Father’s Day is coming up, which means some of us are trying to think of ways to celebrate. Whether you’re looking to lift up your dad or another father-like figure in your life, there are lots of ways to show someone how special they are and how much you appreciate all that they’ve done.

And, many of these ways don’t even require leaving the house. 

To make the day memorable, think about the kinds of things he likes to do, and ensure you pick something he’ll love to show him just how thoughtful you can be!

If you’re unsure where to start, here are some meaningful activities for a fun-filled Father’s Day at home that you can plan. 

1. Cook His Favorite Meal

Cooking a tasty meal can be an all-day activity when it comes to the prep work and the cooking itself, and we often don’t want to bother when there are quicker options available. What better effort to put in on Father’s Day than to find out Dad’s favorite meal and cook the best version of it?

You can even take the plans further by making an event out of eating as well. If you have a yard, consider eating picnic-style. June means excellent weather, so bring some blankets or chairs and settle down in the sun to enjoy the food you’ve cooked from the heart. 

Grab some of his favorite beers or sodas for that special added touch.

2. Hire a Private Chef

Got a pretty big budget and prepared to go all out for Dad this year? If you’re wondering what to do for Father’s Day that shows how far you’re willing to go, why not hire a private chef to cook his favorite meal? They’ll come to your house and prepare delicious food and desserts to blow the whole family away.

3. Have a Board Game Day

Father’s Day celebration ideas don’t have to be high-key and extravagant. Really, they’re all about spending time with family that you may not get the chance to do at other times. What better way to spend quality time together than finding some board games and spending the day playing them together?

There are great board games to suit everyone’s personal tastes. Whether you’re looking for a board game that’s super involved or something light-hearted that you can play while chatting about wholesome memories, do some research and find a few that Dad will love.

4. Play Video Games Together

It’s no problem if Dad’s more of a console person than a board game fanatic. Why not play video games together? 

Although there’s a massive consensus on leaving technology alone and spending time with your family on special days, there’s nothing wrong with playing the games he loves for a few hours of your Father’s Day activities. This is especially true if there are games you can play together that inspire nostalgia, like old fighting games or Mario Party.

5. Prepare a Scavenger Hunt

If you got your dad a gift for Father’s Day, why give it to him right away? Where’s the fun in that?

Instead, prepare a scavenger hunt. You can hide notes around the house with different clues that eventually lead him to his gift. 

To give this activity an extra special touch, make the clues photos or memories. The best Father’s Day ideas are the ones that include personal anecdotes and things that might make him tear up a little—even if he won’t admit to it.

6. Complete a Puzzle

Puzzles are another great idea for Father’s Day because they provide background noise and cooperation, but they don’t take over. This means you can chat about all the good times and spend some quality time together while having something to do right in front of you. Pick a puzzle that has a special meaning, like a place you visited together or something else you love.

7. Build a Fire

If you have enough space in the yard, build a campfire or light up the fire pit. There’s no better atmosphere (or dad-like activity) than sitting outside with a beer in hand, enjoying the evening as it finally starts to cool down. 

You may even consider roasting some marshmallows and s’mores for dessert after a tasty dinner.

Important: Make sure to research how to safely build and maintain a fire, as well as how to put it out after you’re done. You should never, under any circumstances, leave the fire burning unattended either.

This is the perfect idea if Dad loves to camp, as it simulates all of the benefits without having to leave your house.

8. Play a Sport

Dad may miss the days when you were young and constantly begging him to kick the ball around or shoot some hoops. Why not indulge those memories by dedicating some time to soccer in the backyard or basketball in the driveway? 

If you don’t have the equipment, it’s not too hard to find in advance and shouldn’t be very expensive either. Amazon it to your house and watch him light up as you promise to beat him.

9. Explore the Family Tree

A more unique Father’s Day activity could be exploring the family tree. Get a subscription to a site that can trace your heritage back and surprise your father when you sit down, open your laptop, and show him what you’re doing today. If you’ve never traced your family roots before, it will be a fun surprise for both of you to learn exactly where you come from. 

If you have done this before, you can revisit it to see if there’s anything you’ve missed. You can also break out old photo albums to study the more recent family history in a much more visual way.

10. Take an Online Class

If you thought fun classes were out of the question because you wanted to stay home, think again! Some of the best classes can be taken virtually. Whether your dad likes DIY-ing, cooking, or gardening, you can find something that complements his niche.

11. Attend an Online Concert

If Dad’s a big music fan, you should know that some concerts are streamed live! Take a look through ticket websites and Facebook events to see if anything interesting is happening that you can attend from the comfort of your own home. Find a band Dad likes or introduce him to something new in a genre he’s a fan of.

12. Sing Some Karaoke

Want some silly fun? (Or not so silly, if Dad is the kind of person to take karaoke very seriously?) 

All you need for a fun evening of karaoke is a karaoke machine, a karaoke video game, or even just some lyric videos on YouTube. 

Sing some family duets or blast out some solos and compete with each other, and you’re bound to spend the day howling with laughter (or being very impressed, depending on the kind of family you are!)

13. Do a Wine or Beer Tasting

Whether your father’s a wine or a beer person, organizing a tasting can be a great experience. Pick some of his favorite drinks and some more unusual ones to mix things up. Add some pairing snacks like meats, cheeses, and nuts to make the occasion feel like it was prepared by a professional. You can find pairing recommendations online.

14. Get Artsy

For dads with an artistic streak, an art day is a great way to go. If he likes to paint, grab some canvases, paints, and brushes, and spend a few hours creating. Who knows? If you’re any good, you may have a gift by the time you’re done.   

15. Have a Movie Night

If you really want a classic, relaxing night, consider a movie night. Pick his favorite genre or even his favorite franchise, and set it up on the television with some popcorn at the ready. If you want to make it extra special and take advantage of the June weather, you can set up a projector outside and pair it with one of the other ideas like a cookout or a picnic.

Remember to Think of Dad While Choosing the Perfect Idea

As you choose between ideas for Father’s Day, remember to think of the person you’re celebrating. Decide what he’d like and what you can all enjoy together as a family. Use one of the above activities on Father’s Day or combine them to make your own unique experience. 

Remember, it doesn’t matter what your budget is. It’s the thought that counts, and Dad will appreciate that you’ve gone through the effort to let him know how special he is to you.

It’s also important to remember that it doesn’t just have to be Dad that you celebrate. If you have a father figure you’d like to celebrate or someone else who took on that role, you can create a fantastic day for them too.