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16 Best Things to Do on Father’s Day in Your Backyard
Although restaurants and other businesses are beginning to reopen, there are still a lot of limitations when it comes to public gatherings. This leaves us in limbo when it comes to planning Father’s Day activities. How can we organize a special day for Dad that doesn’t rely on the tenuous availability of entertainment venues?
You don’t need to take your dad out to dinner to show him a great time. You can plan a fantastic day of family fun right in your backyard! If you’re wondering whether an outdoor barbecue is too much of a Father’s Day cliché, don’t worry. We have some creative party themes to help you turn your gathering into the best shindig of the summer!
How can a unique theme transform your backyard? It’s all in the details. In this post, we’re not just going to get you started with fantastic party ideas. We’re also going to suggest amazing tools, decorations, and recipes to help you pull them off! Keep reading to find the best things to do on Father’s Day in your backyard.
Host the Perfect Picnic
Nothing says summertime like a picnic lunch in the park under a shady tree. Depending on where you live, you may not be ready to venture out to your local park for Father’s Day. That doesn’t mean you have to give up on the idea. Good Housekeeping suggests filling a basket with goodies for your family to enjoy in your backyard. Here’s what you’ll need to create the ultimate picnic experience.
A blanket. Eating outside is all fun and games until someone gets a grass stain on their jeans. Prevent laundry disasters by providing a picnic blanket for everyone to sit on. These outdoor blankets from Bed Bath and Beyond are reversible and come with a convenient carrying strap.
A basket. A picnic basket is essential in creating the right atmosphere for your outdoor lunch. This woven basket from Wayfair has the rustic charm you’re looking for.
The perfect picnic menu. Accessories are necessary, but the main event is still the meal. Check out this article for some fantastic picnic-friendly recipes your dad will love.
Take a Mini Camping Trip
If your dad loves the great outdoors, here’s a tip from Country Living. Convert your backyard into a campground for an immersive stay-cation experience! Cook a delicious meal over an open fire, exchange spooky stories, and don’t forget your acoustic guitar. Want to make it feel like you’re roughing it in the woods? We have some suggestions.
A tent. You may not be sleeping outdoors, but you’re going to want a camping tent to set the scene. Here’s a simple, 1-person tent from REI that will help you create the perfect campground look.
A fire pit. It wouldn’t be camping without a roaring fire. However, if you don’t want to end the day with a visit from the fire department, you’ll want to keep the flames safely contained. This fire pit from Home Depot is easy to transport.
A breakfast fit for a wilderness adventure. Serve up an unforgettable Father’s Day breakfast or brunch with these fire-cooked recipes.
Go Fishing
Here’s a simple party idea guaranteed to show your dad a reel good time. Take him fishing for Father’s Day by setting up a kiddie pool fish pond in your backyard. Mommy University has some excellent tips. Here’s what you’ll need to set up this unique party game.
A kiddie pool. You won’t need to head to the lake for this activity. Create a small body of water in your backyard with this inflatable pool from The Home Depot.
A magnetic fishing set. Skip the worms: all you’ll need to catch these colorful fish is excellent coordination.
Fish food. Even though plastic fish don’t require bait, your family might! Make these adorable crab-shaped croissant sandwiches, and you won’t have to fish for compliments!
Construct a Golf Course
Here’s another classic Father’s Day activity you can set up at home. Dads who love golf will appreciate having a private course made just for them. Check out this tutorial on how to build a golf hole in your backyard. Besides the supplies listed in these instructions, you may want a few other accessories to make your dad feel at home in this homemade golf course.
A flag. Once you’ve set up your golf hole, you’ll need to make sure it’s visible. This red flag not only marks the spot but also adds a nice touch to your course.
A golf ball bucket. Here’s an easy way to keep plenty of golf balls handy while you play. This golf bucket is perfect for your backyard game.
Set Up an Adult Lemonade Stand
It wouldn’t be summer without lemonade; that’s why this HGTV article suggests a lemonade stand as a great backyard party theme. For Father’s Day, we recommend going a step further and serving up some sweet lemonade cocktails. Here’s what you need to get your grown-ups-only lemonade stand up and running.
