Celebrate Father’s Day Without Spending a Ton of Money

How to Celebrate Father’s Day Without Spending a Ton of Money

Though we should show our appreciation every chance we get, Dads get one special day out of the year dedicated to celebrating the impact they have on our lives. This year, Father’s Day falls on Sunday, June 19, 2022, and you’re going to want to make it one for the books. While you could buy Dad a Father's Day gift or send a Father's Day card, we know what he really wants: to spend time with you!

Looking for ideas to do for Father’s Day to make it extra special? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up the best Father’s Day activities that both adults and kids can enjoy. For a bit of adventure, surprise Dad by renting his favorite car for a joy ride, or plan a hike through his favorite trails. In the mood for something more low-key that you can do at home? Whip up a Father’s Day breakfast, or dedicate time to learning more about his family history. If Dad is a more hands-on fellow, you can even tackle a Father’s Day craft together or help him cross a chore off his to-do list.

Whether you have just a few hours or an entire day, these fun things to do with Dad are sure to spark memories that you’ll cherish. With any luck, they may even become the start of a Father’s Day tradition that you can enjoy together for years to come.

Tackle a DIY Project

Whether it's painting that unfinished guest room with a great bedroom paint color or hanging curtains in the kitchen, Dad will definitely appreciate your assistance,

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Becky Luigart-Stayner

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.

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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.

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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.

RELATED: Gardening Gift Ideas

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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.

RELATED: Fun Collectibles for Under $10

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Brian Woodcock

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!?

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Hang a Hammock in the Backyard

It'll be a favorite family hangout for years to come!

RELATED: How to Hang a Hammock

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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.

RELATED: Summer Picnic Recipes

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…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.

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Brian Woodcock

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

RELATED: Outdoor Movie Screens You Can Easily DIY

father and daughter sitting at backyard and looking movie at home improved theatre backyard is decorated with string lighs
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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.

Get the recipe for Three-Cheese Fondue.

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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.

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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 for future Father's Days—take note of his favorite varietal and gift him a bottle next year.

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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.

RELATED: Outdoor Games to Make With the Family This Summer

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

RELATED: Easy Camping Meal Ideas for the Whole Family

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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?).

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Mary Britton

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!

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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.

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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. Check out this list of best hikes in the U.S. for top spots to explore.

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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.

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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.

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