Father’s Day is approaching fast! All the good restaurants, cafes, and activities get booked out pretty quickly. It feels like you need a quick cash loan to get something nice sorted fast. In 2025, Aussies spent around $720 million on their dads (that’s $153 per person!). But the cost-of-living crisis has hit us all, and Father’s Day isn’t about finding the best craft beer or experimental hot sauce. It’s about celebrating your dad, looking back on old memories, and finding an excuse to make some new ones.
So with that in mind, we’ve put together some of the best fun Father’s Day activities you can enjoy on the cheap! Whether you’re planning something for yourself, your partner, or your old man, we’ll help you find something to make the day extra special.
Overview:
History of Father’s Day
Father’s Day hasn’t always been as widely celebrated in Australia as it is today. In fact, before the 1900s, it wasn’t celebrated at all!
The very first Father’s Day happened in America in 1908 to honour the lives of men killed in a mine explosion. From there, Father’s Day grew slowly to honour all fathers and fatherhood as a whole. It also spread around the world, with small celebrations happening throughout Australia in the 20s and 30s.
But it wasn’t until 1958 when the government officially recognised Father’s Day that it became more widely embraced and celebrated. Over the following decades, more and more families started celebrating Father’s Day alongside Mother’s Day as one of the major events of the year. By the 2000s, it was widely recognised in schools, churches, and other institutions.
Best activities to do with Dad on Father’s Day
It’s nice to show dad how much you care all year round, but Father’s Day is specifically set aside to show him some love! Here are some ideas for things the whole family can enjoy to make this a Father’s Day to remember.
1. Camping trip
Pack up the car and head into the great outdoors! With Father’s Day guaranteed to fall on a Sunday every year, camping is an easy way to go on a budget friendly holiday. Taking a break from technology and spending some quality time together makes it the perfect Father’s Day activity with kids..
Plus, Australia is no slouch when it comes to beautiful camping sites, and most of them won’t blow your budget. You might even find some free ones in your area, but even the ones that come with a cost won’t set you back much. If you’re heading somewhere popular, make sure you book a site in advance to avoid disappointment on the day.
2. Beach holiday
Whether you go for the day or for the whole weekend, the beach is guaranteed to put a smile on your dad’s face (unless he’s not fond of the sand). A bit of sun, surf, and fresh sea breeze can do wonders! Grab some fish and chips for lunch, and check out the nearest ice cream shop for dessert.
Especially if you’re in Queensland, September is a great time for a beach trip, with spring bringing warmer temperatures perfect for swimming. If you’re bringing the whole family, make sure you follow basic beach etiquette while you’re there to make sure your trip doesn’t ruin anyone else’s.
And if you’ve got the budget for a bigger trip to spoil your old man, check out our list of the best holiday destinations in Australia.
3. Family picnic
A picnic makes a great Father’s Day activity on its own, but you can easily incorporate it into your camping trip or beach getaway, too. Bring some simple lunch ideas from home, or find a nearby takeaway spot for hot food. Picnics are a great option to mix things up a little and explore your local area, giving you the option to spend as much or as little as you want. Make sure you pack all of your dad’s favourite snacks too!
Want to turn your picnic into an adventure? See if any companies in your city do mystery picnics! They’ll take you to different locations to solve riddles and clues, with the answers revealing artisanal producers where you can stock up for your picnic. It’s a great way to add an extra element of fun for the dads out there who love solving puzzles.
4. Hiking
Like picnics, this outdoor Father’s Day activity can be incorporated into your getaway plans. You might want to run this one by dad first–nobody wants a surprise hike when what they really wanted was a relaxing day at home. For a dad that loves the outdoors, look up the best local trails in your area, and remember to pack some snacks and water for the journey. If your dad is into birdwatching, you can download a bird ID app and see who can spot the most different species by the end of your walk.
There are beautiful landscapes to explore no matter where you live, so lace up your hiking boots and take dad for an adventure this Father’s Day!
5. Movie night
We’ve been pretty outdoors-y in this list so far, so let’s take the energy levels down a few notches with a relaxing movie night at home. How often does Dad get to pick the movie and enjoy it uninterrupted? With kids around, we’d say the answer is less often than he’d like.
