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38 Fantastic Father’s Day Activities Dad Is Sure to Love

After all, what could possibly beat time with you?

Headshot of Erin CavotoBy Erin Cavoto
father's day still life, 1 dad pennant, trophy, bandana, sling shot, dartboardpinterest icon
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Father’s Day is that one special day of the year where we take time to show our love and appreciation for the number one man in our lives. How? By spending time together with fun-filled Father’s Day activities, of course! After all, while you could splurge on a Father’s Day gift or send a Father’s Day card with an emotional quote, there’s only one thing he really wants and that is to spend time with you. If you’re looking for ideas for fun things to do with Dad at home or near you to make the day more special, you’ve come to the right place.

First things first, you’ll need to mark your calendar. The holiday always falls on the third Sunday in June, which means Father’s Day 2023 is Sunday, June 18. Now that you know which day to set aside, it’s time to start putting your plan into motion! If you’re looking for a Father’s Day activity you can do as adults, consider heading to a local brewery for a beer tasting or taking the time to ask questions about the story of his family history. If Dad is more of a foodie, ask him to teach you his favorite recipe, or whip up a delicious Father’s Day breakfast he can enjoy without changing out of his pajamas.

Whatever type of Dad he may be, and whether you are looking for surprise ideas or are planning the day together, this creative list of Father’s Day activities is sure to have something he’ll enjoy! There’s even a few free Father's Day ideas for those who are watching their budget.

1

Tackle a DIY Project

vintage paint pales stacked on step ladders
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Whether it's painting that unfinished guest room with a great bedroom paint color or hanging curtains in the kitchen, Dad will definitely appreciate your assistance.

2

Visit a Small Town

rustic red barn with green door
Kevin A. Roberts

Whether he loves historic sites, rummaging through antique halls, or sipping on saisons at small craft breweries, America's best small towns are teeming with fun ways to bond on Father's Day.

3

Learn His Signature Recipe

bbq chicken drumsticks in a white pan
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Father's Day is the perfect opportunity for dad to pass on his trademark recipe. Whether it's a signature BBQ sauce or the cheesiest macaroni and cheese, ask him to show you the ropes, then share the meal together.

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4

Cheer on a Minor League Baseball Game

empty baseball diamond
Tim Kuret / EyeEm//Getty Images

The stands are smaller and the mascots often weirder, but the snacks and hotdogs taste the same! Dad will appreciate the time together as well as the opportunity to try a new experience.

5

Craft a Sentimental Keepsake Together

two framed vintage maps with ribbons marking traversed routes for a hand crafted father's day gift
David Hillegas

Instead of DIY'ing Dad a gift by yourself, turn your project into a Father's Day activity you can do together at home. Surprise him by gathering all the materials you'll need in advance.

To make vintage map wall art: Commemorate a vacation, hiking excursion, rowing adventure, or road trip you and Dad took together by outlining the route traversed with ribbon or twine on a new or vintage map. Use hot-glue to hold the ribbon or twine in place on the map. Frame the finished piece in a store-bought frame.

RELATED: Easy-as-Pie Father's Day Crafts for All Ages

6

Give Back to Your Community

father and son in green volunteer shirts in front of a painted mural
Hill Street Studios//Getty Images

If you find yourself feeling extra grateful for Pops this Father's Day, pay the feeling forward by volunteering with a local organization.

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7

Host a Game Night

game room leather topped game table surrounded by thomas molesworth inspired chairs american flag hobby ranch and country getaway outside fayetteville, texas homeowners lea ann walker and johnny walker
Julie Soefer

Whether Dad loves Spades, Rummikub, Cribbage, or maybe just plain ol' Monopoly, gather the family round to play a round or two. (You could even consider letting him win!)

8

Try a Ropes Course

man in orange jacket balancing on a ropes course
Cavan Images//Getty Images

Get Dad's adrenaline pumping with something that will take him high above his comfort zone: a ropes course! Family-friendly versions exist all over the U.S., and are a great way to work on trust and communication within your family.

