25 Fun Things to do on Father's Day
That special Sunday in June, Father’s Day, is a wonderful opportunity for older and younger kids to show dad how much they love him. Looking for simple and meaningful Father's Day activities that will help you bond with your dad? Check out these fun father-son and father-daughter activities for children of all ages and dads with all different interests. You're sure to make lasting memories!
More: The 60 Best Dad Jokes of All Time
Whether you’re an adult who wants to take dad out for a beer tasting or a spouse looking for some adorable DIY father’s day crafts, we’ve got you covered!
We have activities the whole family can be involved in and some ideas that allow dad to spend time relaxing on his own.
Father’s Day Ideas for Toddlers
1. Create a Father’s Day Card
A handmade card is a keepsake that dad will want to hang on for a long time. Have your toddler make a picture, scribbles, paints, stamps, stickers, you name it. Take time to talk with them afterward and write down what they made, or a sentiment they want to write in their card to dad. Make sure to put their name and date somewhere on the card so you can look back on how much they’ve grown and developed as the years pass.
2. Go for a Bike Ride or Hike
Most parts of the country have pretty mild temperatures in June, so it’s the perfect time to strap on those hiking boots or biking shoes and spend some time outdoors. Many places offer bike rentals as well, so even if you or your dad don’t own a bike, the local park and sports activity center might be able to help you out. Biking and hiking are nice and easy activities that even the youngest kiddos can participate in.
3. Make a S’mores Station
Who doesn’t love gooey marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers? Toddlers and dads alike will be pumped with a special Father’s Day s’mores station. Your toddler will love looking up to dad as he helps roast the marshmallows, and everyone can bond over a delicious dessert treat.
4. Create a Father’s Day Video
Little kids say the best things, so grab your phone and record a little video for dad. You can use question prompts such as what is your dad’s name, how old is your dad, what is your dad’s favorite color, what is his favorite food, what is your favorite thing to do with your dad, and I love my dad because…
Once gifted, dad can re-watch the sweet video as many times as he wants. For years to come, you could record the same video using the same questions and see how your child’s answers change.
5. Work on a Puzzle Together
If you have a little extra planning time, you can grab a plain white puzzle from a local craft store. Put your toddler’s handprint on the puzzle, or have them make a little picture just for dad. Then on Father’s day, they can work together to get all the pieces where they belong.
Father’s Day Ideas for Kindergartners
1. Make Something Together
If your dad is the handyman type then maybe a great gift is to make something together! Younger kids might enjoy building a birdhouse together that can be hung in the backyard as a keepsake. Craft ideas and kits of all kinds can be found online so there are plenty of options out there for dads of all types!
2. Decorate the Table for Father’s Day Brunch
Kindergarteners love to get creative and utilize art materials. Give them the job of decorating placemats, table cloths, place settings, etc. for a fun Father’s Day brunch. Having the job of decorating spots for each attendee will make your kindergartner take ownership and feel accomplished at what they are able to make for dad.
3. Have a Game Night
Kindergarteners are usually just at the age where they are learning how to play games, take turns, and win and lose graciously. Set up a game station for dad to have some downtime with the kiddos. It will be a night to remember and will be just as fun for the kids as it is for dad.
4. Laugh and Tell “Dad Jokes”
Dads love all the cheesy “dad jokes”, and kindergarteners are the perfect age to get a good laugh. Have your kindergartener take a little time to come up with some great dad jokes, and then spend the day exchanging laughs with one another.
5. Make a Father’s Day Craft
Help your child make a Father’s Day project that can be displayed in his office, hung on the wall, or used at home. Some ideas of fun crafts are decorating a blank canvas, decorating a picture frame and adding a photo, putting handprints on an oven mitt for a dad who loves to cook, using fabric paint on a tie for dads who love to dress up, etc.
Father’s Day Ideas for Big Kids
1. Head to a Ballgame
One of my fondest memories as a kid was going to Phillies games with my parents. I have a picture of me and my dad on my fridge from when I was about two; all decked out in an 80s style Phillies short-set!
Baseball is, as they say, America’s pastime, and it is a great way to spend the day with dad. You can indulge in ballpark food together as you sit and relax watching your favorite team. Not only will dad have fun, but this is a great outing for big kids.
Many stadiums have started opening up again, so check out if your team is playing and the guidelines. You can also look to see if your local minor league team will be in town!
2. Fishing or Boating
If your dad loves the lake, consider taking him out for a fishing or boating excursion. If there is no local fishing spot nearby, you can always take a road trip and maybe even rent a cabin for the night.
Even if you’re not an angler yourself, fishing poles are relatively inexpensive, so you should be able to pick one up to tag along with dad! Half the fun is spending relaxing time together in the quiet, where you can talk and make lifelong memories.
3. Take Dad Axe Throwing
Axe throwing may not be one of the more traditional gift ideas, but it has gained popularity over the last few years and is a great way to burn off some steam! There are age restrictions, however, so check with your local site before booking. Most likely, your child will have to be at least 13 to participate in this unique Father’s Day gift, making it a great idea for big kids.
