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With Father's Day coming up, now is the perfect time to start planning some fun activities to do for Father's Day. Whether you are a dad yourself thinking of some fun family activities to do with your children or a grown-up looking for ways to make your father feel special and appreciated, look no further since the Father's Day ideas we've compiled below should prove of great use to you.

However, before we jump into the many fun activities for Father's Day, we would like to address a few things. Mamas get a little more attention than papas do. Let's be fair on this one. Especially today, with the media (referring to you, TikTok) blaming absent dads for grown-up children having "daddy issues," the dad is often portrayed as the "bad" parent figure. However, although those cases are very common, many look up to their fathers because they deserve it. Parenthood, whether motherhood or fatherhood, is a skill no one is born with. And some are better (or worse) at it than others. Nonetheless, there are so many great dads around, and it's a blessing if one of them is in your close proximity. Hence, this Father's Day, let's celebrate father figures who excelled in parenting or, at least, did the best with what they knew.

Below, we've compiled a list of ideas for Father's Day celebrations, including some super fun Father's Day activities and frolics. Whether you are planning to spend the day with the whole family or just the two of you, there are definitely ideas that will appeal to you. As always, upvote the Father's Day activity ideas you thought were the best, and leave a comment below sharing your plans for Father's Day!

#1

Make Dad A Special Cake

Pink cake with ice cream

Bake a cake and decorate it with a "Happy Father's Day" cake topper or one that declares that he is the best dad ever! You may also add balloons and confetti to spruce up the atmosphere.

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kw_5 avatar
K W
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dad's favorite cake has always been German Chocolate cake.

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#2

Have A Pizza Party

Pizza with cheese and decorations near

Everyone loves pizza, especially dads when they don't have to pay for it! Surprise your dad with his favorite pizza, or make one yourself at home.

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marydaniel_2 avatar
Nonesuch
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Add beer and a good baseball game and you've got it made

#3

Assemble Something Out Of Legos

Lego building houses with people

When it comes to LEGO, creativity has no bounds. Why not really commit to a lengthy LEGO project? You two can build models of your dad's favorite movie props, such as the Death Star or the Hogwarts castle.

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calberyj avatar
Disinforminationalisticalities
Community Member
11 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always thought the plural for LEGO was LEGO. It's probably just me, but saying "LEGOS" sounds so very incorrect. I do admit I could be wrong. Edit: Esme Weatherwax has informed me that I am in fact NOT wrong. A great big THANK YOU to Esme Weatherwax.

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#4

Go Fishing

Father and son sitting and fishing

Dads and fishing go together like Oreos and milk. Going fishing is a beautiful idea for parents and kids of all ages. It offers a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with nature and your dad simultaneously.

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#5

Go On A Camping Trip

Family camping near lake

You can plan a camping trip with your dad at any age. Take the whole family or just go the two of you and spend some quality time together surrounded by the wilderness.

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#6

Go On A Bike Ride

Riding a bikes

Many were taught how to ride their first bicycle by their dad. To remember this special occasion, dust off the bikes and go for a ride around the park or your neighborhood together.

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susan_45 avatar
Susan Bosse
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dad will be 81 this month and rides his bike 3 miles every day unless it's raining. Hot or cold, he's on his bike!

#7

Cook Something Out Of The Ordinary

Woman cooking

If Dad looks up to chefs like Gordon Ramsay and the late Anthony Bourdain, you might want to step outside the box and prepare a dish you wouldn't typically prepare. What about some grilled octopus tentacles or bison burgers? While it may be challenging, the memories and the food will be worth it.

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#8

Hit The Beach

Family at the beach laughing

As Father's Day falls in June, there's a good chance that the weather will be favorable to spend the day at the beach. Celebrate Father's Day by building sand castles, playing in the ocean, or having a little picnic.

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#9

Have Fondue For Dinner

Person taking potatoes and having fondue

Although fondue is popular to enjoy on dates, who said you couldn't have it on a date with your dad? Find fondue recipes online or create your own to treat your dad to something delectable!

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#10

Surprise Him With Breakfast In Bed

Breakfast pancakes with cocoa in bed

Don't reserve breakfast in bed for Mother's Day only! Start Father's Day off right by preparing some of Dad's favorite breakfast foods with a glass of freshly squeezed juice or a cup of coffee.

