15 FREE things to do together with your Dad on Father's Day
Father’s Day is coming up this year on Sunday 3 September 2023 in New Zealand.
What do you get the Dad who has it all? Or if you are on a tight budget and can’t afford to buy a Father’s Day gift, what do you do? Time spent together is a great way to celebrate Dads. Try one of these suggestions of fun FREE things you and the kids can do to celebrate Father’s Day together this year!
1. Give Dad breakfast in bed
Start Father’s Day off by giving Dad a home made breakfast and coffee in bed at home.
2. Play computer games
If your Dad loves playing Nintendo Switch or computer games, then join in a family game session of his favourite games, whether that is Pacman, Fortnite, Zelda or Mario. Just remember to let him win, it’s Father’s Day after all.
3. Enjoy the day doing what Dad wants to do
Choose your Dad’s favourite hobby that he never get’s to do because he is usually too busy taking the kids out and about where they want to go, then set aside the whole day to do it with him. Dad’s will enjoy spending time together on Father’s Day as a family, especially as he gets to do his favourite hobby. Whether that’s gardening, making craft beer, playing chess, painting, camping, fishing or making something in the garage.
4. Watch Dad's favourite family movies
Have a family movie night on Father’s Day at home. Make some popcorn and choose Dad’s favourite family movies to watch together.
5. Put on a show
The kids can put on a show at home just for Dad. Whether they want to sing, dance, do circus tricks or make a puppet show they will find something to entertain Dad and have fun creating it themselves.
6. Go for a local bike ride
If the weather is nice go on a family bike ride. Let Dad choose the route of where he want’s to go, or you could surprise him by making a local bike trail to follow in the neighbourhood.
7. Get out your Dad's favourite author's latest book from the library
If your Dad is a bookworm but doesn’t usually have time to read, then get out a new book from the library in advance and let him enjoy reading it on Father’s Day. If you don’t make it to the library with the kids you can always borrow an electronic book using OverDrive or Libby from Auckland Libraries for your Dad and have it ready to give him on Father’s Day.
8. Do Dad's weekend jobs so he can relax
If the kids are old enough get them to do Dad’s usual weekend chores around the house so he can relax, or do something else. Whether that’s mowing the lawns, hanging out the washing, weeding, cooking or painting the fence.
9. Have a picnic at home
Find a place in your garden, or if it’s a wet day don’t worry, you can still enjoy a picnic for Dad in your lounge with picnic blankets and picnic food set up inside!
10. Look back through your old digital photos
Most of us don’t print out all of our photo’s anymore. It’s fun to look at our older digital albums together and reminisce over the old photos of holidays and funny occasions that you enjoyed together as a family.
11. Have a family Karaoke party
Search up Dad’s favourite songs on Youtube to sing along to at home. Just make sure you put “karaoke” after the songs name when you search and you are bound to find something.
12. Visit his favourite museum or art gallery
If your Dad is a museum buff you can visit some of the world’s best museums and art galleries online together from the comfort of your own home.
13. Play a game
Play one of Dad’s favourite board, card or table games together. Just make sure the kids let him win the occasional game.
14. Go for a local walk together
Take Dad on a family walk with your family. You can visit your local beach or go to his favourite outdoor place.
15. Make Dad his favourite dinner
Get the kids to help you choose and make their Dad’s favourite dinner. Or make it an ever bigger celebration and invite the Grandfathers to come over for a combined family meal to celebrate all of the Dad’s in the family.
Carolyn Freeman says
Fantastic ideas. Thanks so much!! Have sent them to my kids!
Auckland for Kids says
Thanks Carolyn.