Father’s Day is in just a few weeks, which means it may be time to start shopping around for something special for dad. However, if you have a dad who has everything, or is simply the hardest person to shop for, then you may want to consider planning a special Father’s Day trip instead. If you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry! There’s actually many outings you can take that won’t cost you a small fortune. All you need is a little creative thinking and some easy planning and you’ll be on your way. So, get ready to make dad’s day when you whisk him away to one of these dad inspired outings!
1. Fishing
Nothing says dad to most like a nice fishing trip with him, just like you did as a kid. So, why not walk down memory lane and take dad out on the water for a personal Father’s Day gift that may even bring a tear to his eye. Fishing is generally pretty cheap, especially if you already have the gear to do so. If you don’t have the items you need then see if you can borrow them, rather than going out to buy or rent them. Another thing to consider with fishing is whether or not you need a permit. Of course, this shouldn’t be a major deal in many areas, especially if you’re just going to a local fishing hole. Make sure you pack your dad’s favorite snacks and beverages too, so you can spend all day out on the water catching dinner and shooting the breeze. With any luck, this trip will cost you next to nothing, but will become a gift your dad will cherish for a lifetime.
2. Camping
Tis the season for camping and if your old man is the outdoorsy type then this may be the perfect gift for him. The good news about camping is a lot of places will have free campsites for you to enjoy. Even if you can’t find a freebie, then you may at least be able to get a discount for Father’s Day, especially if you or dad is a veteran. Camping can cost you very little if you already have all of the gear you need, but if you don’t then you may end up spending some money. Borrowing is always a great solution, but if you can’t find anyone to lend you items then renting or looking around at thrift stores may make the trip cheaper. Of course, if you’re skilled in the art of building your own tent then you shouldn’t have a problem. Another thing to consider is bringing food that can hold up to the trip and will also make dad happy. You might also want to plan out a few activities to kill some time, in case there are any boring periods during the trip.
3. Golf
Another way to show dad you care is to take him for a few rounds of golf. This excursion will allow you time to catch up with your dad, while getting you both outside in the fresh air. Of course, if there’s grandkids in the picture, you may want to swap from golf to mini-golf in order to include everyone in the celebration of the wonderful man that raised you. Generally, you shouldn’t have to pay too much for a session of golf, especially if you’re a member of a country club. If not, then don’t stress, there’s lots of discounts available at most golf courses. However, you may want to call and make a reservation ahead of time, just in case everyone else’s dads love golfing too. Renting equipment can be a decent price too, but you may also want to see if you can find some coupons to help takeaway the sting of the bill. If you have golf clubs already, then make sure to polish them up and enjoy not having to pay rental fees. You may even save much on this excursion that you’ll have enough to treat dad to his favorite lunch or drink at the country club’s restaurant.
4. Beer Tasting
If your dad is notorious for popping open a beer after a hard day at work, then a beer tasting tour might be right up his alley. The only problem with this concept is you have to do some research to find the right place. Luckily, the popularity of these places is sky rocketing, so you shouldn’t have to travel too far to make it to the right place. Beer tasting can be a lot of fun, but make sure you take the time to savor and enjoy the beer, or else you may just end up feeling sick before the tour is over. Many breweries are notorious for pulling out beers they are currently working on for the public to try at the tasting, which may make dad feel pretty special. Not to mention, you may introduce him to a new beer that will be right up his alley. If you have money left over from the tasting session or tour, then you can probably grab some pretty awesome merchandise too. As far as price for a beer tasting goes, larger companies, like Budweiser, tend to not charge for their tours, which also include samples. However, you may have to be careful which days you plan to go. Actual companies that do beer tastings or smaller breweries may charge more but you should be able to find a discount using a social media couponing page.
5. Car Show
Dads who spend a lot of time washing and waxing their cars will probably love a trip to a car show. You’re in luck, because there’s usually a ton of car shows in the late spring and early summer months, so you should be able to work one out for dad to see. The best thing is, car shows tend to be free and are a great bonding experience for the whole family. Your dad will be able to enjoy some of the classic cars he longed to have as a teenager as well as some that he’d like to have now. Apart from getting a close up look at the cars, you should also be able to enjoy a parade and other spectacles. If there’s not a car show in sight then you may get lucky enough to check out a car museum, which may offer the same appeal at a low price.
6. Ball Game
With the sentiments of summer already in the air, you may want to try to get some tickets to a ball game to make your dad happy. Baseball will already be in season, so grab some great seats to express just how much you love your dad. Of course, you don’t have to go for the major leagues if you don’t live near an official stadium or you’re trying to save money. Your dad will probably be just as happy with minor leagues or local tickets as long as you’re there to spend the time with him. Baseball isn’t the only option though. You may be able to enjoy some football skirmishes, tennis, golf and soccer. So, choose something that is sure to bring a smile to dad’s face and let him blow off some steam while cheering on his favorite teams. Oh, and don’t forget to splurge a little on dad’s favorite game time snacks.
7. Concert
If you have a dad who loves to pop on some music or dance the afternoon away, then a concert may be the best way to win his heart on Father’s Day. It doesn’t matter what kind of music your dad is interested in as you should be able to find a concert that will make him happy. Of all of the trips, this may be one of the hardest to plan out. Sometimes you will have to look everywhere from bars to community centers to find just what you’re looking for. Of course, it will be well worth it when you see dad’s smiling face at the end of the trip. If you know of local groups in your area, you may want to call in a favor to see if you can get their help to show your dad just how much he means to you with a concert in his honor.
8. Go Historical
A lot of dads are history buffs, which will make planning an outing pretty easy. Of course, the obvious choice here is to take dad to a historical museum and let him gaze at the history with his own two eyes. There’s lots of great museums out there, which will cater to your needs. If you don’t live near a city, then look to see if there’s local museums you can check out. You may be surprised as to how many small towns offer museums about their local area or other simple things. You could even set up a museum tour to make the trip even more fun. Museums aren’t the only way to appreciate history though. You could always register dad in a reenactment, or at least let him see one in person. These shows can be quite exciting for the whole family and will bring history to life.
9. Movies
Summer and late spring are the perfect time to check out some action films, which tend to be a favorite among many dads. This Father’s Day, you should have a whole lot of options when it comes to super hero movies, thrillers, and other action movies. This may be a great way to make dads that tend to be film buffs happy on their special occasion. The movies tend not to cost a whole lot of money either, so you’ll be able to treat dad without worrying about breaking the bank. If you don’t have any luck finding a movie that dad will enjoy, then you may want to get one of his favorite movies and present it on a larger screen with a projector. This can be accomplished at home, or you can set up a special party to make dad feel great. Don’t forget the movie theater snacks though!
10. Grab a Bite to Eat
They always say, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so don’t think twice about taking dad out to get a meal with you. This gift can be customized to meet dad’s favorite foods too. For instance, if dad is a breakfast fanatic then you can easily take him to a diner for something special on his big day. You may even be able to get a discount as many diners love to celebrate big occasions. Another great option is to offer dad a steak dinner, which may be a bit pricier, but will be worth it to show your appreciation. Of course, the real gift to dad here will be hanging out with you while eating. So, make sure you keep the conversation going and let dad know just how appreciative you are.
Father’s Day can be tough if you have a dad that isn’t easy to shop for. That’s why a trip may be right up your dad’s alley. These ten ideas should allow you to have lots of fun with your dad, without forcing you to spend too much money on the outing. Your dad will be pleased with your exceptional gift, as will your bank account.
