Best Outdoors Activities for Father’s Day

It’s entirely possible that your dad is an expert rock climber or that he likes to spend his vacation days scaling Mount Everest or sailing solo across the Atlantic Ocean. If not, you might be looking for some slightly more chill ways to enjoy Father’s Day outdoors with him. Keep reading for some ideas of things to do other than setting the tent up in the backyard and getting yelled at by the neighbors when you try to roast stuff over your campfire.

Don’t forget; although these are traditionally father/son activities, you no longer need to be a guy to enjoy some quality outdoor time with your dad; father/daughter activities are encouraged. These adventures are also great to share with the alternate father figures in your life, such as step-dads, granddads, and the family friend who bought you your first illicit beer.

Fishing
Fishing with your dad is one of the quintessential pastimes that a father and a child can engage in side-by-side. It provides a great opportunity for the elder gentlemen to drop pearls of wisdom (and the occasional curse word, depending on the quality of the gear), and for the two of you to share a few cold ones without Mom around to badger you about it. Just be sure to indulge responsibly – you don’t want to go for a swim when you try to reel in that prize catch.

When it comes time to take pictures of your trophies, make sure to hold them in front of you at arm’s length. This will make the fish appear even bigger, and when it comes to fish, the bigger your catch looks, the better.

Rafting
You might be hitting the class 5′s with your buddies, but unless your dad is also a hardcore rafting enthusiast, consider something a bit slower paced for your Father’s Day trip. There are plenty of local rivers in many parts of the country (and world) that provide gentle thrills and plenty of time to get to know the guy who contributed half your DNA. You’ll likely get a lot of sun, so plenty of water and suntan lotion is a must. And possibly some painkillers to take the edge off after paddling the slower stretches of water.

Hiking
Thinking back on family hiking trips, with younger siblings complaining about their feet hurting and older relatives constantly trying to smear you with bug goop  might not bring up the fondest of memories. But hiking alone with Dad as a teenager or adult will create an entirely different experience. Depending on the nature of your relationship, you can stare together in silent awe at the glory of Mother Nature, or perhaps trade jokes about the size and shape of the rock formations you encounter.

To ensure a good time, pick a trail that allows you the option of shortening your hike if need be. Remember, the goal is to connect on a level that only nature can allow, not to compete with the old man to see who’s still got what it takes (unless the two of you are into that kind of thing).