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22 Simple & Practical Ways to Celebrate Dad on Father’s Day

Fathers and father figures play an important role in the lives of children. They are motivators, mentors, friends, and confidants. Here are simple and meaningful ways to celebrate all of the dads in your life this coming Father’s Day weekend.

1. Throw a Themed Party

If you want to go all out this year, throwing a full-blown party for your dad (or partner) and all his favorite people fit the bill. Bonus points if you can give it a theme based on one of his favorite things or something he’s known for. Just remember: Go big or go home.

2. Host a Game Night

He taught you all his poker, Uno, and Monopoly tricks, now it’s time to literally beat him at his own game. Odds are the student won’t become the master when it comes to card and board games with Pa, but you’ll have a ton of fun trying to out-weasel him, that’s for sure.

3. Pack a Picnic

Fix up a bunch of his favorite foods and enjoy a picnic outside in your local park, or stay closer to home and eat al fresco in the garden or the front yard.

4. Have a Movie Night

Let Dad pick the film (even if it’s some obscure historical documentary you have no interest in). Let him choose the snacks, too.

5. Share Some Memories

Make a greatest hits video of your family over the years and get everyone seated to watch it together. Make sure to play it on the big screen so everyone can see it.

6. Work Out Together

Keep your dad in tip-top shape by cueing up a HIIT class on YouTube and getting a sweat on together. Or if that’s too much for him, try to get him to join you in your yoga class.

7. Watch His Favorite Musician

There are few things more memorable than experiencing live music by an artist you really love. Snag some tix to his favorite band, call up a babysitter if necessary, and enjoy a music-filled night to remember with your old man and/or hubby.

8. Go Golfing

Let him show off his stroke while you hone your skills. Alternatively, you can take him to watch a tournament where you can also grab some bites and drinks.

9. Fire Up the Grill

Let Dad try out those new barbecue tools that you just gifted him and offer up some yummy BBQ side recipes to boot. You’ll be looking at one very happy grill master when all is said and done.

10. Play a Video Game Together

Even if he isn’t the most technologically savvy, we bet he can get on board with games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 3.

11. Plan a Spa Day

He’d never admit it, but dads need some pampering, too. If a pedicure is too much for him, at least see if he’ll do a massage or face mask with you while watching his favorite show (and be sure to snap some pics if he agrees).

12. Host a Sports Tournament

He’s always bragging about what a great hooper he was back in his heyday so why not challenge that legendary athleticism? Go to the park or plan something in your backyard for a day of fun sporting activities. Think basketball, tennis, or football.

13. Curate a Playlist

Long before you were old enough to hit up karaoke bars, Dad was your first singing partner. Curate a playlist full of your favorite hits from back in the day and take a nice car ride like the old times. Songs like Luther Vandross’ “Dance with My Father,” and Bruce Springsteen’s “My Father’s House” are sure to bring tears to his eyes.

14. Treat Him to a Shopping Spree

You used to do damage to his credit card and now it’s his turn. Does he need to update his toolkit? Some new comfy sweats? A nice raincoat? Or maybe he just wants to splurge your money on a fancy leaf blower. Either way, let him go crazy with your money for a change. Dads don’t ask for much, so it’s always nice when the bill is on you.

15. Host a Beer Tasting

Call up breweries nearby and see if they’re able to host a small party for the dad in your life and a few close friends or family members. If not, bring the beers to you by ordering some craft ales from your neighborhood liquor store and let the sampling begin.

16. Enjoy the Great Outdoors

If you and your dad always bonded over camping trips or park visits, surprise him with an exciting day enjoying the great outdoors. You can either hit up a longtime favorite or test out a new location. ’Tis the season for hiking, fishing, and cycling, after all.

17. Get Sporty

Even if the dad in your life isn’t a hardcore sports fan, catching a random game can be a fun way to connect. Look for local basketball and soccer games, golf tournaments, or horse races—all are pretty common in June. If you’re really not into tagging along, you can always buy tickets and coordinate with his friends, then catch up afterward.

18. Plan a Guy’s Day

Speaking of spending time with the fellas, if moms out there are dying for some alone time, we can only imagine dads feel the same. So why not scoop the kids for a day, order his favorite foods, and let your love hang out with people who can string full sentences together for an afternoon? Or if he just wants some alone time, let him spend the day by himself too.

19. Take a Trip

Experience gifts are all the rage right now, so get in on the travel boom and take your favorite guy on a long weekend. Plan a daddy-daughter excursion to a lodge or cabin within three hours of home for a memorable adventure. You may find the car ride makes for some of the best conversations you’ve had in years.

20. Go Birdwatching

Birdwatching became a favorite pastime during the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t partake. Take your favorite guy to a serene spot in the park and see what kinds of sky creatures you may run into. This is also a great opportunity to just check in, fill him in on everything that’s going on with you, and see how he’s doing as well.

21. Take a Hike

If you’re not prepared to go all in on a full weekend of roughing it in a tent, don’t worry—we all have our limits, after all. Instead, pack a satisfying picnic spread and schedule a day hike for some invigorating physical activity and time spent in nature. Bonus points if you make the experience extra special by picking a hike that culminates in an amazing scenic view.

22. Go for Ice Cream

Sometimes the best celebrations are the simplest ones—like treating someone to ice cream on a beautiful day. Whether it’s your own dad or the father of your kids, the guest of honor will surely appreciate this sweet and nostalgic activity involving everyone’s favorite frozen childhood treat.