9 Fun Father's Day Ideas That Can Become New Family Traditions

With summer just around the corner, it's time to start celebrating all the dads, grandpas, and other father figures in your life. This year we're leaning into experiences rather than gifts, so we've rounded up our favorite Father's Day ideas and traditions you can start now and keep up year after year.

Of course, you can stick to the classic card and gift—or, plan an afternoon of hiking, grilling, or exploring. He'll appreciate making memories more than an item that'll just sit on a shelf, and you can get the whole family involved!

Father's Day is June 19, 2022, so you have plenty of time to plan something he'll love. Whether you're making plans for your dad or your partner, these Father's Day ideas are sure to make his day.

Make Breakfast Together

We're sure Dad would love a classic breakfast in bed, but sometimes cooking is half the fun! Let him sleep in, then surprise him with all the ingredients for his favorite breakfast foods. Turn some music on and get cooking!

Explore a New City

Turn his Father's Day celebration into a weekend-long affair by taking a road trip! Travel to a new city together and plan filled with the best local food and activities. This can be a budget-friendly day trip or a full-on mini-vacation—and no matter what you plan, Dad will love the extra quality time together.

Have a Movie Night

Put a twist on the classic family movie night and have Dad pick his favorite childhood movies. (You may have to bust out the old VHS player for this one!) He'll love re-watching them with the family, and it's an easy annual tradition to keep up with.

Have a Virtual Lunch

If you don't live near each other or can't be together in person, there are plenty of ways to celebrate virtually! After celebrating two Father's Days in a pandemic, we've got plenty of ideas for celebrating from a distance. Having a virtual meal together is easy: Order in your favorite meals, and then FaceTime or Zoom while you eat and catch up.

Give a Sentimental Gift

Giving Dad a Father's Day gift is one of the most timeless traditions there is, so while you might not want to skip the gift for an experience, be sure to give him something meaningful. These sentimental gift ideas will help you thank Dad for everything he's done for you.

Make a Craft Together

Get the kids involved by having everyone make a Father's Day craft together. These printable coloring pages are a fun and easy activity for younger kids, and you can have them fill out the same pages year after year so Dad can see how their answers change.

Host a Grill-Out

Make it a generational affair by hosting a grill-out for the whole family! All generations of dads will enjoy these easy Father's Day dinner recipes coupled with quality time spent chatting and playing games outside. And don't forget the Father's Day desserts!

Give a Handwritten Card

A handwritten card will mean more to Dad than just about anything, and we've got plenty of free printable Father's Day cards to help you get started. You don't have to be great with words to write down something meaningful: Jot down what he means to you or list out all the reasons you're thankful for him.

Go to a Baseball Game

It's your turn to buy Dad some peanuts and Cracker Jacks! Take him out to a ballgame to see his favorite team or cheer on the local minor league. It's a fun activity for the whole family, and there are usually plenty of weekend games this time of year.