53 Best Father's Day Activities That'll Be Fun for the Whole Family
Here are a ton of creative things to do together on June 18!
It’s here again. Another year, another Father’s Day and another chance to top your epic gift from the last year! We know all too well the challenge that comes with trying to outdo yourself when it comes to celebrating your dad. With how much he’s done for you over the years and his endless devotion to your family, there are few things you wouldn’t do for him. But don’t fret, we know just the things to do on Father’s Day that will make your dad feel special.
On our list you’ll find fun Father’s Day activities that go beyond your typical brunch or backyard BBQ (though we still have those options too.) Here, we’ve listed events to get him outside, like a concert featuring his favorite band or a food festival, and some stuff you can even do at home like singing karaoke with the kids or having a movie marathon. If you happen to be looking for something that will keep the attention of your teenager or even a fun activity for adults, we have just the thing for that, too.
Trust us, these options are sure to appeal to every kind of dad and touch upon every kind of interest, so you really can’t go wrong.
Take a historical site tour.
If Dad's a history buff, look for historic sites that offer tours. The experience will give him an opportunity to tell you all about his favorite leaders and events, making the day even more special.
Head to the race track.
Make June 18 a day to remember with a friendly go-kart race that might just turn competitive after a few laps. Pick a partner or ride solo, but definitely give Dad a head start — it’s his special day after all.
Go to a car show.
A buzzing car show will add a unique touch to your Dad's day. Spend time looking at his favorite models through the years and discover new favorites together.
Take him to a food festival.
Whether its food trucks, a BBQ battle or Smorgasburg, a food festival or food market is the perfect activity for any foodie dad. You can choose to browse and taste multiple kinds of cuisine or focus in on his favorite!
Help Dad wash the car.
If Father's Day is sunny and bright this year, it'll be the perfect time for a car wash. To make it a bit more fun, you could even fill up some water balloons and grab some water guns to turn it into a water fight.
Treat him to ice cream.
Who doesn't love ice cream? Treat your dad to his favorite flavor and maybe even grab a pint for him to take home.
Take him to see live music.
Whether your dad loves jazz or country music, finding him a live performance to attend on Father's Day is sure to warm his heart.
Go for a bike ride with the family.
The entire family can get some exercise with a bike ride on Father's Day. Scope out dad's favorite trails ahead of time and maybe even plan for a picnic once you reach your destination.
Create a scavenger hunt.
Add some extra flare to your dad's Father's Day gift by having it discover it himself. Leave him a list of riddles and clues that will lead him right to his present.
Perform a concert.
Nothing will make a dad smile more than seeing his child perform an original song or dance. If you want to make it really special, add in some lyrics that will let your dad know how special he is to you.
Schedule a pottery class.
Take your DIY crafts up a notch and take a pottery class with your favorite guy. You all can laugh over the wacky creations you make or create something pretty enough to showcase at home.
Break things at a rage room.
Allow your dad to blow off a little steam through the cathartic exercise of breaking things at a rage room. By the time you finish ripping through the room of various items, you'll both feel more relaxed.
Take him shopping.
Your dad might say he doesn't want anything this year, but that could change if you let him pick out exactly what he wants during a mini shopping spree.
Try out axe throwing.
If you want to create a truly memorable experience, take your dad for a couple of hours of axe throwing. You both can take turns seeing who can hit the bullseye.
Go bowling.
Bowling always brings family together. This Father's Day, you could split up into teams — like parents against kids — to see who has the best form.
Build a pillow fort.
Father's Day is as good a day as any to create lasting memories. Grab a few pillows, couch cushions and blankets to create the ultimate fort, perfect for reading stories or sparking a pillow fight.
Solve a mystery in an escape room.
Have your dad channel his inner detective when you take him to an escape room. As you all comb through clues in order to solve the puzzle and escape, you are bound to learn more about each other.
Work on a puzzle together.
Depending on the puzzle, this activity can create hours upon hours of bonding and laughs. Once you've completed the puzzle, you can even frame it.
Visit a museum.
If your dad is a history buff, take him to visit a local museum. And even if history isn't really his thing, there are tons of museums with interactive exhibits that are sure to be fun for the entire family.
Go skydiving.
Free-falling through the air might not be for everyone. But if your dad is a self-proclaimed risk taker, then this might be just the activity for him.
Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more.
Cameron (she/her) is a staff writer for Good Housekeeping, where she covers everything from holidays to food. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B.A. in magazine journalism. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping.
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