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zak_1 avatar
zak
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not a dad, but I would absolutely hate this. I really don't understand why anyone would want to eat a meal in their bed. You wanna make me breakfast? Heck yeah, go for it! Just please don't try to make me eat it while I'm barely awake and where any spills/crumbs will land in my sheets 🤷🏼‍♂️

#11

Construct Something Together

Person fixing car

Is Dad a handyman kind of guy? Why not construct a birdhouse or build a tree house together? Or, you may let him chill on the porch of the house while you paint the fence he has been postponing doing.

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#12

Have A Family Movie Night Outdoors

Movie night outdoors near campfire

If watching the Star Wars series again and again is one of Dad's favorite pastimes, why not organize a family movie night in your backyard? If you happen to have a projector, simply hang a white bedsheet on an exterior wall and bring some beanbags outside!

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#13

Plant A Garden

Colorful flowers in the garden

Do you have some extra space in your backyard? You can maximize its use by planting different types of vegetables and other products. Alternatively, you can opt for a container garden.

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#14

Play Old Video Games

Person holding gaming console control

Get some retro video games, such as Donkey Kong Country, Sonic the Hedgehog, or Super Mario Bros., and show the kiddies how great games were back in the day! Not only is it fun for the kids, but it must also be super nostalgic for Dad.

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tomnorford avatar
Eggsncabbage
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well this makes me feel old. I remember playing Pong on the Atari 2600

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#15

Host An At-Home Wine Tasting

Different glasses of wine

Does Dad identify as a wine enthusiast? Pour different sorts of wines into glasses and then ask him to come up with stories of how that particular wine made it to your table.

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#16

Treat Dad To A Spa Day

Person lying on the back and having a massage

Contrary to what some would think, dads can also benefit from a spa day's sedative effects. Or, you may treat your dad to an in-home spa day by picking up some sheet masks from the local drugstore, running up a bubble bath, and getting him a new robe!

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#17

Have A Wine-And-Paint Night

Colorful paint on the brush

You may still enjoy all the excitement of a classic wine-and-painting night in the comfort of your home. For easy painting, trace funny pictures you found online. Or, let your imagination run wild and create something of your own.

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#18

Catch A Concert

People at the concert dancing

Plan a concert outing for the two of you and gift him the tickets. Or, if one of your father's favorite musicians isn't currently on tour (or touring where you live), open YouTube and look for past performances you can watch together.

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#19

Go On A Virtual Field Trip To National Parks

Trip to national park

A Father's Day road trip may not be feasible for many reasons. Nonetheless, you may head to Google Earth instead to see them in all their virtual splendor! Virtually all national parks in the US provide some sort of virtual tour, so go ahead and get that modern technology utilized.

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#20

Do A Blindfolded Beer Taste Challenge

Friends holding beer

Get six different beers, each with a different flavor and style, from the grocery shop closest to you. Then, put Dad in a blindfold and ask him to identify which is which!

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#21

Take Dad Online Shopping

Person shopping online

Think it's time for those sandals to go? Why not go shopping if Dad really needs a closet makeover? Visit websites like ASOS or Topman for the most recent men's fashions.

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#22

Listen To Old Records

Person looking for old records

Go pull out your record player and prepare to travel through time. Dad may use this to build a stronger relationship with the kids by showing the kind of music he enjoyed as a youngster.

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#23

Have The Kids Put On A Show For Dad

Woman playing with guitar and singing

Invite the kids to perform a play or a song on how much they love their daddy. Dad will definitely swoon over this sweetness!

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#24

Make Your Own BBQ Spice Rub

Different spices

Enhance Dad's cooking by helping him make his own distinctive BBQ spice rub. Search the Internet for recipes, or try creating your own.

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#25

Make Your Own Brew

Persons holding beer and smiling

Turn Dad into a beer guru and help him brew his own beer. Get a brewing kit on Amazon, gather all the supplies you might need, and watch the bubbles pour!

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#26

Have A Dessert Tasting

Pancakes with strawberries

Children are not the only ones to have a sweet tooth! Relish Father's Day by sampling Dad's favorite sweets or pastries from your local bakeries.

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#27

Play Pool

Person playing pool

Visit a neighborhood pool hall or play a game of pool at your local pub. Playing pool is a sweet, enjoyable way to engage in some friendly rivalry and learn a trick or two from Dad!

