Do you want to show dad just how much you love him by making Father’s day all about him, but your wallet is running on empty? Then this list of 15 wallet-friendly Father’s Day activities is just what you need.
15 Wallet-Friendly Father’s Day Activities Dad Will Love
(Links in this post are affiliate links. I will be compensated when you make a purchase by clicking those links. See my disclosure page for more information)
1. Go Hiking
If dad loves to hike, gather up the family, and hit the trails on Father’s Day. This activity is practically free; the only cost is the gas to get to the path and a few snacks to enjoy along the way.
2. Visit A Historical Site
Most areas have at least one free historical site a short drive away. It might take a bit of Googling to find them, but if your dad is a history buff, that time will be well spent.
Here is how I find a place such as a historical site to explore.
3. Go Camping
If you already own the tent and you have a large backyard, this could be a free activity. If not, it can still be a low-cost one with a borrowed tent and a state park campsite. In Indiana, where we live, a campsite averages $30 a night.
If this is your first time camping and you have no idea what to pack, here is a list of essentials–most can be borrowed if you don’t own them.
4. Attend A Free Community Event
Free community events are usually listed on community Facebook pages, newspapers, local bulletin boards, and on local tourist bureau sites. They can range from car shows, concerts in the park, parades, festivals and more.
5. Play A Round Of Disc Golf
Playing a round of golf at the golf course can be expensive, but disc golf courses are usually free. You don’t need a fancy disc set to play, a mid-range disc for each player is all you need to get started.
6. Play Backyard Games
Use the ones you already own for this one and this activity is free! Whether that be a cornhole set, a basketball court, or a set of giant outdoor Jenga blocks.
7. Have A Game Night
Chances are that you have stacks of games in your home, and there is at least one in that pile that dad loves to play. Spend Father’s day afternoon playing it with him. If you are looking for new family game ideas, our family likes tenzi.
8. Cook Him A Steak Dinner
So this one can be expensive, but buying steaks at the local grocery store and grilling them yourself costs much less than taking dad out for a steak dinner–so I decided to include it on this list.
9. Volunteer Together
If your dad is passionate about a certain cause I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Father’s Day than to volunteer for that cause with him.
10. Use The Gear He Already Owns
Does dad have all the gear to fish? Then go fishing. Does he have a bike and you do too? Then go biking. Does he own a rock tumbler? Gather rocks and tumble away!
11. Complete A Puzzle
What is dad’s favorite puzzle type? Sudoku? Word Search? Crossword? Jigsaw? Do one with him. Or each complete one side by side and ask each other for help when needed.
12. Check Living Social And Other Daily Deal Sites
If your dad is an experience over things type of guy, see if you can visit somewhere new at a reduced price thanks to a daily deal through places like Groupon or Living Social.
13. Build Something Together
If your dad loves to build, build something with him this Father’s Day. Pick a project that can be completed in an afternoon, like a birdhouse or an outdoor side table.
14. Appeal To His Sweet Tooth
An excellent gift for a sweet tooth dad is to bake his favorite dessert and eat it with him.
15. Watch His Favorite Sport
You don’t need to buy tickets for a live game–unless you can afford them. Most dads would be just as happy if you watched their favorite sport on TV with them. Bring over snacks he loves for everyone to munch on while you watch.
I hope this list has helped you decide on the perfect Father’s Day activity to celebrate dad this weekend.
3 More Posts To Help You With Your Father’s Day Planning
- 10 Cheap But Classy Father’s Day Gift Ideas
- 10 Ways Thrifty People Save Money On Camping
- 50 Things You Can Get For Free–Reduce Your Budget–Not Your Lifestyle
Thrifty And Thriving: More Life For Less Money is available in both paperback and Kindle format.
Become A Snail Pacer
Receive a monthly newsletter full of tips for making life changes at a realistic pace.
Leave a Reply