Father’s Day Done Right: Fun And Loving Ways to Celebrate Dads

Let's turn our thoughts to Father's Day! You want to show your dad just how much you love and appreciate him. But how do you come up with something that you KNOW he will totally enjoy? 

Whether you're planning a big shout-about-it day or looking for a simple but heartfelt gesture, I've got a whole bunch of ideas you are going to love.

From backyard barbecues to personalised gifts, I've gathered fresh ideas that will make this Father's Day truly special.

The best part? These suggestions work for all types of dads and suit various budgets.

And do remember, there is no point stressing out over creating PERFECT. Most dads will appreciate being told how much they are valued and spending quality time with their kiddos.

Ready to make this Father's Day one to remember? Let's dive into these fun and meaningful celebration ideas.

Celebration Ideas That Don't Require a Party

Let's start with a few ideas for more lowkey ideas... that can still send a powerful message of love. We're starting off with a classic kid-move for Father's Day...

1. Breakfast in Bed

Start Father's Day right with his favourite breakfast served to him in bed. Even simple toast and coffee feels special when served with a card on a tray. 

For a special touch, younger kids (and even willing teens) can wear a T-Shirt with a message for their dad on.

I am loving this Superdaddio Dad and Child combo... 

 

But you don't need to splash out, you can make DIY T-Shirts really easily, sometimes the more home-crafted the more heartfelt the message comes across as!

2. Dad's Day Off

Give dad a day completely free from responsibilities. Take over his usual chores, whether that's mowing the lawn, washing the car, or cooking meals.

Create a "day off voucher", to give to him over his morning coffee, that outlines all the tasks he can skip for the day.

3. Memory Lane Drive

Now this is so cute and it will take a little advanced planning, but it can be so worth it...

Plan a drive that visits places significant to your dad's life – his childhood home, first job, favourite fishing spot, or where he met mum. 

Create a simple map with these locations and take photos at each stop to make a memory album for him afterwards. 

4. DIY Car Wash

If your dad loves his car, gather the family to give it a thorough cleaning (as long as it won't give him palpitations about someone else touching his precious vehicle!). 

Make it fun with music, soapy sponges, and finish with a "World's Best Dad" message written on the rear window with washable marker.

5. Bake Him A Something Special

Nothing says "I love my daddy" than a little kid baking a special cake or cupcakes just for their dad. 

I just love this Superdad cake topper...

6. Stargazing Night

This is a lovely one for older kids and teens to do with their dads...

Set up blankets in the backyard or find a local spot away from city lights. Bring hot chocolate in thermoses, download a star-identifying app, and spend the evening pointing out constellations.

Food and Drink Ideas for Father's Day

Now, let's get focused on some ideas to make his tummy happy...

6. Backyard BBQ Extravaganza

Clearly this idea will only work if your dad allows you anywhere near the BBQ!!!

Instead of the usual barbecue, create a "Build Your Perfect Burger" station with unique toppings like caramelised onions, special sauces, or gourmet cheeses. Don't forget your dad's favourite sides and drinks.

7. Craft Beer Tasting

This one will need to be implemented by an adult for obvious reasons... 

For the dad who enjoys beer, arrange a home tasting of local craft beers. Label each with tasting notes and pair them with complementary snacks like pretzels, cheese, or jerky.

8. Brunch Potluck

This is a great idea for dads whose kids have grown and flown... 

Each son or daughter brings dad's favourite morning treats for a family reunion over brunch. 

9. Family Cookbook for Dad

I just love this idea. 

Collect recipes that remind everyone of your/their dad... dishes he cooks well, family favourites he enjoys, or meals that hold special memories. Compile them into a simple binder with photos and notes.

10. International Food Night

Choose a cuisine your dad loves but rarely gets to enjoy. Transform your dining area with themed decorations, music, and authentic dishes.

Italian pasta night, Mexican fiesta, or Japanese sushi evening – the options are endless.

