While the roles and responsibilities of fathers have changed over the years, there still exists a stereotype that dads don’t want or need praise, and that they don’t care about celebrating special occasions. While this may be true in many cases, it doesn’t mean you should skimp out on celebrating your dad on Father’s Day. It’s worth making an extra effort to honor the hard-working, supportive fathers in your life at least once per year.
Some dads, especially those with young and rambunctious kids, may want just want a little peace and quiet for their special day, but Father’s Day is about creating lasting memories with family. So, whether you’re planning a full day of memories or just a fun morning together, here are some ideas to make dad’s day extra special.
Make Breakfast
There’s no better way to start the day than with a delicious, hearty breakfast – especially when someone else goes through the trouble of cooking it. Adult children can make their father feel extra special by showing up early in the morning with breakfast or inviting them to a family breakfast or brunch get-together at their house. Parents with young children can have them contribute by handling easy kitchen tasks like cracking and whisking eggs, buttering toast, or flipping pancakes. Dad may even want to help and be part of this memory-making activity.
There are also several things you can do to make Father’s Day breakfast extra special. Consider making dad his favorite foods, making a breakfast playlist with his favorite songs, or setting up a picnic in the backyard.
Scavenger Hunts
A scavenger hunt can be a fun way for parents and young kids to celebrate Father’s Day. You can find scavenger hunt templates online or make your own, prompting the kids—and dad—to find outdoor items like certain cars, rocks, flowers, etc. You can easily do this in your neighborhood or plan a family outing to a nearby park.
For a creative twist, you can arrange the scavenger hunt with directions so that items have to be found in a particular order. The last item to find can be a gift, card, or special note to dad.
DIY Projects
Buying a keepsake, like a family picture or inscribed coffee mug, is an easy way to treat your dad on Father’s Day. However, you can make your gift extra special if you make it yourself or with your father and other family members. By signing up for a pottery class, you can make dad a unique gift and share laughs over who had the worst—and funniest—designs. Other gift ideas for young kids include homemade wood signs, painted rocks, and Father’s Day coupons. Dads are more likely to remember or feel sentimental about gifts if they’re associated with special memories.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) projects don’t even have to be focused on gifts to make Father’s Day special. If dad likes fixing things, plan projects around that. Examples might include car maintenance, painting bedrooms, or doing yard work.
Road Trips
Road trips, while perhaps stressful with small children, are nonetheless great ways to make lasting family memories. For Father’s Day, consider planning a day trip to dad’s favorite nearby getaway, like a beach, park, or a golf course, or an extended weekend trip with overnight accommodations. To make it extra special, rent that dream car that he has always been talking about for the weekend.
Spend a Day at the Ballpark
Bonding over baseball with your dad is almost a rite of passage—there’s a reason the sport is affectionately known as “America’s Game.” It’s not a stretch, then, to suggest dad might love to spend Father’s Day with his kids at the ballpark. You can make his day memorable by planning a trip to one of the 30 Major League Baseball (MLB) stadiums he has yet to visit or even just getting tickets to a local minor league baseball game.
There are many other fun Father’s Day gift ideas for dads who like baseball. These include clothing or memorabilia of their favorite team and baseball-themed pint glasses, mugs, and photos and artwork.
If dad isn’t into baseball, plenty of other sports are in season around the holiday—soccer, NASCAR, and the PGA Tour are in full swing, while the 2025 NBA Finals will begin on June 5 and the NHL Stanley Cup Finals will likely be held around that time as well. If tickets aren’t in your budget, watch a game with your dad. Be sure to have his favorite snacks on hand.
Bike Riding or Hiking
A family bike ride is a perfect way to start or end Father’s Day. June is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy some sun and fresh air while creating memories. Surprise dad with a bike ride on some of his favorite trails or simply ride together in the neighborhood, working up an appetite for breakfast or lunch. You can even pack food and stop somewhere for a Father’s Day picnic. Hiking is another good warm weather activity for dads who love being outdoors.
