15 Father’s Day Activities

There’s no question that fathers have an enormous impact on the lives of their children. As providers, protectors, teachers, and caregivers, dads play a vital role.

With Father’s Day right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to show the dad or father figure in your life how much he means to you. In honor of dads everywhere, we’ve rounded up some of the best Father’s Day activities to help you celebrate Dad.

How did Father’s Day start?

Father’s Day is held on the third Sunday of every June. And while the first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, it wasn’t until 1972 that it was actually made a holiday.

Believe it or not, Father’s Day actually got off to a rocky start. Mother’s Day had been celebrated in the US for years before being declared a holiday in the United States in 1910. Hoping to show the same appreciation for dads, people and even politicians began pushing for a Father’s Day.

Back in the day, however, men weren’t always accustomed to showing their softer sides, and the idea of celebrating a parent with gifts and attention was seen by many as too sentimental and commercialized.

Eventually, however, the idea spread and started to take hold. People loved the idea of celebrating their fathers, and more fathers appreciated the special recognition. Finally, in 1972, Richard Nixon declared it an official holiday.

Celebrating Father’s Day today

Today, Father’s Day is a modern holiday that recognizes the important contribution that dads and all father figures have in the lives of their children.

According to greeting card giant Hallmark, 50 percent of all Father’s Day cards are purchased for dads (20 percent of those by wives for their husbands) and the rest are given to stepfathers, future dads, “like a” dads, and even pet dads.

Father’s Day activities

Want to plan the perfect Father’s Day activity but need a few ideas? From sports to food to the great outdoors (and everything in between!) here are 15 activities sure to make it a day he’ll love.

For the sports lover

1. Play a pickup game.

Does dad love sports? Get together for a game! Whether he loves basketball, football, tennis, or baseball, find a nearby court or field and play a game. Choose something the entire family will enjoy so everyone can get involved.

2. Go to the driving range.

If your dad loves to golf, head to a local course and practice at the driving range. It’s a great way to spend time together and work on your game. Or, if you want to splurge, treat him to a round of golf.

3. See a live sporting event.

Some dads prefer to watch rather than play. If the dad in your life falls into this category, tickets to see one of his favorite teams play is a gift he’ll remember for years to come.

For the foodie

4. Treat dad to a BBQ.

Sunday afternoon is the perfect day for a barbecue. If Dad’s usually the one manning the grill, switch places for Father’s Day. Let him relax while you grill up his favorite foods, then enjoy a Father’s Day meal together.

5. Make him breakfast.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not make the most important man in your life a delicious breakfast? Whip up a few of his favorite foods and help him start his Father’s Day off right.

6. Try a new restaurant together.

If there are restaurants around your city that your dad has been wanting to try, there’s no better time than Father’s Day to make it happen. Or, if he prefers to stick with his tried and true favorites, take him to his favorite restaurant.

For the homebody

7. Host a movie marathon.

If your dad likes to kick back and watch TV in his free time, host a movie marathon of some of his favorites. Bring snacks, drinks, and a movie that he enjoys or has wanted to see.

8. Play a board game together.

Board games are a fun way to pass the time and spend time together. If your dad enjoys playing games, bring a couple options and play together one evening. For an entire family, you might want to consider a card game that allows more players.

9. Have a backyard fire.

If your dad’s a homebody, he can still enjoy the great outdoors without even leaving the comfort of his own home. Set up some chairs, grab some hot dogs or S’mores, and build a fire. It’s a great way to talk, reconnect, and enjoy being outside.

For the outdoorsy dad

10. Go for a hike.

Spend time with dad and enjoy the great outdoors on a Father’s Day hike. You’ll get a chance to get some quality time in while exploring nature—win-win! Look for new or interesting hikes in your state you’ve never been on for a new experience.

11. Plan a camping trip.

Outdoorsy dads will love setting up camp, cooking outside, fishing, and relaxing in the great outdoors. It’s also the perfect family activity, making it a great way to celebrate dad with the most important people.

12. Host a family picnic.

For a Father’s Day celebration that involves friends but doesn’t break the bank, invite the family over for a potluck-style picnic. Have everyone bring a dish, then enjoy some good food, a few lawn games, and family time celebrating the dads.

For the creative dad

13. Paint a picture

Handmade gifts are a meaningful way to show dad how much you love him. Unleash your creative side and paint or draw a picture for your dad that he can proudly display.

14. Make him a playlist

If your dad loves music, make the perfect playlist of all his favorite songs and artists that he can listen to on his phone. Accompanied with a note or card, it’s a thoughtful gift he’ll appreciate while commuting, working out, or just relaxing at home.

15. Visit a local museum.

If your dad loves art and culture, spend Father’s Day visiting a local museum. From art to classic cars to history, there are museums all over the country that cater to a wide variety of interests.

Remember—it’s the thought that counts on Father’s Day

Whatever Father’s Day activity you choose to celebrate your dad, keep in mind that whatever you do, the thought and time you to take to show the dads in your life how much you love and appreciate them is the most important part.