How to celebrate dad this Father’s Day (no matter what he’s into)

By Stacie Gaetz

Wondering how to shout dad’s name from the rooftops this Father’s Day?

We’ve got you covered with tons of ideas for things that he will actually want to do this year no matter what Pops is into.

Whether he’s an outdoorsman or a homebody, a foodie or a competitor, we have dozens of ideas.

So, throw out that necktie and get ready to give him the gift he really wants – time with you doing the things he loves!

The Outdoorsman

This one is pretty easy, just strap on some reliable shoes and get out there with dad. Go for a hike or bike ride. Maybe even try out one of those electric scooters and go for a ride downtown together to see it in a different way. If you prefer to get out of the city, you can switch that up too with some bird watching or a picnic. While you are there, bring out some outdoor games like corn hole or horseshoes or simply fly a kite together.

You can make it more than a day by planning a camping trip at your favorite spot, complete with an early morning fishing trip and a relaxing afternoon at the beach.

Want to stay closer to home? Just get out in the garden or tackle that backyard project he’s been wanting to get to together.

The Foodie

If your dad prefers waffles to walking and beer to bike rides, there is plenty to do to keep his heart and stomach full this Father’s Day.

Why not give him his favorite breakfast in bed (it’s not just for moms on Mother’s Day). Or better yet, take the time to create his favorite meal together. Fondue or a pizza party is always a fun way to spend time together and you can finish it off by making ice cream together from scratch.

If he prefers cooking in the great outdoors, make it a barbecue (you can even create your own special spice rub together first).

You can’t have a wonderful Father’s Day meal without something to drink so how about creating your own wine or beer tasting for dear ol’ dad?

You can make it interesting by turning it into a blind tasting and testing his knowledge of his favorite vino or brew.

Of course, if dad is a food lover but prefers to get others to do the cooking, you can always take him to his favorite restaurant (make it special for Father’s Day by booking a private room if possible or calling ahead to get the chef to recommend a certain dish he is sure to love).

The Handyman

If tools are on your list for your handyman dad, why not make a day of it? Tackle a task together. It can be as simple as building a birdhouse or a toolbox for his new toy or as complex as finally getting around to creating that treehouse or building the addition for the deck.

Dad will love spending the time with you and teaching you how to do what he loves more than any tool money can buy.

If it’s cars that he likes to tinker with, work on one with him, asking him questions along the way. Or plan to go to a car show together. You can also take a drive together to see if you can see any awesome vehicles out and about on the highway.

If you would rather stay home, you can always revamp the garage a bit to make it easier for him to find his tools and even make it a bit of a man cave by bringing out some lawn chairs, snacks and a fridge with a few beverages. Maybe even a TV, computer or tablet so you can watch a game together.

The Screen Lover

Speaking of screen time, if dad is a movie buff, why not make Father’s Day, a movie day?

Watch all of his favorite movies (without complaining) and ensure that the pantry is full of his snacks of choice.

Is dad more of a gamer? Spend all day playing whatever video games he wants and learning his tricks of the trade.

If you are looking for something unique, why not check out some virtual tours together. You can go almost anywhere virtually. From concerts, to National Parks, to Disneyland… even Mars!

With a screen lover like your dad, maybe you got him some tech for a gift. Check out the new gadget – spend the day learning how to use it together.

The Homebody

If dad likes to stay in, there is tons to do at home as well. Crack into that new LEGO set you got him or spend some time working on a puzzle together.

Why not make some paper airplanes and see which one flies further?

Let him have his way for once and listen to his favorite music. Or if he is a history buff, create a time capsule together where you add things that are important to you and keep it somewhere safe to be opened at a date you agree upon.

If he is into astronomy, take the time to go out stargazing at night and let him teach you the constellations.

Whatever he is into, take some time to look it up and learn about it together.

The Competitor

Got a competitor on your hands? Make a day out of trying to beat each other at whatever fun “sport” you can think of.

Bowling, mini golf, board games, ax throwing, escape room, a fitness challenge… the possibilities are endless.

Sometimes even more fun than organized events like this are making up things to compete in at home.

Who can eat a bowl of cereal the fastest? Who can throw the most socks in the laundry hamper from across the room? How about a good old-fashioned sack race or backyard obstacle course? Anyone up for some poker?

No matter how you decide to spend the big day, what is important is that you take the time to do what your dad likes and seem interested in it.

If there is one thing almost every dad loves to do, it is share his wisdom with his kiddos and teach them a little of what he has learned in life.

So put the “Awe dad!” comments away (no matter how terrible that dad joke was) and let him have this day, spent with you, doing what he loves.

That truly is the best gift of all.