Honoring dad on Father’s Day doesn’t require splurging on expensive gifts. After all, the very best family memories involve spending quality time together. We’ve compiled a list of activities – some tried and true, and some a bit more creative – that you can enjoy with your dad on Father’s Day, a birthday or any time you want to do something special for him.
Here’s our Top Ten
- Stage a movie marathon: If your dad is a movie buff, pick several of his favorites for an at-home movie marathon. Set the stage by planning and prepping concession-type foods to enjoy during the shows. Enhance the experience by having everyone in the family rate each movie, then end the evening by declaring a winner!
- Saddle up for a bike ride: If dad is a biker, plan a ride together. Try to find a nearby bike trail that he hasn’t yet explored. After you’ve worked up an appetite on the ride, grab lunch on the way home.
- Put together a personalized puzzle: Numerous online companies can turn a photo that your dad loves into a custom jigsaw puzzle. Make building the puzzle a family activity, and make it even more fun by ordering dad’s favorite pizza to enjoy before, during or after!
- Camp down home: Is dad fond of camping? Plan a camping trip in your own backyard, complete with a tent and campfire. Ask dad to tell stories about his youthful adventures while roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over the open flame.
- Catch the fish biting: Is dad an angler? Plan a morning jaunt to a nearby lake to try your luck at fishing. Pick up breakfast and bait along the way.
- Design a woodworking project: Does your dad like to build things? Plan a simple and fun project you can do together, such as building a birdfeeder, a bench or decorative shelves. You can find instructions on the internet for a project, shop for the supplies to make it, and even use the opportunity to gift dad with that new tool he’s had his eye on.
- Plan an epic scavenger hunt: What’s more fun than a scavenger hunt? Put together a set of clues for Dad to solve that leads him closer and closer to finding his special gift. Make the day even more special by staging the final clue at a surprise picnic or with takeout from his favorite restaurant.
- Hit the trails for a hike: Check out nearby parks and nature preserves to find a great hiking trail to discover together. Dad is sure to appreciate getting outside for some fresh air, sunshine, physical activity and good conversation. Throw in a picnic, and he’ll enjoy it even more.
- Get historical: If your dad is a history buff, plan a trip to a museum or historical site.
- Play to dad’s special interest: With a little thought and planning, you can build a gift of time together around a subject your dad enjoys. Is he into astronomy? Buy a star chart, break out the binoculars and plan an evening of stargazing. Does he love to cook? Take a grilling class together.