Fun Activities and Games

Got a dad who likes the great outdoors or being super active? One of these ideas is bound to work... 

11. Dad Olympics

Create backyard games that highlight your dad's skills or interests. Think cornhole tournaments, water balloon tosses, or silly relay races.

Award homemade medals or trophies to the winners.

12. Family Fishing Trip

If dad enjoys fishing, plan a morning or afternoon by the water. Pack a picnic lunch, bring comfortable chairs, and enjoy the peaceful time together even if no fish are caught.

13. Movie Marathon 

Select dad's all-time favourite movies and all gather to watch them back to back.  

Snack boards are a great way to keep everyone happily snacking through the movies, here's a roundup of some delish boards. 

14. Family Game Tournament

Organise a tournament featuring board games, card games, or video games dad enjoys.

Keep a scoreboard and award a special "Father's Day Champion" prize at the end.

15. DIY Project Together

Great for older kids and teens... Start and finish a project together that dad has been wanting to tackle – building a birdhouse, fixing something around the house, or planting in the garden. 

16. Daddy And Me Scavenger Hunt

This is a delightful idea for little kids. Put together a simple scavenger hunt, that they can do around your home or yard, hand in hand with their daddy. 

Have a little special prize or gift for daddy and his child/kids to share as the final point in the hunt. 

Thoughtful Gestures That Show Love

17. "Why We Love Dad" Book

Have each family member write or draw reasons they love dad. Younger children can dictate their thoughts for someone else to write down. Compile these into a simple book he can keep.

18. Father's Day Time Capsule

Create a time capsule with small mementos from the current year, everything from photos, notes about favourite memories with dad, predictions for the coming year, and a letter to be read next Father's Day.

19. "Dad's Favourite Things" Day

Structure the day around all of your dad's favourite things – his preferred breakfast, activities he enjoys, music he loves, and ending with his favourite dessert. This is such a fun way to show how much you value and love your dad!

Father's Day Party Ideas

And let's now take a look at some ways to create a full on party to celebrate the man of the moment. 

If you're looking to go all out with a proper Father's Day party, here are some themed celebration ideas that will make your dad feel like the guest of honour.

Theme Ideas

Sports Bar at Home

Transform your living room or garden into dad's favourite sports bar. Set up a large screen for the game, create a simple drinks menu with his preferred beverages, and serve classic pub grub like wings, nachos and sliders.

Backyard Cookout Party

Upgrade the standard barbecue with stations around the garden. Include a grilling area (where dad can show off his skills if he wants), a drinks station with ice buckets, and lawn games set up ready to play.

Hobby-Themed Celebration

Centre the party around dad's passion – whether that's fishing, golf, classic cars, or music. Decorations, food, and activities can all reflect this theme. For a music-loving dad, create playlists of his favourite songs and perhaps set up a karaoke station.

Decoration Tips

Keep decorations simple but impactful. Consider:

• A photo clothesline showing pictures of dad through the years
• Banner with "We ♥ Dad" or similar sentiment made by the kids
• Table centrepieces featuring small items related to his interests
• Put together a colour scheme based on his favourite sports team
• Do a "Dad's Hall of Fame" with photos and small notes about why he's amazing

Food and Drink

The way to many dads' hearts is through food! Consider:

• Build-your-own food stations (tacos, burgers, hot dogs)
• Your dad's favourite childhood treats
• A dessert table featuring his preferred sweets
• Signature cocktail or mocktail named after your dad

Fun & Games

Keep guests entertained with:

• "How Well Do You Know Dad?" quiz game (put one together as a PowerPoint presentation TikTok style)
• Hold a dad jokes contest with small prizes for the funniest
• Hold a dad dancing contest, where everyone has to do their best dad dance!!
• Put together a custom playlist of your dad's favourite music eras
  

And that's a wrap... 

As with any family, when it comes down to it, it's all about connection over perfection. 

Whatever you choose to do to celebrate your dad or the father of your kids, I hope you all have a wonderful time!