Fresh Air & Fatherhood

Outdoor-Inspired Ideas

to Make Dad Feel Special

Well, Father's Day is almost here. A day to celebrate the special dads in your life, whether it is your own father, a father-figure, or the father to your kiddos. This year, why not give Dad what he really wants: time with his favorite people and a breath of fresh air? Whether he's a seasoned hiker, a backyard adventurer, or just someone who enjoys sitting by the firepit, there are so many fun and heartfelt ways to celebrate him outdoors. I'll share some ideas here!

• Nature-Inspired Activities

• Ways to Make it Personal

• Gift Ideas

• Starting New Traditions

I hope you find this post useful, and that you find some ideas to help you make the day a little extra special for the dads in your life!

Note: I do recommend products in this post. As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn from qualifying purchases (at no additional cost to you).

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Take it Outside: Celebrate with Nature-Inspired Activities

Go on a Father's Day hike.

Have a backyard campout or bonfire night.

Go fishing, canoeing, or kayaking.

Get some fresh air by playing outdoors.

Find a local trail or scenic spot and enjoy a family hike together. It doesn't have to be a long hike (especially if you have little ones). The length isn't really what matters. What matters is spending time in nature with your family. Whether it’s a challenging summit or a peaceful walk in the woods, being outdoors offers the perfect backdrop for connection and conversation.

Have kids and worried about how they'll do on a hike? Here are a few tips:

• Pack snacks. Lots of snacks. A hangry toddler is not the ideal hiking companion. You can find a list of simple and nutritious hiking snacks here.

You don’t have to go far to make memories. Your own backyard can be just fine! Set up a tent in the yard, roll out the sleeping bags, and roast some marshmallows. Even if you don't camp out, you can enjoy a good bonfire. Make it a screen-free evening of stories, stargazing, and s'mores.

If Dad enjoys water, plan a morning fishing trip or rent canoes or kayaks for a paddle. These quiet, unplugged activities are ideal for recharging and sharing quality time. Here are a few tips for a smooth adventure!

• Choose the right spot: Look for a nearby lake, river, or public boat landing with family-friendly access and calm waters.

• Pack smart: Bring sunscreen, bug spray, extra clothes, life vests for everyone (yes, even Dad!), snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit.

• Go early or late: Sunrise or sunset paddles are cooler, less crowded, and extra scenic—plus, they might help avoid mid-afternoon nap time (yes, Dad's afternoon nap too!)

• Bring the fun: Toss in a waterproof speaker (great gift idea!) for some of Dad’s favorite tunes.

• Be flexible: If fishing lines get tangled or someone ends up soaked, roll with it. Those make the best stories later!

Set up a tournament-style afternoon with family-friendly yard games like cornhole, ladder toss, horseshoes, or bocce ball. You can even let Dad create a goofy team name or serve as referee.

• Disc Golf: Head to a local course or set up your own with some baskets and frisbees. It’s easy to learn and great for laughs.

• Mini Golf or Putting Challenge: Set up a backyard putting course or visit a mini-golf spot nearby.

• Bike Ride Adventure: Choose a scenic trail or park loop. Plan for a park visit or a snack break along the way.

• Pickleball or Tennis: Grab paddles or rackets and hit a nearby court for some friendly matches.

• Kickball or Wiffle Ball: Organize a casual family game in the backyard or at a nearby park.

• Identify some local plants or wildlife together! Field guides are a fantastic tool for this! You'll get time in nature, and you'll learn something too!

• Have some fun conversation starters ready to go. Try a few "Would You Rather" questions to spark some silly conversation. Here are a few ideas: Would you rather be as strong as a bear or as quick as a fox? Would you rather hike in the rain or hike in the hot sun? Would you rather sing while you hike or take pictures while you hike? Would you rather see a singing moose or a joke-telling raccoon?

• Let your child take pictures while they hike (depending on their age and responsibility level). It can keep them engaged in the hike, and it can be fun to see what captures their interest while hiking!

Want to make it extra special? Pack a small surprise gift from my Hiking Gift Guide—like a new water bottle, compass, or hiking journal!

