16 Things to Do for Father's Day to Celebrate the Best Dad Ever
These Father’s Day activities will make his day. Each Dad's day idea is more about spending time together and expressions of love, and less about spending money.
With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start celebrating all the dads, grandpas, and other father figures in your life. This year we’re leaning into experiences rather than gifts, so we’ve rounded up our favorite Father's Day ideas and traditions you can start now and keep up year after year.
Of course, you can stick to the classic card and gift—or, plan an afternoon of hiking, grilling, or exploring. He’ll appreciate making memories more than an item that’ll just sit on a shelf, and you can get the whole family involved!
Related: The 100 Best Gift Ideas for Men of 2024 That He’ll Actually Love
Father’s Day is June 19, 2022. Whether you’re making plans for your dad or your partner, something this list of things to do for Father’s Day is sure to make him smile.
Make Breakfast Together
We’re sure Dad would love a classic breakfast in bed, but cooking together can be even more fun! Let him sleep in, then surprise him with all the ingredients for his favorite breakfast foods. Turn on some music and get cooking!
Related: The Best Father’s Day Brunch Ideas Dad Will Love Waking Up To
Explore a New City
Turn his Father’s Day celebration into a weekend-long affair by taking a road trip. Travel to a new city together and plan to try the best local food and activities. This can be a budget-friendly day trip or a full-on mini-vacation—and no matter what you plan, Dad will love the extra quality time together.
Have a Movie Night
Put a twist on the classic family movie night and have Dad pick his favorite childhood movies. (You may have to bust out the old VHS player for this one!) He’ll love re-watching them with the family, and it’s an easy annual tradition to keep up with.
Have a Virtual Lunch
If you don’t live near each other or can’t be together in person, there are plenty of ways to celebrate virtually. Having a virtual meal together is easy: Order in your favorite meals, and then FaceTime or Zoom while you eat and catch up.
Related: How International Father's Day Celebrations Honor Dads Everywhere
Give a Sentimental Gift
Giving Dad a Father’s Day gift is one of the most timeless traditions there is, so while you might not want to skip the gift for an experience, be sure to give him something meaningful. These sentimental gift ideas will help you thank Dad for everything he’s done for you.
Make a Craft Together
Get the kids involved by having everyone make a Father’s Day craft together. These printable coloring pages are a fun and easy activity for younger kids, and you can have them fill out the same pages year after year so Dad can see how their answers change.
Related: 24 Father’s Day Crafts Kids Can Make at Home
Host a Grill-Out
Make it a generational affair by hosting a grill-out for the whole family! All generations of dads will enjoy these easy Father’s Day dinner recipes coupled with quality time spent chatting and playing games outside. And don’t forget the Father’s Day desserts!
Give a Handwritten Card
A handwritten card will mean more to Dad than just about anything, and we’ve got plenty of free printable Father’s Day cards to help you get started. You don’t have to be great with words to write down something meaningful: Jot down what he means to you or list out all the reasons you’re thankful for him.
Go to a Baseball Game
It’s your turn to buy Dad some peanuts and Cracker Jack! Take him out to a ballgame to see his favorite team or cheer on the local minor league. It’s a fun activity for the whole family, and there are usually plenty of weekend games this time of year.
Choose His Favorite Pastime
Book a round of golf (with a cart!), map out a family bike ride, knock down the pins at the bowling alley, or play a few hands of cards. No matter what the dad in your life loves to do, these choices will allow you to spend some good quality time together, away from cell phones. Mom approves.
Take a Hike
It might be a simple walk through his favorite neighborhood, a romp through his old college stomping grounds, or a jaunt in a lively downtown scene. Let him lead the way and the conversation. Or go for a more adventurous outing at a state park (or national park, if you're lucky enough to live close to one!) There are so many fun things to do to celebrate Dad!
Laurie Black
Build Something with Dad
It might be a new hobby that he's dabbling in, or a DIY expertise he's eager to share. No matter your age, you're his favorite on-the-job apprentice. He might need a hand putting up shelves in the garage or secretly hopes you'll help restore a weathered deck with him. Indulge his interests and appreciate all the lessons that come from an afternoon building with Dad.
Take Dad for a Pedicure
It may not be one of the most traditional things to do for Father's Day, but a light spa experience is the pampering every dad deserves. You've seen his feet. You know he needs it. A warm bubbly soak, a calf and foot massage, and the expertise of someone who can help his toenails look nicer, is a gift he will secretly love. He does not need to pick a polish to appreciate this experience.
Make it a Game Night
Gather around the table for a one of his favorite games, or get him a new one as a Father's Day gift. There are games out there as diverse as the men who play them, so if he's a classic Scrabble guy, great. If he's parenting little ones, it's Chutes and Ladders. If he loves a long strategy game, pull out Risk. Or maybe he'd like to try a hot new game like Wingspan. Core memory—made!
Related: The 50 Best Board Games of 2024
The Gift of Music
Does your dad listen to music, or even strum a guitar or play piano? The gift of music is one everyone seems to enjoy. June is a good month to find live outdoor music at the park or go to a concert together. But if your dad says not to spend any money on him, that's your cue to curate a Father's Day playlist—just for him. You can make it more meaningful by choosing songs based on memories or experiences. Or simply queue a really cool list. A Father's Day playlist is something to be enjoyed all year long.
Craft a Cocktail
This is one for the adult children: For the dad who loves a beer tasting or a wine flight, bring a new facet to Father's Day with a craft cocktail. After raising us, he's earned it.
Related: 17 Classic Cocktails Every Home Bartender Should Know How to Make
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