A lemonade sign. Turn a picnic table or patio countertop into a classy lemonade bar with this rustic sign from Wayfair.
A pitcher. There’s no better way to serve ice-cold lemonade than in a glass pitcher. Check out this elegant glassware from Williams Sonoma.
A refreshing recipe. While lemonade is delicious on its own, this spiked version with Kentucky bourbon and ginger ale is hard to pass.
Create a Pizza Toppings Bar
Everyone loves pizza, which makes it the perfect party-pleaser for a Father’s Day get-together. Have your family members build their mini pizzas by setting up a toppings bar in your backyard. Did you know you can cook pizza outdoors, even without a wood-fired oven? This article lists a few different methods you can try. Here’s what you’ll need to pull together an excellent make-your-own pizza party.
A pizza stone. Depending on how you plan to bake your pizzas, a pizza stone can make a big difference. This one from Williams Sonoma is perfect for cooking several mini pizzas at once.
The perfect ingredients. The whole point of having your family members build individual pizzas is to ensure everyone gets to enjoy their favorite toppings. Here’s a handy guide to making delicious dough and providing a variety of cheeses, veggies, and meats.
Serve Up Some Sundaes
If your dad has a severe sweet tooth, swap out pizza for ice cream and set up a sundae bar instead! Check out these excellent tips from The Kitchn on choosing sundae toppings everyone is sure to love. To create an unforgettable sundae experience, there are a few things you may want to have on hand.
An ice cream scooper: You don’t want to be seen struggling with the ice cream at your sundae bar. For effortless serving and perfect scoops, you’ll want an ice cream scooper.
Waffle bowls: Everyone knows that the ice cream at a sundae bar is just a vehicle for as many toppings as possible. Here’s a decadent addition to your setup: white chocolate-dipped waffle-bowls. Find the recipe here.
Get Creative with a Campfire Favorite
When it comes to outdoor desserts, the most popular option has to be s’mores! Make the most out of spending Father’s Day in the backyard with these sweet, gooey treats. If you can’t build a fire, that’s ok. You can toast your marshmallows on the grill, or prep them in the kitchen before bringing them outside. You may also want to spice things up with these extras.
Marshmallow skewers. Just because you’re making dessert outside doesn’t mean you have to rough it. These charming marshmallow skewers come with different colored handles to help you keep track of whose is whose.
Unique Recipes. Plain s’mores are great for a casual snack, but if you want to make them the main event, they’ll need to be dressed up. Check out these fabulous recipes.
Arrange a Patio Dining Experience
Ordering takeout from your dad’s favorite restaurant on Father’s Day is a sweet gesture. Transforming your backyard into an exclusive outdoor cafe is even better! Here are the accessories you need to create an unforgettable outdoor dining experience.
An elegant tablecloth. What’s the difference between an ordinary picnic table and the most beautiful table your “restaurant” has to offer? A chic tablecloth makes a great start. This one comes in a variety of delightful patterns, plus it’s perfect for tables with built-in umbrellas.
Hurricane candle holders. Nothing says fine dining like candlelight. These recycled glass hurricane candle holders are both beautiful and practical for outdoor use.
Have a Dad-Friendly Tea Party
Serving afternoon tea in the garden is a great Mother’s Day activity, but can it be adapted for Father’s Day? According to this article from The Art of Manliness, tea has a pretty masculine history. There’s no reason you can’t give this party idea a manly makeover. Here are some helpful ideas for hosting a no-frills tea party.
Manly Tea Cups. Delicate china cups? Pour some piping hot tea into these earthenware mugs instead.
Hearty Tea Sandwiches. Who says tea sandwiches have to be dainty? Follow the recipes in this blog post for finger food Dad will love.
A Splash of Brandy. Even if tea isn’t usually your dad’s thing, he won’t be able to resist these black tea hot toddies.
