35+ Things to Do for Dad on Father’s Day

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Make memories on dad’s special day with these activities
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Your dad is your personal superhero—strong, knowledgeable, and motivating—so it's no wonder you want to make him feel loved on his special day. Father's Day is always the third Sunday of June in the United States and United Kingdom, which is Sunday, June 16, 2024. [1] If you’re looking for ways to celebrate Father’s Day, look no further! We’ve got a list of things you can do with your dad to show how much you love him.

What to Do on Father's Day

  • Have a family movie or game night to make memories together.
  • Watch or go to a sporting event for a team he loves.
  • Go fishing if he's the outdoorsy type.
  • Complete a chore or task to take something off this plate.
  • Make him a virtual slideshow of photos of the family.
  • Bake him a cake or dessert to sweeten his day.
1

Have a picnic.

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  1. When in doubt, plan a picnic ! This relaxing and easy-to-plan activity involves food, ambiance, and good company—making it perfect for Father’s Day. Simply pack your dad’s favorite foods in a picnic basket , travel to the desired picnic spot, sit, eat, and talk.
    • You don’t have to travel far to have a picnic. Set the picnic blanket up in your living room on a rainy day, or lay it out on your front lawn to watch the cars drive by.
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2

Go on a camping trip.

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  1. Travel to a scenic park or camp out in the backyard for a fun adventure. Pitch a tent , make a fire , and roast marshmallows or hotdogs. You can even sing campfire songs or tell scary stories together. There’s nothing quite like sleeping under the stars with your dad on his special day. Your bond is sure to grow!
3

Finish a puzzle together.

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  1. Put together a lasting memory while spending time with your dad. Puzzles are the perfect gift for dads that love a good mind game. Not only are they fun, but your dad could even frame the finished product when you’re done!
    • Buy him a puzzle featuring his favorite sports team or superhero, or order one custom-made with a picture of you and him together.
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4

Put on a talent show.

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  1. Show off your talents to tell your dad how much you love him. This idea is perfect if you have a large, artistic, and/or enthusiastic family. Highlight all of your unique talents by singing dad’s favorite songs, performing skits from his favorite movies, and cracking jokes all about him.
5

Go on a scavenger hunt.

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  1. This is a fun activity for kids and adults alike. Set up a scavenger hunt by writing out clues that rhyme and/or pertain to your dad. When he follows all the clues, he’ll be led to a super special present.
    • Your first clue card could say something like, “Today is a celebration all about you. And we’ve planned a scavenger hunt to do! You’ll find your next clue where we grew,” and lead to a doorway marked with heights.
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6

Complete a task he’s been meaning to do.

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  1. Help your dad out with chores around the house. There’s no better way to show your dad how much you appreciate him than by taking away some of the workload. If he’s been meaning to mow the lawn for a week now, do it yourself. Something this small can make a huge difference.
    • Pay close attention to what your dad does at home. If he normally does the dishes, offer to do them on Father’s Day (or any day).
7

Gift him something homemade.

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  1. Make your dad a card or craft to say, “I love you.” Gift him something that fits his personality or hobbies and speaks from your heart. Opt for writing a card filled with jokes if your dad is a fan of dad jokes, or knit him a scarf to keep him warm during late-night shifts.
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8

Create a photo slideshow.

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  1. Make a virtual slideshow with lots of photos of your dad. It can be photos from when he was young or photos of his time being your dad. Looking at photos together can be a great way to reminisce over fun memories.
    • Try flipping through old family photo albums or boxes to gather pictures for your presentation.
9

Have a family game night.

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  1. Play a board game with your dad to make lasting memories. A little friendly competition can get you, your dad, and the whole family laughing! Let dad pick the game and go from there. [2]
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10

Organize a family barbecue.

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  1. Treat dad to his favorite meats on Father’s day. Nothing says dad and summer more than a good old barbecue! Fire up the grill, call up the family, and set out the beers because it’s time to celebrate dad. [3]
    • Grill some chicken or barbecue ribs. You can also never go wrong with classics like burgers, hot dogs, and corn.
    • Opt for your dad’s favorite seasonings, sauce, and meats to keep the day all about him.
11

Challenge him to a video game tournament.

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  1. Give your dad a day where you play nothing but video games together. For some, this will be the best present ever! Take everything else off your dad’s schedule and get to gaming. See who can have the most wins in each game, only stopping to grab snacks and take quick breaks because you’re both in it to win it.
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12

Watch sports with him.

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  1. Sit down and watch a game with your dad on Father’s Day. If your dad’s into sports, center the day around his favorite team or sport. Watch the game while eating his favorite game snacks or, better yet, attend a game in person.
13

Challenge him at a sport.