• Turn it into a game. Kids love scavenger hunts, and honestly, there is so much to find along the trail! Jot down your own list of items to find, or you can use my printable Scavenger Hunt Bundle from Etsy.

• Stories: Reminisce over some fun (or funny) family memories. Or, get creative and play Pass the Story. One person starts a story, and you go around the campfire circle, adding on as you "pass the story" to the next person. The stories can get pretty hilarious!

• Stargazing: There is nothing like gazing up at the stars on a clear night. Whether you use a telescope (like the one found here), or just use your eyes, there is something special about gazing up at the night sky, noticing constellations and satellites. This backyard guide from National Geographic can help you spot specific constellations.

• S'mores: What is a campfire without a s'more?!? Have some fun with dad and satisfy his sweet tooth. You can do the traditional s'more or even opt for some fun and adventurous s'mores variations!

Make it Personal: Tie in Memories or His Favorite
Things

Make his favorite meals.

Use snacks to send a sweet message.

Give him a personalized, printable gift.

Skip the crowded stores and give a gift that's straight from the heart. My Printable Father's Day Bundle includes everything you need to add thoughtful (and fun!) moments to Dad's day:

• Printable coupon book (with things like outdoor chore passes, free bear hug vouchers, and "you pick the movie" cards)

• Printable card for heartfelt messages

• Coloring page kids will love to personalize

• Questionnaire about Dad (perfect for laughs and keepsakes)

• Sweet poem from a child to their father

Whether it’s grilled steaks at dinner or pancakes for breakfast, show love through his taste buds. A few fun ideas to make mealtime extra special:

• Fire up the grill for Dad’s favorites—but let him relax while the family does the cooking.

• Set up a backyard firepit and cook foil packet meals, hot dogs on sticks, or even pudgie pies. Don't forget the s'mores!

• Start the day with a breakfast spread outside—think coffee in a thermos, breakfast burritos, pancakes, or donuts, and a special note tucked in with the napkins.

• Let the kids create menus, dress as servers, and present Dad’s favorite meal like a 5-star outdoor restaurant.

Dad’s favorite snacks are the perfect way to sneak in a little humor and love. Turn an ordinary treat into a sweet message with a punny twist! These can be tucked into a backpack for a hike, hidden around the house like a scavenger hunt, or handed out during a backyard campout. Here are a few ideas:

• Can of mixed nuts: "We're nuts about you!"

• Goldfish: "You're o-fish-ally the best, Dad!"

• Reeses Pieces: "We love you to pieces!"

• Lifesavers: "You're a lifesaver, Dad!"

• Popcorn: "Pop, you're the best!"

Outdoor Gift Ideas for Nature-Loving Dads

Need a little more inspiration? I rounded up some of the best outdoor-themed gift ideas for outdoor-loving dads. Check out the full list here, but here are a few highlights:

• Insulated water bottles for hot hikes

• Lightweight hammocks for afternoon naps

• Adventure journals for recording favorite memories

• Dehydrators for making trail snacks

• Headlamps, trail tools, and more

These gifts pair perfectly with a day outdoors and show Dad that you appreciate both his wild side and his wisdom.

Create Some New Traditions!

This Father’s Day could be the beginning of something special. Whether it’s a yearly hike, a backyard cookout, or a new photo of the kids in the same spot each year, simple traditions become lifelong memories. Don’t underestimate the power of doing something small but consistent to say, "We see you, Dad."

• Annual Hike: Consider making it a goal to tackle a list of "must-see" trails in your area. Each Father's Day, you can look forward to crossing another trail off the list after hiking it with Dad.

• Father's Day Campfire or Cookout: Spend time each Father's Day sitting around the campfire, talking and sharing memories. The laughs will be unforgettable!

• Snap an Annual Photo: Over the years, you will build up a treasure trove of precious memories as you look back to see how everyone changes over the years.

To wrap up...

At the end of the day, Father’s Day doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive. Time spent together, especially in God’s creation, speaks volumes. Celebrate the father figures in your life with sunshine, shared laughter, and a few thoughtful gestures. Memories will be made!

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