Fun Things To Do For (Or With) Dad

Next week is Father’s Day and if you’re still trying to figure out something to do with dad, or gift him with something besides the typical tie, here are some ideas that are sure to show dad how much you love and appreciate him. And since showing your love doesn’t have to cost a dime, a lot of these are either free or don’t cost a lot of money. Of course if it’s in the budget, splurge as much as you want on his special day.

WHAT DOES HE ENJOY?

Think of what your dad enjoys and then plan an event around that activity. Of course not everyone can spend the day with their father on Father’s Day but you can send him tickets, a gift certificate, or even make reservations in his name to something you know he’d enjoy. These can be fun ventures for the whole family or if you think dad would appreciate some “alone time” while doing something HE wants to do, give him some free-time to do that. And of course you don’t necessarily have to do the activity tomorrow…think of an upcoming event he might like to attend at a later date and make arrangements for that.

GOLF –

* Take him golfing.

* Schedule a future game he can enjoy with his buddies.

* Play a couple of rounds of putt-putt, which the entire family can enjoy without having to spend a lot (again, if dad LIKES that.)

* Depending on your budget, you can pick up equipment like a new club, ball, tees, shoes, or hat. If your dad is new to golf, pick up a video or book that can give him some tips on how to play a better game.

* A cute DIY project you can use as a centerpiece (that I made one year) is to simply place a large glass vase on the table and fill it with loose golf balls and colorful tees. We tied ribbon around some of the tees that were attached to strips of paper with sayings my son wrote up expressing what he loved about his dad.

ORGANIZED SPORTING EVENTS –

* Whatever sport your father favors, tickets to a game would be appreciated. Again, you can make it a family event or a turn it into a one-on-one bonding experience.

* If dad likes to be active and enjoys sports, pack up the balls, bats, or whatever and head to a park or even the backyard. Pack a lunch of dad’s favorite foods and you’re set for the day.

THRILL-SEEKING –

Have a dad who likes heights, speed, or anything that gets the adrenaline pumping? What about a game of paint ball, go-kart racing, a day at an amusement park or a zip-line adventure?

MUSIC –

Whatever type of music your father enjoys listening to, there are tons of summer concerts you could buy him tickets to. If a concert isn’t his thing, pick up some CD’s of his favorite bands or download some new tunes to his iPod. (If he doesn’t have one, you could gift him with that, along with music already downloaded.) If your dad still loves his vinyl, or is young enough to newly discover vinyl, there are a lot of artists making them again and they are available at stores everywhere now.

BEER –

* Take dad on a brewery tour where he can see how it’s made and sample a few…if it’s available, pick up some to take home too.

* Make plans to attend a beer festival coming up in your area…go ahead and buy tickets if you can.

* Take dad to a local bar that serves craft beers and let him enjoy while you’re the designated driver.

* Pick up some craft beers for him to enjoy at home or buy him a beer-making kit.

VIDEO GAMES –

Just because he’s a dad, doesn’t mean he doesn’t still like to play video games, so why not let him enjoy a day of guilt-free gaming. Maybe it’s a day of solo gaming for him, a gaming marathon with the family, or why not take him to a video arcade? (The Penny Arcade in Manitou Springs is a blast and fun way to spend the day if you live in the area.)

And of course you could always pick up a new game or accessory for his system.

MUSEUMS –

There are so many different types of museums, it’s easy to find one that pertains to his interests. Whether it’s art, music, planes, history, animals, old cars or even motorcycles, just google it and you might be surprised at what pops up in your area.

A BIT OF PAMPERING –

Some men enjoy a bit of pampering and some don’t so before you splurge on a day at the spa for him, make sure you know it’s something he’d enjoy. You could gift him with a massage, manicure, or even facial.

FOOD/COOKING –

If your dad enjoys eating and/or cooking, there are so many options from taking him out to eat, to buying him cookbooks, to picking up a specialty food item he wouldn’t necessarily splurge on himself.

If he likes to grill, gift him with grilling accessories like smoked wood chips or barbecue tools. Make up some homemade barbecue sauce or pick up some different salts and spices for him to experiment with. For years I bought my dad good cuts of meats I knew he’d enjoy and have them shipped to him, which I knew he’d have fun cooking and eating. A basket filled with a barbecue cookbook, sauces, spices, etc. would make a lovely gift.

Pick up some gourmet cheeses, meats, mustards, bread and wine for dad to enjoy…pack it in a basket for an easy presentation and add some decadent chocolate.

For dads who enjoy baking…specialty nut flours, baking pans, sugars, molds, or dried fruits and nuts.

Good knives, gadgets, appliances (don’t get something so big or awkward in size he can’t find a place to store it,) cookbooks, etc. can make his day and not cost too much.

ANYTHING THAT REQUIRES TIME TOGETHER –

A lot of us have older fathers, who might not be able to get out and about like they once did so think of things you can do that are easy on him.

If your dad loved going to the movies and misses doing that, spend an afternoon watching his favorites with him. Let him relax in that old chair of his, prop up his feet, and be in charge of what’s on. Prepare his favorite snacks and serve them up when he’s hungry. And hey, even if you don’t like his choices, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show and the time with your pop. If you can’t be with him, send him a box of movies you think he’d enjoy, along with some gourmet popcorn or old-fashioned candy.

If dad’s passion was gardening but his knees aren’t what they once were, help him around the yard or let him relax in a lawn chair while you act as the gardener.

Social media for a lot of older dads can be a complete mystery. What’s Facebook, how do you do it, Skype? What’s that? If he already has a computer or laptop but doesn’t really know how to use it, why not spend some time teaching him and setting up some accounts for him. (Of course this might take a lot of patience on your part, I know that there were times my son probably wanted to poke his eyes out more than answer my question of how to copy and paste something for the hundredth time…ha!)

Just sit and visit. (And be grateful your dad’s still around.)

SOME MISC. IDEAS –

* Tattoo gift card

* Trip to a botanic garden

* Trip to the aquarium

* Newspaper or magazine subscription

* Bowling

* Car or lawn & garden show

* Lessons like flying, gun safety, music, or anything he’s interested in learning about.

* Enroll him in a monthly beer, wine, or cigar club membership.

* Go camping or fishing…or pick up gear he can use in the future.

* Rent a motorcycle he can enjoy for the day.

WHAT THE KIDS CAN MAKE OR DO (NO MONEY REQUIRED) –

The whole point of Father’s Day is to let dad know how much he’s loved and appreciated, which doesn’t require presents or spending money at all.

* Let the kids make dad breakfast and serve it to him in bed…along with the newspaper or his favorite magazine. Or simply let him sleep in while the kids prepare his favorites and have breakfast waiting for him when he wakes up. (Or cook his favorite dinner.)

* A hand-written card or letter expressing their love is priceless, as is a drawing. Make it “extra-special” and put it in a frame.

* Make a special photo album with pictures the kids pick out,  or make a slide show with the photos,  or create a scrapbook of favorite times spent with dad. Or simply spend a couple of hours looking through old photos and reminiscing.

* Let the kids write a poem, song or even play about dad and then let them read or perform their masterpiece.

* A coupon book filled with chores that the kids will do for him…like washing the car, taking out the trash, walking the dog, mowing, pulling weeds, cleaning out the garage, etc.

 

Money doesn’t have to be a requirement to show your dad how much he’s loved. Whether it’s a heart-felt written letter or it’s an afternoon of just letting him rest, let this be his day, let him know you love and appreciate him. Let him know you’re happy he’s your dad.