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#28

Have Dad Take An Ancestry Test

Person looking at old pictures

Choose an activity that doubles as a present. Have your dad take an ancestry test as an early Father's Day gift. When his big day arrives, spend some time analyzing the results. If the results don't come in on time, you may still spend the day creating your family tree using historical images and papers in the database.

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#29

Play Family Trivia

Persons looking at laptop

Dads often have the most absurd, irrelevant facts on hand, but are they true? It's time to test Dad's knowledge in a family trivia game.

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#30

Go For A Hike

Woman going for a hike

On special days as such, the most enjoyable things are often the most simple ones. Take Dad on his favorite hiking trail and spend the entire day in each other's company, surrounded by nature. And remember to bring some trail mix and water supplies!

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#31

Have Storytime Together

Person reading a book and other one laughing

Ask your dad to read you one of his favorite novels from his youth or adulthood as you get cozy together on the sofa.

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#32

Go Shooting Hoops Together

Persons playing basketball

If Dad is into sports or basketball, hit the court to play one-on-one, shoot hoops, or practice a skill like spinning or dribbling.

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#33

Fly A Kite

Fly a two kites

There's no need to travel far to enjoy some quality time with Dad. If Father's Day turns out to be windy, pick a kite (or make one yourself) and head to your backyard or a nearby park to create lovely memories that will last a lifetime.

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#34

Go Bird Watching

Bird in the forest

Set up a blanket in your backyard or a nearby park for a peaceful day enjoying the outdoors with Dad. Compile a list of the many bird species you observe and try your best to identify them.

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#35

Fire Up The BBQ

Cooking burger patties

The word "barbeque" is the surest path to a dad's heart. Get fancy meats like wagyu beef burgers or a rack of ribs, perhaps some beers to have while you wait for the meat to cook, and fire up the grill together.

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#36

Complete A Puzzle

Puzzle details

Completing a puzzle together is a great way to spend time with Dad on this special occasion. Either spend time working on a puzzle you already have at home or get him a new one you think he would enjoy and complete it together.

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#37

Join A Fitness Class

People taking a fitness class

Consider joining a fitness class at your local gym this Father's Day with your dad. Or alternatively, think about enrolling in online fitness classes on websites like Peloton or P90X. Working out is great, but working out together with someone, especially with someone as close as your dad, is even better!

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#38

Make Ice Cream

Pink ice cream

Did you know you can use a Ziploc bag to make ice cream? Try making your dad's favorite ice cream flavor at home rather than buying it at the shop.

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#39

Make A Time Capsule

Time capsule items

Dig a hole in your garden and fill it with stuff from around the house, such as current newspapers, receipts from recent purchases, family Polaroids, and other memorabilia. We recommend using a plastic container to put the items in as it's durable and inexpensive, and most containers can be sealed airtight.

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#40

Bring The Beach Inside

Woman lying near window

This Father's Day concept relies heavily on creativity! To simulate a vacation, get some low sand chairs, set them up in the living room, and turn on the TV to a beach scene from Australia or Hawaii. You may also want to treat Dad to a piña colada (or two)!

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#41

Go Stargazing

Stars at night and mountains

After the sun has set, lay out a blanket in the backyard and try to identify constellations together. You can use a telescope (if you have one) or just your smartphone and download the Star Walk app. 

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#42

Go Bowling

Play bowling

Bowling is such a dad sport, isn't it? Go to your local bowling alley for some good ol' fun.

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#43

Take A Scenic Route

Person driving near mountains

If you are fortunate enough to reside in a region with mountains, rivers, and canyons, think about going for a long drive. Dad will enjoy viewing nature's splendor and having interesting chats in the car.

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#44

Gather Loved Ones For A Facetime Call

Person taking a facetime call

Since the summer months are so active, not everyone can get together on the same day. Make Dad feel extra loved by surprising him with a Zoom meeting or FaceTime call.

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#45

Play Dress-Up

Kids with green mask

If you have kids, dressing up could be an activity you already do daily. Hence, let the kids pick their costumes to make the occasion more memorable. The kids will have a blast, and you, too, will have a good time laughing at the outcomes!

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#46

Take An Online Cooking Class

Picture of vegetables and spices for cooking

Even if you're spending the day apart, taking an online cooking class together is a delicious and unique pastime!