9

Shoot Some Hoops

father holding his toddler son up to basketball hoop so he can dunk
Jon Feingersh Photography Inc//Getty Images

For a low-key Father's Day activity, invite dad to the driveway for a casual game of pickup basketball.

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10

Head to a Retro Diner

red and silver exterior of old fashioned retro diner
emptyclouds//Getty Images

Whether it's to grab breakfast, lunch, or just milkshakes, Dad will appreciate indulging in his favorite treats with you by his side.

RELATED: 30 of the Best Diners Across America

11

Go for Ice Cream

what to do on father's day go for ice cream
Kevin Dodge//Getty Images

The best conversations often happen over scoops of Rocky Road or mint-chocolate chip. Head to your local ice cream shop, and, if weather allows, savor your treats outdoors.

Prefer to stay in? Team up with Dad to make your own ice cream. One of these easy homemade ice cream recipes is sure to tempt you.

12

Plant Something Together

african american father and daughter transplanting a small potted plant to a raised garden bed
FangXiaNuo//Getty Images

If Dad loves to garden, spend some time outside tending to his masterpiece alongside him. "My dad loves when I tag along with him to the nursery to pick out plants for a new container. Then we head home to plant it," says Terri Robertson, senior editor at CountryLiving.com.

RELATED: Gardening Gift Ideas

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13

Help Add to His Collection

what to do on father's day go antiquing
Brian Woodcock

Whether he collects vintage fishing tackle or loves to hunt for old gas station signs, Dad will definitely appreciate you tagging along on his next junkin' excursion—and Father's Day is the perfect excuse to head to that antique mall he's always wanted to visit.

RELATED: Fun Collectibles for Under $10

14

Learn the Family History

what to do on father's day storycorps learn family history
Getty Images / Maskot//Getty Images

Use Father's Day as an opportunity to ask Dad more about his experiences growing up, and to learn about the lives of his ancestors. StoryCorps can help you guide the conversation, and gives you the opportunity to archive a recording of it at the Library of Congress. How cool is that!?

15

Hang a Hammock in the Backyard

father and young child enjoying summer day in hammock
ArtMarie//Getty Images

It'll be a favorite family hangout for years to come!

RELATED: How to Hang a Hammock

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16

Treat Dad to a Backyard Picnic…

fathers day activities picnic
monkeybusinessimages//Getty Images

Pile Dad's favorite main dishes, sides, drinks, and treats (to satisfy that sweet tooth!) into a basket or cooler, grab a blanket, and head out to the nearest patch of grass for an alfresco affair.

RELATED: Summer Picnic Recipes

17

…Or a Cookout

tray of burgers on a red and white gingham tray for a father's day meal
Brian Woodcock

Even though he's the reigning king of the grill, show him what you've learned from him and treat him to a cookout. Make it a success with these best backyard grilling recipes.

18

Wash the Car

father and young son was a car together in front of a rural home
SanyaSM//Getty Images

When you're in kindergarten, washing the car with Dad is an excuse to play with bubbles and cool off with the hose on a hot day. When you're grown, it's a chance to spend time with him while he imparts fatherly advice on everything from your next big life decision to your buffing technique. At any age, this Father's Day activity is timeless.

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19

Rent His Dream Car

father and son ride in red convertible
George Shelley Productions//Getty Images

Every dad has a car they've always wanted. Make his dreams come true by renting his ultimate ride for the day. Check out these best road trip stops in every state for some fun places to take a spin.

20

Make Dad a Playlist

fathers day activities playlist
praetorianphoto//Getty Images

There's no shortage of songs about dads. Remind him how much you appreciate him with a playlist stacked with songs about dads. Our bet is he'll listen to this collection all year long.

Headshot of Erin Cavoto
Erin Cavoto

Erin Cavoto is the Editorial Assistant at ThePioneerWoman.com, covering food, holidays, home decor, and more.

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