4. Cooking Class
A great way to take dad around the world without leaving home is to enroll in a cooking class! Cooking classes can be an enjoyable thing to do together, or if dad is looking to up his game, you could enroll him in a series of classes he can attend on his own. There are few better ways to say “I love you” than good food! Learning a new skill together is a great way to bond and spend quality time. Recommended for big kids who are old enough to be working in the kitchen, with supervision, of course!
Father’s Day Ideas for the Whole Family
And even if it’s Father’s Day, that doesn’t mean that Mom can’t join in the celebration! Fathers come in many forms from steparents to single moms to widows or other relatives. Here are a few Father’s Day activities that the whole family can take part in!
1. Scavenger Hunts
If your dad loves games, mystery, and history, taking him on a scavenger hunt might just be the perfect thing for his special day. Sites like cityhunt.com, cityscape.com, and Riddleroutes.com are a great place to look for professionally organized games. You can also find fun free printables to use walking around the neighborhood.
Most scavenger hunts take place in a city, so this is an excellent idea if you live close to a major city or your dad is up for a drive. These hunts are a great way to bond with dad, and you can include the entire family if you wish, as many are customizable.
2. Backyard Movie Night
The backyard movie trend has been growing for the last several years as a great way for families to engage but stay home. If you are still concerned about COVID this is an excellent way to stay home but get out at the same time!
You don’t need a fancy projection screen; all you need to do is hang up a white sheet or table cloth, so it is taut. You will, however, need a projector. You can find many projectors on Amazon for under $200, and the best part is you can re-use this gift over and over!
Mix up some of dad’s favorite foods and snacks, fill a bucket with ice and beverages, bring some blankets or chairs out to the backyard, and put on one of dad’s favorite movies! Need movie ideas? Check out our list of nostalgic children’s movies, for some classics to share with your kids.
3. Have a Cookout
It may seem cliche, but sometimes all you need to have the perfect Father’s Day is a grill, good food, and spending time as a family. If dad loves to cook, then let dad take the reins and do the grilling. If not, prepare the meal for him, and let him feast.
You can throw in some backyard games like cornhole, ladder golf, or badminton to make it more of an event. These are perfect last-minute Father’s Day ideas when you need to throw something together quickly.
4. Take Family Photos
A great way to recognize Father’s Day and make memories with dad is by booking a session for professional (or semi-professional) family photos. Gather coordinating outfits, and take some lovely photos. Dad will love having a keepsake surrounded by his favorite people.
5. Game Tournament
Having a family game tournament is one way to make dad’s day fun and unique. Whether your dad enjoys board games, video games, or both, you can indulge your dad by playing his favorite game. Playing games together is a fun way to hang out and bond with dad too! Maybe dad can even teach kids some old classic games like Donkey Kong or Mouse Trap!
6. Bowling
Nothing says Happy Father’s Day like a trip to a traditional bowling alley! Many bowling alleys have the nostalgic feel from dad’s childhood, and the junk food and beer haven’t changed either! Plus, you don’t need to be good at bowling to enjoy it! Let dad show off his competitive side. Bowling is a great activity that even young kids can participate in!
7. Visit a Museum
With more and more museums reopening, chances are it's been a long time since dad was able to explore one. Consider taking him to a favorite spot with the kids, or trying out a new one together.
Ideas Just for Dad
While it's important for dads to bond with their kids, sometimes what dad really needs is a little alone time. Just like we pamper mom and give her a break from the chores and parenting duties every Mother’s Day, make Father’s Day stress free.
This Father’s Day, give your dad a mini vacation. Here are a few relaxing activities for dad that will make him smile.
1. Spa Day
Yes, you read that correctly; spa days are not just for Mother’s Day. There are plenty of dads who love a good massage and even get pedicures, manicures, and facials; if your dad is the kind who enjoys pampering treatments or likes a strong deep tissue massage, consider booking him some spa treatments!
2. Beer Tasting
Watch out for listings for local beer festivals or beer tasting events. Or, if your dad prefers whiskey or bourbon, consider taking him to a distillery for a tour. It is always fun to learn about the process of your favorite drink and then to be able to enjoy it at the end!
You could also hit up a local brewpub and order a few flights of beer to sample a variety of styles and flavor profiles.
3. Wine Tasting
If dad is more of a wine connoisseur, then setting up a wine tasting is a great way to help him celebrate his special day. Whether by visiting a local vineyard, or grabbing various wines and pairing it with snacks, this is a nice way to let the world’s best father relax and unwind.
4. Golf
If you have a dad who loves golfing, then this is an easy gift! You can reserve him a tee on a favored green, or you can head out to the driving range together. If you have little kids, consider a round of mini-golf and then give dad some time to play the grown-up version on his own or with his buddies.
If the weather is poor, check out your area to see if they have any indoor mini-golf courses!
Looking for more Father’s Day inspiration? Check out 9 Awesome Printable Father’s Day Cards.
