14 Ways to Spend Some QT With Dad
Remember when you were a kid and every outing with your parents was a blast? Well, just because you’re an adult now doesn’t mean your dates with Dad have to be confined to basic chit-chat at the same old restaurants. And since Father’s Day is coming up, we thought it best to put together a fun list of activities for spending some quality time with Pa. Whether Dad is a baseball enthusiast, outdoorsman, master chef, sci-fi geek or none of the above, we’ve got a few ideas for your next outing together.
1. Take him out to the ball game. If Dad is a die-hard baseball nut, he will love a night at the ballpark. Unlike most professional sports, baseball is super affordable (even for gals on a budget) with cheap seats usually under $10. Check ticket apps like StubHub for the good seats at low rates. And even if you two aren’t the biggest baseball fans in the world, you can grab some beer and hot dogs and enjoy the post-game fireworks. (Photo via Don Feria/Getty)
2. Head to a dad-approved museum. You could head out to the local museum for the next art exhibit, or you could take Dad to a spot he’ll enjoy spending hours in. Whether he’s all about music, cars, sports or sci fi, there’s sure to be a museum out there for him. (Photo via EMP/Sci Fi Museum)
3. Kick off his homebrewing habit. If your dad has always dreamt of brewing his own beer, why not buy him a kit ($48) stocked with all the tools and work on the first batch together? Once it’s ready, you can have another date to celebrate and enjoy it with some homemade grub.
4. Go cruisin’. Do you two live near the coast or a lake? If so, take advantage and head out to the water and rent a boat. Nowadays it is easy (and affordable) to make this happen with businesses like Boatbound, aka “Airbnb for boats.” Once you’ve made arrangements, throw on your heart-shaped sunglasses and spend the day sailing or fishing with your favorite captain. (Photo via Boatbound)
5. Time for a taco (or four). If you two are taco enthusiasts, plan your own taco crawl. Make a list of places you’ve wanted to try and burn your way through it, or make your own at home. If you’re in the bay area, we definitely recommend checking out our all-time fave, Tacolicious. (Photo via Tacolicious)
6. Perfect a cocktail or two. If Dad is more into martinis than Miller Lite, a mixology course might be right up his alley. There are tons of different courses out there, so you two can be garnishing your next signature cocktail in no time. Cheers!
7. Test out new tech. Sure, you could give dad a gift certificate to Brookstone, but what about stopping by the Apple store and trying out Apple Watches? Or you could help him choose that new iPad he’s been meaning to pick up. (Photo via Apple)
8. Take a cooking class together. If you and your Dad love to cook, a cooking class is an awesome way for you two to learn a new trick or two in the kitchen. You could even sign up for something more technical, like a knife skills class. Work together to make your next signature dish and before you know it, you two will be wowing the fam at the next big get-together.
9. Visit your favorite diners and dives. Does Dad like to keep it low-key by dining at his favorite greasy spoon? A trip there is sure to hit the spot. You could even make a list of some local diners that you haven’t tried yet and visit a new one for each date. (Photo via Mel’s Drive In)
10. Lace up your running shoes. For the on-the-go dad, a fun 5K race will be a blast. Sign up for a not-so-serious race like the Color Run, lace up those running shoes and get moving! (Photo via The Color Run)
11. Take a class at a makerspace. One thing’s for sure: Dads love making and building. For some QT together, sign up for a class at a makerspace like Techshop to make something together. Whether it’s woodworking, laser cutting or silkscreen printing, your dad is sure to be one proud papa once you’ve finished your craft. (Photo via TechShop)
12. Tour a distillery or brewery. Ever wonder how your favorite spirits are made? Take Dad on a tour of a local distillery — not only is it amazingly interesting, but many places will offer samples on-site. (Photo via Ole Smoky)
13. Take a hike. For the outdoorsy dad, a hike is a perfect day date — just fresh air, quiet time and quality conversation. (Photo via Mark Davis/Getty)
14. Enjoy a brew or two. Does your dad LOVE him some Budweiser? Show him what’s up by taking him to one of *your* fave beer haunts (we prefer Bear Republic Brewing in Sonoma) and introduce him to his first (gasp) flight. (Photo via Bear Republic Brewing)
How do you like to spend time with Dad? Let us know in the comments!