Line up a double feature of your dad’s favourite movies–whether it’s old John Wayne westerns, classic 80s comedies, or 2000s action movies. Even if they’re not your cup of tea, watching someone else enjoy their favourite movies can be a joy in itself.
You can even make themed meals and snacks to go with the movies you’re watching. Or you can just go simple with some good ol’ popcorn.
6. Cook dinner together
You’ll have to make dinner anyway, so why not turn it into a fun project to enjoy with dad? Ask him to teach you how to make his signature dish, or learn how to make his favourite meal together. Cooking can be a full family activity for Father’s Day, from peeling potatoes to stirring the pot–-just don’t leave dad with all the washing up!
We all know grocery prices have been on the rise lately, but there are still some ways you can enjoy filling and healthy meals on a budget.
7. One-day class
Struggling to think of a hobby you share with your dad? Try making a new one together! There are classes on almost anything you can imagine to help you and Dad beat the boredom.
Some options include:
- Mosaic lamp workshop
- Pottery
- Paint and sip
- Cooking class
- One-day skill course
- Woodworking class
With all the options available out there, you’ll be able to find a class to fit the mood and energy level you’re looking for and give Dad a day to remember. You’ll leave not only with some great memories together, but also a fun new creation and a shared hobby for the future!
8. Fishing
It wouldn’t quite be a list of Father’s Day activities if we didn’t mention fishing, would it? It’s the quintessential dad hobby. Even if you’ve never lived near the ocean or a waterway before, your dad might still dream of one day landing the big catch. So grab a few rods and head out to the best fishing spot to make his dreams come true!
Make sure you check local laws and guidelines to see if you need a fishing licence. You wouldn’t want Father’s Day to end before it’s even begun. If you get lucky, you might end up catching dinner!
9. Build a model
A lot of the time, dads are just big kids. Let him relive his childhood and take him to a toy store, hobby store, or Spotlight for a model kit. It can be whatever his interest may be, whether that is a rocket, plane, car, boat, building, animal, or a cosy book nook. Choose a more complicated build and make it a whole day Father’s Day activity for the two of you.
10. Dad’s favourite hobby
Now this might seem like a cop out, but one the best fun family activities to do for Father’s Day is to ask him what he wants to do! Maybe he’ll want to do one of the things we’ve mentioned already in this list, or maybe he wants some alone time to enjoy his own hobbies. He might even just want a quiet day at home with the family. Either way, the day is named after him, so it’s only fair that he should get to choose the activity.
If your dad’s taken up a new hobby or sport, offer to tag along and learn the ropes. It might not be for you, but he’ll likely appreciate the effort you’re putting into learning his hobbies and spending time together.
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Father’s Day FAQs
When is Father’s Day?
In 2026, Father’s Day falls on the 6th of September. Don’t get confused by our friends in the US and UK, where Father’s Day is celebrated in June. In Australia, Father’s Day is always celebrated on the first Sunday in September.
What is a good Father’s Day drink?
If your dad just wants a drink and to relax on Father’s Day, an Old Fashioned with his favourite bourbon or whiskey is the classic drink to make him. Try a honey whiskey for something new and special. Otherwise, you can’t go wrong with his favourite beer in a personalised stubby cooler.
How do we celebrate Father’s Day at home?
Have a board or card game or video game night with the family with your dad’s favourite snacks. Multiplayer games that are great for Dad and kids (of any age!) include:
- It Takes Two
- Minecraft
- Overcooked!
- Mario Kart
- Mario Party
- Lego Star Wars
How can I make my dad happy on Father’s Day?
Ask any dad what they’d like most, and they’ll probably tell you it’s time with their family! But if you want a gift to show your appreciation, you can always make a card, pick up something they’ve wanted for ages, or sign them up for a coffee or food subscription service.
How does Australia celebrate Father’s Day?
Nothing says “dad” in Australia like a BBQ! Fire up the burners, get outside, and try making some smoked ribs or chicken wings. Or you can always go for burgers, snags, and steaks to keep things simple. Outdoor activities like camping, beach trips, and walks are also common ways to celebrate Father’s Day in Australia.