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#47

Make A Board Game

Person playing board game

With Dad, draw squares and other images on thick card stock paper to use as the game board. Get miniature playthings or figurines in different colors to use as the playing pieces. At last, decide on the rules together and start the game!

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#48

Have A Picnic Indoors

Picnic with wine and bread, fruits in the bed

We can't predict what weather will fall out on Father's Day. Hence, if you want to picnic outside but the sky doesn't seem too promising—there's no need to cancel altogether. Just move the furniture inside your home a bit to make more space, and have the picnic indoors. Plus, you won't have to worry about the bugs!

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#49

Go On A Virtual Tour

Person playing with virtual reality headsets

Many well-known museums offer virtual tours, like the Guggenheim in New York City, the British Museum in London, and the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. Hence, if your father is a fan of art, going on a virtual tour together might interest both of you.

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#50

Lead An Indoor Scavenger Hunt

Kids playing scavenger hunt

Watch as Dad tries solving the clues that point to his gift. You could also get the kids involved and ask them to do drawings or come up with riddles that'll reveal the next clue or what Dad's big surprise is.

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#51

Go Camping Without Leaving Your House

Girl doing yoga in the camp tent

Bring the splendor of nature inside! Make space in your living room to set up a tent and spread out sleeping bags, similar to the picnic concept described earlier in the post. To add a little extra, microwave popcorn or make s'mores!

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#52

Make Paper Airplanes

Person holding paper airplane

Have Dad teach the kids how to make paper airplanes. After they've gotten the hang of it, you can hold a contest in your backyard to see whose plane can fly the farthest!

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#53

Have A Bingo Tournament

Bingo tournament numbers

Players of any age can enjoy a game of bingo. Have the kids make bingo cards and host a bingo tournament for a laid-back and enjoyable Father's Day activity.

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jonconstant avatar
ConstantlyJon
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

literally my family does not understand how much I love bingo. we used to play bingo as a study game in school and I think that's the last time I've played and it makes me sad.

#54

Make A Baking Soda Volcano

Erupted volcano

The kids will love participating in this Father's Day frolic! DIY a volcano using paper-mache and paint. Next, pour baking soda and red food coloring into the volcano's mouth. As a final step, pour vinegar and watch the volcano erupt!

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#55

Mars Walk

Desert with stars

Give Dad a once-in-a-lifetime experience by visiting the NASA website for a simulated Martian walk!

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#56

Come Up With New Go-To Cereals

Cereals with milk

Find out what items you can use to repurpose traditional morning cereals by doing some grocery shopping in your pantry. A bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch could benefit from adding fluffy marshmallows and chocolate chips or mixing them with Rice Krispies. Dad should evaluate all the inventions and decide who the winner is.

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#57

Prepare For The Zombie Apocalypse

Person looking through door window

If Dad loves to play things a bit crazy, go around your home and create a zombie apocalypse emergency plan. Get some Nerf guns, prepare your hiding spots, and have a little fun so you can be ready for when the real thing hits (hopefully, it doesn't).

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#58

Play Cops And Robbers

Police officer looking

This classic game will transport you back in time! The kids can try to find and catch Dad as either a thief or a cop, depending on his preference. After all, the day is all about him, so let him pick!

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#59

Go To Disneyland Virtually

Disney with Mickey mouse statue on Disneyland

From the comfort of your sofa, let Dad and the entire family enjoy the Most Wonderful Place on Earth. Go on YouTube and enjoy some virtual rides on iconic Disney rides like Space Mountain, Peter Pan's Flight, and others.

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#60

Play Mini-Golf

Person playing mini golf

If Dad is a Tiger Woods fan, take him to the neighborhood mini-golf course. Or, think about creating a mini-golf course in your garden!

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#61

Go Deal Hunting

Person looking at books

Many dads loathe shopping for themselves, but finding a deal is generally a different story. Browse yard sales, outlet malls, thrift stores, and antique stores for the day. If you want to spice it up, make it a bet to see who can get the best deal!

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#62

Throw Dad A Home Party

Home party decorations at home

After all, it's Father's Day, so he deserves a celebration in his honor! While he is still asleep, set up the dining room with balloons, a festive table with lots of his favorite snacks, and perhaps some Father's Day banners. Once he wakes up, you might also want to play some of his favorite tunes!

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