15 Free and Easy Ways to Celebrate Dad on His Birthday!

If you are looking for an affordable way to celebrate your dad on his birthday, we have the perfect list of ideas for you.

Scroll on for a few fan favorites…

15. Breakfast In Bed

If your dad is a foodie, this is the perfect option for him! What better way to make your dad feel special than eggs, bacon, and waffles? To make the experience extra special, pick a few flowers from your garden to make a small bouquet and include a handwritten note. Like they say, food is the way to the heart!

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14. Take A Road Trip

No matter where you go, taking a drive — even to the park, down the block or around town, dads love to drive! While you’re en route to your destination (or if you’re just cruisin’) play your dad’s favorite tunes or better yet, create him a custom mixtape with all his favorites. Roll the windows down, put your hair down and bring your doggo for an extra special trip! The more the merrier.

13. Go Fishing

Even if your dad is not a fantastic fisher, there is nothing like being on the serene water on a sunny day. Treat your dad to homemade snacks while you talk about your favorite outdoor memories or, bask in silence alongside each other while taking in the view. Either way, your dad will appreciate the thoughtful gesture and soaking in the gorgeous sites.

12. Have A Picnic

There is nothing quite like a good ole fashion picnic! Go through your cupboards and search your fridge to gather all of your dad’s favorites for an afternoon outside. Don’t forget to bring your portable speaker so you can surprise dad with his favorite tunes while he munches on his favorite foods. Oh, and to make things extra special, bring a disposable camera to capture the moment!

11. Build Something Together

If your father loves to tinker, create and craft, why not build something together? Maybe its going around the house and fixing some loose screws, maybe it’s deciding to build a shelf for his mancave, or maybe it’s deciding to paint the living room accent wall navy blue like he’s always wanted. Regardless of the level of project, spending quality time alongside your dad will encourage you both to learn new skills, make each other laugh and/or, at the every least, spend some bonding time.

10. Trace Your Family’s Roots

A great way to reconnect with your dad as well as celebrate where he came from is to look into your family roots. And this doesn’t have to be through a paid subscription! Sit down and leaf through old photos of him growing up and ask him what he remembers about each and every moment. Odds are, there are a few stories he has yet to tell you and will leave you both grinning from ear to ear.

9. Play Board Games

Ah, the classic board game! If your father is analytical or loves strategy, what a great way to remind him just how clever he is with a game of his favorites! Checkers? Chess? Ticket to Ride? Resistance? Whatever the game, make sure to let your dad win a round or two, but don’t you dare let him know you read that here!

8. Give Back

A fantastic way to honor someone is to give back. Maybe this year for your dad’s big day, find a cause that is close to his heart and volunteer together. Not only will you get in some quality time with your dad, but you will also be able to fill a need for others while reminding each other that at the end of the day, we are all family and are all just walking each other home.

7. Throw Some Goodies On The Grill

Yup, you read that right! Nothing like throwing down some delicious meats, veggies or even tofu on the grill! It doesn’t need to be expensive and it definitely doesn’t need to be fancy. Oh, and maybe ask your dad for a crash course in being a grill master — one day, it may come in handy because everyone loves a dad who can grill up a mean burger!

6. Listen To Some Old Tunes

If your dad is more of a home body, play his favorite album on a turntable. Each picture says a thousand words, but every song describes a million. Ask him where he first was when he heard his favorite tune on the album, maybe the first time he saw them play in concert or if he knows any fun facts about the band. And if he doesn’t, maybe do some research so you can let him know. We are positive he will be blown away by your attention to detail and taking the time to research something he loves.

5.  Go Bird Watching 

Grab your binoculars and hit the road! Whether its at your local park or even your backyard, bird watching is a great way to peacefully connect while soaking in the gorgeous nature all around you both. If you are feeling extra motivated, bring along a pen and paper to note just how many birds you both see and guess if you can identify them. When you return home, you both can cross reference your notes with a bird source and see just how keen your eyes are!

4. Have An At-Home Spa Day

Nothing says relaxation like an at home spa day! And it doesn’t need to be crazy expensive. It can be a warm bath paired with a towel that just came out of the dryer. Maybe its creating your very own mask. Or maybe its deciding to do each others nails. Whatever you decide, grooming and taking care of ourselves is so 2022.

3. Make A Time Capsule

If your dad is the sentimental type, create a time capsule! Fill it with items around the house or create your own trinkets that represent the memories between you both. Be sure to record the moment, set a date where you both will decide to dig it up and oh, don’t forget to remember where exactly you buried the capsule! No time like the present to get your hands a little dirty.

2. Build A Campfire

Sometimes, sitting around the campfire, singing tunes or just talking about the deeper stuff in life is all dad really wants this year. So grab some hot dogs out of the fridge, find some good sticks and pull out the lawn chairs. Sitting around the campfire in silence even and under the stars is simple but sometimes, the best moments in life are just that.

1. Go Camping

Last but not least, whether it is in your backyard or around the corner at a camping site, a great way to reconnect and refresh is camping! Aside from the essentials, be sure to bring your heart and a head full of questions. Spending quality time with your dad and reconnecting over this shared memory is something he will keep in heart for a long time.