Father’s Day is that one special day every year to celebrate the fathers in your life. It can look different for everyone, whether you’re celebrating your father, spouse, step-father, brother, or a role model.
Finding things to do for Father’s Day can be difficult. If you’re having a hard time thinking of what to do to make the day special or what types of activities your father (or father-figure) might like, try some of the ideas below. Or use them as inspiration as you look for ways to honor and celebrate the men in your life! We hope we can help you with unique ideas on how to celebrate this special day.
1. Learn about his family tree.
Tracing your father’s family tree can help you learn more about his family’s past and cultural heritage. It can be a meaningful way to feel more connected to your family, past and present. Start recording his genealogy using what he knows and what you can find for free on FamilySearch. Or ask him about his favorite stories of his parents, grandparents, or other ancestors. Childhood stories and cherished family stories can really make this holiday special.
2. Prepare a scavenger hunt.
Scavenger hunts can be a fun family activity, and it’s a great way to hide gifts as well. Try this father’s day scavenger hunt to get you started.
3. Do a puzzle together.
Combine a gift with an activity, and get a new puzzle as a gift for Father’s Day. To make it extra special, order a custom puzzle made with family photos. You can even preserve the puzzle, and hang it up in your living room. Or take it apart when you’re done, to enjoy putting it together again another day. This is a great way to spend time with your dad that he will cherish for years.
4. Share your favorite memories of your father.
Sharing and saving your favorite memories of your dad or a father-figure in your life will keep your favorite memories fresh in your mind. Try remembering the times he served you, made you laugh, taught you something important, or inspired you. This activity can help him feel loved and appreciated.
5. Host a friendly family competition.
Come up with a series of games to compete as a whole family. You could play minute-to-win-it games or look for easy festival games. Bonus if there are prizes involved!
6. Make a home-made gift.
Taking the time to come up with a thoughtful gift you can make at a home will make the gift all the more meaningful. Or, if he enjoys doing crafts, make it a family activity.
7. Take a minivacation.
You could take a weekend road trip somewhere new or even just explore new sites in your own city. Have you ever considered heritage tourism? Whatever you do, it’ll be a great way to experience new things together. Or, if you can’t get out of the house, try one of these virtual tours.
8. Play games.
Playing board games, card games, or even video games is the perfect way to bond as a family. Find a favorite game, and play it together to get in some good quality time.
9. Explore ancestral locations.
If you’re connected to the FamilySearch Family Tree, Map My Ancestors allows you to find sites that are significant to your father’s family. It could help you find birth and burial sites, hometowns, and more places to visit.
10. Put on a show.
Put on a show just for your dad. It could be a skit, song, stand-up comedy, or talent show. This is especially fun if you have kids.
11. Bake a Father’s Day treat or dinner.
Making something delicious that you can enjoy as a family is a wonderful way to show your love for someone. For an extra special treat, try new recipes from around the world, particularly if you can find recipes that reflect your cultural heritage.
12. Participate in his favorite hobby.
If your dad loves cooking, working with his hands, or gardening, dedicate time during the day to doing it with him. He’ll enjoy doing what he loves, and he’ll love it even more because you’re doing it with him. Cherish these moments to learn from and about him.
13. Do some crazy science experiments.
If there’s something everyone loves, it’s watching fascinating chemical reactions. Try making a baking-soda volcano, dropping mentos in coke, or doing other fun and easy science experiments at home.
14. Play in the water.
Father’s Day just happens to be in June, the prime time to play in the water! Swimming, kayaking, rafting, and tubing are just some of the ways you can take advantage of that.
15. Discover memories.
Reading family memories can help foster a sense of nostalgia or a feeling of belonging. Discover memories that can help you feel closer as a family.
16. Enjoy an outing to the park.
Take the whole family to the park to enjoy some quality time together. Here are a few ideas to make your time at the park memorable:
- Have a picnic.
- Fly a kite.
- Play tag.
- Play hide-and-go-seek.
- Play catch.
- Hold a relay race.
- Ride your bikes.
- Barbecue.
17. Watch a movie.
Make popcorn, turn out the lights, and settle in for a favorite movie. Alternatively, make it a night out to the movie theater or drive-in theater.
18. Enjoy the great outdoors.
What does your dad enjoy doing outdoors? Hiking? Fishing? Camping? Boating? Whatever it is, get the whole family to join in for a memorable Father’s Day holiday together.
19. Do an act of service.
Service is one of the 5 love languages. If your father really appreciates acts of service, then there’s no better way to show him that you care. Try finishing that one project he never gets around to, or maybe clean out his car.
20. Learn about your family name.
Your last name can say a lot about your family’s story. Try learning about your name and the meaning behind it to see what you can find.
In the end, you’re the one who knows your dad best. You’ll know what he will appreciate more than anyone. It may be a fun activity, a meaningful gift, learning more about him, or finding a way to serve him. Whether or not this list of things to do for Father’s Day provided you with a plan to celebrate, we hope it gave you the needed inspiration to get you started!
Source: familysearch.org ~ By: Alison Ensign ~ Image: Canva Pro