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  1. Get outside and have some friendly competition with your old man. Play one-on-one or get the whole family involved! You could even have a prize set up for him if he wins. [4]
    • Keep him playing with a silly bet like the loser has to jump in the lake, or the winner gets an ice cream sundae.
    • Play whatever sport your dad likes! Maybe that’s basketball, baseball, football, or soccer.
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14

Make him breakfast in bed.

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  1. Treat your dad to breakfast in bed this Father’s Day. Dad works extra hard to make sure you’re happy, so show him how much you appreciate it by letting him sleep through that alarm. Cook up his favorite breakfast foods, and bring them to him on a tray.
    • Add an extra special touch to his breakfast by setting a homemade card next to his orange juice.
15

Bake him his favorite treat.

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  1. Sweeten dad up by making him a special dessert. Who doesn’t like to be spoiled, especially on their special day? Make your dad his favorite sweet treat for Father’s Day and decorate it to show him how much you love him.
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16

Cook him his favorite meal.

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  1. Make dad feel extra special by taking care of dinner. Chances are, your dad has a meal he loves more than anything else—so cook it for him! This day is all about him, so serve up his favorite sides and dressings.
    • Subtly ask your dad days (or even months) before Father’s Day about his favorite meal. This way, he won’t suspect a thing, and you’ll know what to shop for.
17

Go on a bike ride.

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  1. If your dad is adventurous, take him on a quest he’ll never forget! Hop on your bikes and ride around the neighborhood, or drive to a local park or trail to explore new terrain.
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18

Fly a kite together.

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  1. Spend an afternoon looking up at the sky. If the sun is shining and there’s a nice breeze in the air, take advantage of it! Head to an open area or field and fly a kite with your dad. This is a fun activity all ages can enjoy. Plus, you could even get crafty and make your own kites to fly.
19

Take a hike together.

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  1. Take time to unplug and explore the great outdoors. Sometimes all a dad wants for Father’s Day is quality time with loved ones, so give him that and more! Push those phones, computers, and TVs aside and get outside. Hike a local path, or drive to a nearby park to explore a new area. [5]
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20

Go for a swim with him.

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  1. Jump in the pool or lake together to make a lasting memory. If it’s exceptionally hot on Father’s Day, turn the day into a family pool, beach, or lake day. This is a great way to soak in some sunshine and have fun with your dad.
    • Try challenging him to a game of Marco Polo or see who can swim to the shore the fastest.
21

Go for a run together.

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  1. If you and your dad are competitive spirits, this is a great activity to start Father’s Day (especially if he’s already a runner). Jog around the neighborhood or venture out on an unknown path. What’s important is that you run side-by-side. That is, until you race him.
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22

Try bird watching.

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  1. Use binoculars to experience a quiet moment in nature with him. Bird watching can be a fun activity for all ages. You and your dad can take a walk through the woods, stopping every once and a while to look at the wildlife. This is also a great moment to chat with him and ask questions.
23

Plant something with him.

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  1. Tend to a garden with your dad to spend quality time together. If your father loves gardening and being outdoors, this is a great way to spend time with him. Offer to help him in the garden, or go to the garden store to pick out new plants to care for together.
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24

Take a fishing trip together.

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  1. See who can catch the biggest fish for lasting memories. On a beautiful summer day, take your dad out on the boat or dock to do some fishing together. Not only is fishing a fun and relaxing activity, but it also leaves plenty of space to talk.
25

Visit a museum.

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  1. This activity is perfect for all ages, especially if your father’s a history buff. Maybe you walk through an art museum and discuss the pieces, or perhaps you go to a science museum and learn all about how electricity is made.
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26

Treat him to a spa day.

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  1. Pamper your dad to give him a day of rest. Who says spa days are only for moms? Dads need days of relaxation, too! Splurge on a spa gift card for your dad’s special day, or treat him to an at-home spa day full of foot massages, manicures, and face masks.
27

Watch a movie with him.

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  1. Set up a movie night with all dad’s favorite flicks. This Father’s Day, surprise your dad with a cozy night watching all his top movies and eating his favorite snacks. Turn your living room into an at-home theater, go to the movie theaters, or create a theater in your backyard. [6]
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28

Give ax-throwing a try.

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  1. Try something new, adventurous, and dangerous with dad. Ax throwing has taken the world by storm and is a great way to get out some anger and have fun. If your dad’s been in a tough place lately, buy him a soda and see who can hit the bullseye first.
    • Ax throwing may not be the best activity for younger children.
29

Go to an escape room.

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  1. This Father’s Day, invite the whole family on an excursion that requires teamwork. Escape rooms are a great bonding activity, and you’re sure to make lasting memories and laugh until you cry.
    • Find escape rooms near you by searching “escape rooms near me” online.
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30

Play mini-golf together.

