10 Fun Outdoor Activities to Do with Your Dad for Father's Day

Published on 07/15/2022 · 7 min readWith Father's Day coming up, it's time to start planning that special day for dad! Check out these 10 ideas to have an unforgettable Father's Day spent outdoors!
Alex Dolan, Camping Expert
By Camping Expert Alex Dolan

Photo by Kelli McClintock

June 19, 2022 is the day that we'll all be reminded to thank our fathers for the amazing people that they are. We'll be reminded to thank them for their love and support, and for putting up with us children who weren’t that easy to deal with.

While this list may provide you with some inspiration for gift ideas, it was written with the mindset that all dads really want on Father's Day is to spend quality time with their loved ones. Many of these activities are totally free. As long as you have an open heart and a willingness to enjoy your day, you'll be sure to have a successful Father's Day. Without further ado, here are 10 fun things to do with your dad on Father's Day!

1. Biking

Having dad around to help you fix things is great! Photo by Heather Kaemmer

This is the activity that my dad and I are most aligned on. I started mountain biking with my dad when I was around 8 years old. Honestly, I didn’t always like it back then; but I learned a lot, and today it is one of the best ways for me to get out in the woods, clear my head, and get in some cardiovascular exercise! It gets the blood pumping and the endorphins flowing.

If the trails are dry, you can be sure my dad and I will be going out for a bike ride in mid-June. If you’re not an experienced mountain biker, that’s okay. You can find a local greenway to cruise on with little to no experience. If you would like to try mountain biking but you don’t have a bike of your own, most shops have some demos available to rent for the day. Also, our Cycling Experts here at Curated would be happy to help find the best bike for you and your dad.

2. Hiking

Photo by Katie Moum

Some people have varying definitions on what a ‘hike’ is. Some might call it simply walking through the woods. To others, this would merely qualify as ‘a walk.’ Most people probably consider a ‘hike’ to be a walk through the woods that includes technical terrain, a trail, and usually a destination or viewpoint.

I find a nice relaxing hike between 1-6 miles is a great way to catch up and enjoy each other’s company. Being on the trail is a great way to disconnect from the always-on-the-go lifestyle, listen to the birds, smell the flowers, and feel the wind in your hair.

3. Skiing in the Southern Hemisphere

Okay, for this one, you may have to do some serious planning; but how awesome does it sound to go shred some pow in New Zealand or Patagonia in the middle of the summer with dear old dad!? Connect with me on Curated, and I’ll help set you up with everything you need to hit the slopes!

4. Backyard Games

I remember days when school and sports practice had taken up nearly all of the daylight hours, but there were always a few gleaming moments of daylight left to toss the football, frisbee, or baseball in the front yard. The rhythmic back and forth is a great way to clear your mind, and there are always some great conversations to be had standing in the front lawn. Of course, there is always a good laugh to be had when one of you yells, "Go long!"

5. Whitewater Rafting

Dad pulling my kayak up onto the raft during one of the flat sections along the Skagit River. Photo courtesy of Alex Dolan

The timing is perfect on Father’s Day in almost every region of America to go whitewater rafting. Having been a guide for a decade, some of the best days on the water have been in mid-June when summer is typically in full swing. If you are somewhere on the West Coast or in the Rockies, the spring snowmelt runoff will surely be flowing somewhere close by. Or, if you are in the eastern regions of the continent, seasonal rain will likely be keeping the rivers around you juicing. Get out there and enjoy them!

For most whitewater rafting trips, you’ll need no prior experience. Just bring your dad, a smile, and a willingness to have fun and you’ll be sure to have an amazing experience on the river.

6. Go to the Movies

You probably won’t need a Curated expert to help with this one (although I would be stoked to chat about favorite movies). There is a good chance that you and your dad have similar tastes in movies. Kick back with some popcorn and just enjoy sitting and soaking in some cinema. There are sure to be some great blockbusters coming out in mid-June, whether it’s the latest super-hero hit or a gripping murder mystery. A tasty beverage to digest and analyze the film always goes over great with my dad!

Grandpa is allowed to sit at the kids table too! Photo by Heather Kaemmer

If you aren't interested in leaving the house, have a movie marathon at home and binge-watch all of your favorites from the comfort of your living room.

7. Camping

If you need any help at all with this one, we’ve got you covered. From overnighting at the campground by your local lake or embarking on an epic, multi-day backpacking trip, you can certainly make some lasting memories while you spend the night in a tent. My favorite aspects of camping include taking in views to enjoying delicious meals in the great outdoors. All ages can join for a night in the woods, so it is a great one for kids and grandparents alike to join in on.

8. Paddle Boarding / Flat-Water Paddling

Photo by Heather Kaemmer 

This one is a great addition to a car-camping trip or a great day excursion. Paddling in a bay or on a lake can often create some of the most serene and peaceful moments anyone could hope for. It’s another good way to get the blood flowing, but flat water is less stressful and strenuous than paddling through river rapids or ocean waves. This means no matter how old your dad is or how young your child is, you’ll be able to get on something that floats and paddle it across the water. Having three or more generations out on the water is an all-time accomplishment on Father's day.

9. Beer Tasting

If you and your dad like beer, try a few different kinds. Head to your local brewery, order a flight, and enjoy the nuances of the bubbly beverages that present themselves. Even if you don't know much about beer and your favorite beer is the one that's cold, you can still share an experience and have a little something to chat about as your taste buds sort out the rest.

10. Snorkeling or Scuba Diving in the Tropics

Photo by Phaisal Photos

Take your dad on an unforgettable adventure and experience the inner space in the mind-altering, three-dimensional environments that live beneath the ocean's surface. If you've never been snorkeling before, this is a great place to start. Snorkeling can be done in as little as 3 feet of water and it can be as simple as looking down at the sand and letting your thoughts float away as you focus on your breaths. Head out on a snorkeling day trip to see the colorful reefs and fish of tropical islands.

If you are ready to go deeper for longer, you can often try a “Discover Scuba” course. It will give you the opportunity to try out scuba diving before committing to a full course and certification. The disadvantage is that you will be under strict supervision and limited to very shallow depth.

If you and your dad are ready to take the plunge on an open-water scuba course, you'll learn everything you need to know to be a fully autonomous diver and explore the ocean the way you want. If you are already open-water-scuba certified, take it to the next level with a live-aboard dive trip and spend a week fully immersing yourself with up to five dives a day and all the ocean views you can possibly take in.

The Takeaway

I hope this article gave you some ideas to have a great time with a father in your life and brought up some fond memories. I would love to hear what you think. Are these activities you like to do with your dad? Are there some that I should add to the list? Connect with me and let’s chat about it! If you’re looking for some great gifts for dad, check out this gift guide, go with a Curated gift card, or chat with a Curated Expert for more ideas!

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