Reinvent Coffee and Donuts
Coffee and donuts may seem like a last-minute option for Father’s Day breakfast, but it doesn’t have to be! With a little creativity, you can turn these simple breakfast pastries into a backyard party theme your dad will rave about for years to come. These fun ideas are sure to make Father’s Day morning extra special.
A DIY donut display. Serving donuts right out of the box is an amateur move. Instead, follow this tutorial to build a whimsical donut wall.
Luxurious iced coffee. Hot coffee on a summer day? No thanks! This sweet cream iced coffee recipe is so delicious, no one will believe you made it at home!
A cold beverage dispenser. Fancy coffee shouldn’t be poured from an ordinary pitcher. Here’s a double beverage dispenser that will help you accommodate any decaf drinkers.
Give Board Games an Outdoor Upgrade
Board games aren’t just for rainy days and winter evenings. With a little ingenuity, you can turn game night into an epic backyard adventure perfect for Father’s Day. Here are the DIY projects you need to create deluxe versions of some of your favorite games.
Jumbo Jenga. What’s better than a family game of Jenga? Playing this mega-sized variant.
Giant Checkers. You may not think of checkers as the most exciting board game, but have you tried it with an extra-large set?
Show Vintage Cars– Mini Ones, That Is!
Hitting up a vintage car show with your dad is a great way to spend Father’s Day. What if we told you that you could host one of your own? Purchase some mini-models of vintage cars and set them up in prominent places around the backyard. Then, cook up some hot dogs, put on some 1950’s rock and roll, and let the retro-themed fun begin! Here are the decor items that will make your mini-car show feel almost like the real thing.
Mini Versions of Vintage Cars. Start your vehicle collection with these detailed models.
A gasoline scented candle. It wouldn’t be a car show without the sweet smell of burning fuel. TheStinkyCandleCompany has you covered.
Watch a Movie on the Lawn
Does your dad remember seeing drive-in movies when he was young? Host an outdoor film for Father’s Day, as suggested in this article from Country Living. Pop some corn, lay out some blankets, and wait for sundown! Want to make your backyard film viewing feel more authentic? Try these tips.
Make gourmet popcorn. What could be better than buttered popcorn on movie night? These sweet and salty popcorn snack mix recipes.
Festive popcorn containers. You can’t have a movie night without classic red and white striped popcorn boxes. Your family will love having these popcorn party favors.
A movie projector and screen. This is where your movie night may get a little steep in price. However, if you can get your mom or siblings to pitch in for this outdoor projector and screen, you’ll have an epic Father’s Day party and a fantastic group gift your dad can use all summer!
Organize a Father’s Day Comedy Roast
Here’s a Father’s Day party idea that’s loads of fun for dads who can take a good ribbing. Get your family together for a comedy roast where Dad is the guest of honor. Before you write your jokes, check out these guidelines for roasting someone without hurting their feelings. Besides a few side-splitting one-liners, here’s what you’ll need to pull off an evening of good-natured humor.
A portable microphone. It’s hard for a joke to land if no one can hear it. This wireless microphone is perfect for outdoor events.
A crowd-pleasing cocktail. We’re not saying you’ll need to ply your dad with alcohol to get him to laugh at your jokes, but it sure doesn’t hurt! Try this drunken monkey cocktail recipe for a drink with a fruity taste and a funny name.
Plan a Private Music Festival
If your dad loves live music, being deprived of concerts and festivals for the past few months must have been tough! For Father’s Day, why not try throwing him a music festival-themed party to make up for it? You can find some great tips in this article from HGTV. Here are a few extra details to help you pull everything together.
String lights. There’s nothing as simple yet effective as a string of lights when it comes to outdoor decor. These multi-colored bulbs are a great way to add some festival flair to your yard.
Festival fare. You can’t have an outdoor music festival without serving fairground classics like fried cheese curds and crispy onion rings. Get these and other recipes here.
Outdoor speakers. Playing music on your phone isn’t going to cut it. Connect your playlist to these portable Bluetooth speakers instead.
Now that you have some unique party themes to help you celebrate with your dad, the only thing that could make this Father’s Day better is the perfect gift. Check out our shop to find unique gift ideas Dad will love.