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  1. Bring your dad to a mini version of his favorite sport. If your dad loves golfing with his buddies on the weekends, treat him to an even funnier and more exciting version of the game. This is a great activity for all ages, and, with indoor and outdoor mini-golf places, it’s perfect for any weather.
    • Search “mini golf near me” online to see where you can play in your area.
    • Check out GroupOn to find local deals and coupons.
31

Go bowling.

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  1. Take your dad bowling one-on-one or with the family. This is a fun and competitive way to spend leisure time with dad. Plus, there’s bound to be great food and retro vibes. You can also take the time between sets to ask your dad questions and have a conversation.
    • Call your local alley to see if they have any Father’s Day deals.
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32

Attend a concert.

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  1. Jam out with dad to celebrate his special day. If your dad loves music, he’s sure to love this! Gift your dad concert tickets on Father’s Day or attend a musical event on the holiday. You’ll both be able to bond, and you might even find that your dad’s favorite band is your new favorite band.
33

Take a class together.

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  1. If your dad is one to pick up hobbies left and right, appease his curious mind by enrolling him in a one-day class. Maybe you learn to make pasta, mold clay, or paint together. Simply choose an activity or skill your dad would love.
    • Give your dad a gift that keeps on giving with a Masterclass or Skillshare subscription. This way, he can learn at his own pace about whatever he wants, whenever he wants.
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34

Go on a road trip.

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  1. Blare some music and take on the open road with your dad. If you’re both adventurous spirits, this is the perfect activity. Simply set a destination and drive. Stop wherever your dad wants to stop along the way—who knows? You may just make lasting memories.
35

Take a family vacation.

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  1. Get the whole family together for an epic adventure. Is there someplace your dad’s always wanted to go? Something he’s always wanted to do? Treat him to it for Father’s Day! Go big and visit another state or country, or have a staycation in a neighboring town with lots to do.
    • Take the trip on Father’s Day or slip tickets into your dad’s card to gift a later trip.
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36

Volunteer together.

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  1. Give back to the community on Father’s Day. Volunteering will not only let you bond with your dad over a shared cause, but it’ll also give you both the opportunity to help dads and families in need. Go to a local soup kitchen or national park to put your love back into the community.
37

Ask him about your family’s history.

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  1. It may seem simple, but gathering around to share stories makes for a great time and history lesson. Ask your dad what his favorite things to do were as a kid, if he had a favorite band, or what memories he cherishes of his father.
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  • Question
    What if I don’t have a very good relationship with my father?
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    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
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    You don't have to celebrate Father's Day with your dad if you don't feel comfortable doing it. If you want, you can just keep it simple and give him a card. You don't have to say a lot--just "Happy Father's Day."
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    Can Father's Day be a birthday for some person in your life?
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    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
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    Yes, there's always a chance that Father's Day could happen to fall on someone's birthday. If you like, you can make it a double celebration for your dad and the birthday person that year.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    What if my dad hates gifts?
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    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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    Not everyone likes getting gifts. If your dad isn't a gift person, do a fun activity with him, like playing a game, cooking, or working on a hobby. You can also do something nice for him, like bringing him breakfast in bed or surprising him by washing the car.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      Tips

      • Don’t be afraid to tell your dad how much you care. Sharing with him that he’s important to you and you appreciate him will truly make his day.
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      • You don’t have to fill the entire day with activities. Pick one or two things, but ultimately let your dad decide when the fun is done. If he wants to hit the sack early, let him—it’s his day after all, and you just gave him the best Father’s Day yet!
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      • You can also take help from your mother, if you need to!
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Love and pamper him!
      • Make a card for him.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/fathers-day
      2. ↑ https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/g32630517/quarantine-fathers-day-ideas/
      3. ↑ https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/holidays-celebrations/g36333267/fathers-day-activities/?slide=34
      4. ↑ https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/holidays-celebrations/g36333267/fathers-day-activities/?slide=23
      5. ↑ https://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/18/10-ways-to-celebrate-fathers-day
      6. ↑ https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/g32630517/quarantine-fathers-day-ideas/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To celebrate Father's Day, try making your dad a card and writing a note inside letting him know how much you appreciate him. You can also surprise him with his favorite meal, whether it's breakfast in bed or a nice dinner when he gets home from work. If your dad has a list of chores he usually does, like doing dishes, mowing, or taking out the trash, do them for him on Father's Day so he can just relax! To learn how to plan a party or a family outing for Father's Day, keep reading!

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        Jun 17, 2017

        "I come from China. My father and I haven't had a Father's Day before but we are enjoying our time when we ..." more
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