Dads are often a source of strength and inspiration to their kids: He showed us not to be afraid of spiders and snakes, but instead taught us how important they really are in nature. He taught us how to look under rocks and leaves for worms, how to catch fish and then release them when they aren't meant to be eaten. So when you're thinking about what to do for father's day, consider showing him all he's taught you.
Father's Day weekend is the time to take dad out and enjoy your favorite past-times together. That can mean going out foraging, fishing, or hiking together, or simply sitting in the backyard and reminiscing about your best memories of these activities.
A dad's day gift goes a long way (and we've got 15+ that he'll love). But quality time is really the best gift of all. Here, 10 things to do for Father's Day 2023.
1. Take Him to the Stream
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If his favorite past time is sinking lines, there's no better way to spend Father's Day weekend. He can pack his tackle box while you're in charge of filling the cooler with his favorite cold ones and crisp sandwiches. Better yet, be sure to bring along the seine net to scoop the stream a few times and remind yourselves how he taught you to catch your own bait when you were a kid.
READ MORE: Our Best Strategies for Fishing High Water Runoff Right Now
2. Take Him Mushroom Hunting
Mushroom hunting is highly accessible and really fun, especially if there are little kids to bring along. If he's never been foraging, even better! Learning to identify and gather mushrooms is an ever-growing fascination for many and the ranks of fungi hunters just keeps increasing. The best part is the meal that you can both make when the trip is done.
3. Line Up a Trip to the Firing Range
This is a great, safe, and fun way to spend a few hours with your dad who can't normally do any target shooting in the month of June. Maybe even look into getting him a membership because who knows, he might just add you as a guest or reciprocate with one of your own.
4. Go Stargazing
Remember when you were a kid and you'd lay in the backyard or in the open field with dad and he'd point out constellations to you? Relive it—and perhaps teach him something new:
Use one of the great stargazing apps available now, like SkyView, and relax with dad under the night sky. Challenge him to a constellation naming game and see who knows more about it, or use the app to pick out some of the stars with the crazy names like Vega, Caph, or Mirach to see who can remember the most.
5. Take Him to the Outdoor Store
If you're looking for a good outdoorsy time indoors, spend some quality time with dad at his favorite outdoor store, like Bass Pro, Cabela's, L.L. Bean, or your local fly fishing shop. Walk the aisles the spark memories and keep note of what he likes for future Christmas presents.
6. Rent a Watercraft for the Day
Add some excitement to your day of fishing by renting a watercraft ahead of time. Most accessible is going to be renting a kayak or canoe from your local outfitter; get ready to have the time of your life paddling with the man who raised you.
If you're feeling real swanky, consider renting a speedboat by the hour with the Airbnb for boats nearby, Boatsetter (use code "WOSPACES23" for 5% off your first rental).
7. Head Out On His Favorite Hike
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Hikes let you spend quality time together catching up and enjoying the best wide open spaces. As for what his favorite hike is, it might be down at the nearby park, the reservoir, or on your own land.
But don't be afraid to ramp it up a notch and drive him somewhere really fascinating: You may be near enough to the Rockies out west, or the Adirondacks in the east, but either way taking the time to plan a real-deal hiking experience for your father means telling everyone where you're going, packing for the long haul, and making safety a priority.
8. Take Him Bass Fishing... In Another Country
If you are fortunate enough to live near the southern or the northern border, then you may be privy to some of the best bass fishing in the world in Canada or Mexico. Largemouth bass fishing in Mexico can yield some bruiser bucket-mouths, and anyone who has fished the Canadian shield lakes will tell you that smallmouths can come out of the water as big as your canoe paddle.
9. Line Up a Movie and Popcorn
Picking the right film is crucial: One great choice to start right off with is "Jeremiah Johnson," even better if dad has never seen it. Another offering that will have dad thinking about it in the dark on the way to his treestand is the hunting film "The Ghost and the Darkness" which is based on the true story of two man-eating lions in the Tsavo region of Kenya. Or make it a comical evening by introducing him to "Escanaba in da Moonlight" which will keep him laughing all night.
10. Cook Up His Favorite Wild Game Dinner
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Having dinner with dad may be the best ending to Father's Day—especially if you're frying up some of his (or your) hard-earned venison or other wild game meat. Eating is a celebration and celebrating a meal with your father on this special day is one thing that he will remember and cherish for a lifetime.
READ MORE: 3 Reasons to Book a Deep-Sea Fishing Charter this Summer
