As Father’s Day approaches, you might be wracking your brain for the perfect gift for your one-of-a-kind dad. He gives his all the rest of the year, so maybe it’s time to give him something a little more than a new tie or pair of socks (c’mon, you know you’ve done that!). If he’s someone who already has everything, why not gift him a once-in-a-lifetime experience that suits his unique personality? Stay local or book a tour while traveling—no matter what you choose, he’s bound to have a Father’s Day he’ll never forget.
For the sports-loving dad
If your dad’s idea of a perfect day is taking in a ball game or exploring a local stadium, a sports-themed activity is a must for Father’s Day. What you choose depends on which sport tops his list. Try one of these ideas:
- Take a behind-the-scenes tour of a historic baseball stadium
- Show off your skills in an outdoor pick-up soccer game
- Test your sea legs with a kiteboarding lesson
- Get a sports history lesson on a tour of an ancient Colosseum
- Relive some historic moments at an Olympic sports museum
For the gadget-obsessed dad
For dads who treat their phones like a member of the family, an experience that indulges his love of all things tech is sure to make his Father’s Day. Think outside the box with one of these ideas:
- Visit the Apple Museum for a behind-the-scenes looks at Steve Jobs’ legacy
- Immerse yourself in the futuristic world of virtual reality
- Test your gaming skills by playing some classic computer games
- Take a narrated tour of the high-tech companies in Silicon Valley
- Go on a city-wide scavenger hunt using only your phones and your problem-solving skills
For the foodie dad
What dad doesn’t love food? (Hint: none.) If your dad is happiest when he’s eating or cooking, a food-inspired experience will definitely make him smile. From cooking lessons to an indulgent meal, these activities will make his taste buds sing:
- Take a private cooking lesson with a professional chef
- Discover some delicious hidden gems on a city-wide walking food tour
- Indulge in a gourmet meal prepared by a Michelin-star chef
- Explore a local food market and whip up a meal with locally-grown ingredients
- Enjoy a six-course meal while soaking in some water views on a dinner cruise
For the hipster dad
From their love of old-school cameras and vinyl records to craft beers and vintage clothing, hipster dads can be hard to shop for on Father’s Day. Take a break from the mainstream with one of these ultra-cool alternatives:
- Sample some local brews on a craft beer and brewery tour
- Take a deep dive into taking the perfect picture in a photography class
- Whip up some delicious treats with an in-home vegan cooking demo
- Get a behind-the-scenes look at local culture, art, and music on a guided tour
- Snap some shots on a walking photo safari
For the science dad
Does your dad love all things science? Whether it’s an exhibition exploring the inner workings of the human body or an escape room that puts the world’s survival in your hands, these scientific activities will definitely float his boat:
- Get skip-the-line tickets to the Human Bodies exhibition
- Experience science in a different light on an after-dark museum tour
- Tackle a unique escape room that requires you to find a cure to a (fake) deadly virus
- Explore centuries of scientific discoveries at the Galileo Museum
- Dine with an astronaut at the Kennedy Space Center
For the history-buff dad
Indulge your dad’s love of the past this Father’s Day with an experience that explores ancient times (ahem—try to keep the old-man jokes to a minimum.) These ideas can help you find the perfect activity:
- Experience the engineering feat of Stonehenge and learn the history behind this famous monument
- Explore ancient Greece at a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Play tourist on a guided tour of an ancient city
- Learn about ancient shipbuilding at a naval history museum
- Combine his love of fine spirits with an in-depth look at the 500-year history of vodka and how it’s made
For the funny dad
If cringe-worthy dad jokes are his claim to fame, an equally funny experience will be the highlight of your dad’s Father’s Day. From stand-up shows to comedy city tours, these ideas will tickle his funny bone (sorry for that one):
- Get some laughs with a front row seat at a live stand-up comedy show
- Combine your love of jokes with some sightseeing on a comedy city bus tour
- Settle into your seat for a musical (and mute) comedy performance
- Test your joke-telling skills at an improv comedy class
- Experience the Louvre in a different light with a stand-up comedian as your guide
For the car-loving dad
Whether he has a need for speed or loves tinkering around on vintage autos, combine your dad’s love of cars with a Father’s Day outing he’ll remember forever. These experience ideas can help get your gears turning:
- Feast your eyes on floors and floors of vintage cars at a classic car museum
- Put the pedal to the metal while test driving a Ferrari
- Cruise through some hairpin turns on a canyon test drive in a luxury supercar
- Take a private city tour in a classic convertible
- Check out the oldest private collection of classic motor cars at the Louwman Museum
A phone call is nice, but quality time with your dad is better. Create some lasting memories this Father’s Day with a once-in-a-lifetime experience he’ll never forget. PlacePass has excursions and experiences that will suit any type of dad.