Father’s Day 2026 Ideas: Gifts, Days Out & Things To Do

Thoughtful ways to celebrate dads, grandads and father figures this Father’s Day

Dads and father figures do a lot quietly. They fix things. They drive places. They remember the bags, snacks and school pick-ups. They carry tired children, teach bike riding, stand on cold sidelines and somehow always know where the spare batteries are.

Father’s Day is the perfect chance to pause and make them feel properly appreciated.

In the UK, Father’s Day 2026 falls on Sunday 21st June.

It lands right at the start of summer, making it a lovely time to plan something memorable with the family — from breakfast at home and handmade cards to cinema trips, adventure days, family meals, theme parks, bowling and days out Dad will actually enjoy.

How is Father’s Day celebrated around the world?

The modern Father’s Day tradition is often linked to Sonora Smart Dodd in the United States, who wanted to honour her father after he raised his children as a single parent.

The first Father’s Day celebration connected to her campaign took place in Spokane, Washington in 1910, before the idea gradually spread more widely.

Father’s Day is celebrated in different ways around the world, which can be a lovely way to show children that family traditions are not the same everywhere.

• In the UK, Father’s Day is usually marked with cards, gifts, meals, days out and time together.
• In the United States and Canada, it is also celebrated on the third Sunday in June, often with barbecues, family gatherings and outdoor plans.
• In some Catholic countries, Father’s Day is connected to St Joseph’s Day on 19th March.
• In Germany, Father’s Day is linked with Ascension Day and is often associated with outdoor walks and social traditions.

The better question: what would Dad actually enjoy?

Before searching for Father’s Day gifts, try asking a better question.

Not just:

“What should we buy?”

But:

• What does Dad always talk about doing?
• What does he never make time for?
• What does he enjoy doing with the kids?
• What would make him feel appreciated, not just gifted?
• What would he love if someone else organised it?

Father’s Day ideas kids can help make

1. Breakfast is one of the easiest ways to make Father’s Day feel special from the start

It does not need to look perfect. The slightly chaotic version is usually the one everyone remembers. Try turning breakfast into a homemade Dad Café. Children can make a simple menu, take Dad’s order and help serve breakfast in the morning.

Easy Father’s Day breakfast ideas include:

• pancakes with fruit
• toast and jam
• bacon sandwiches
• croissants
• scrambled eggs
• a full English-style breakfast

Younger children can draw the menu, set the table, arrange fruit or write a breakfast note. Older children can help cook with supervision.

2. Handmade Father’s Day card ideas that feel personal

A handmade card is still one of the best Father’s Day gifts because it gives children a chance to say something real. The secret is to make it specific.

The “I Notice” card

This is simple, but meaningful. Children finish sentences like:

• I notice when you help me with…
• I notice when you make time for…
• I notice when you make me laugh by…
• I notice when you work hard at…
• I notice that you always…

This helps children say thank you in a way that feels more personal than a standard message.

Things to do with Dad on Father’s Day

1. Go bigger with an adventure day

For dads who love fresh air, climbing, zip wires, theme parks, forest walks or anything that makes everyone say “that was brilliant” afterwards, plan a Father’s Day that gets the whole family moving.

Adventure ideas:

• Go Ape
• English Heritage days out
• Climbing
• Forest walks
• Bike rides
• Paddleboarding
• Outdoor activity centres

It is especially good for dads who would rather do something than receive something.

2. Make it a family cinema trip

It works for different ages, it is weather-proof, and it gives everyone a shared big-screen moment.

With Kids Pass, families can unlock savings on cinema tickets at selected major UK cinema chains, helping make a Father’s Day film trip cost less.

• Cineworld
• Vue
• ODEON
• Showcase
• The Light
• Reel
• Picturehouse

Check the latest Kids Pass cinema offers before you book, as savings and participating locations can vary.

3. Turn Father’s Day into a family attraction day

If Dad loves rides, big days out or full-family adventures, a theme park or family attraction could be the perfect plan.

Think roller coasters, adventure parks, and family-friendly experiences.

Family attraction ideas:

• Flamingo Land
• Gulliver’s
• Drayton Manor
• Adventure parks
• Indoor family attractions

Check Kids Pass before booking to see what savings are available.

4. Add some friendly competition

Bowling, mini golf, climbing, trampolining or an activity centre can be a great choice if you want something fun and easy.

Activity ideas:

• Bowl Central
• One Under
• Jungle Rumble
• Hollywood Bowl
• Climbing centres
• Mini golf

This is ideal for dads who like games, laughs and a little “I definitely let you win” energy.

5. Treat Dad to a delicious meal

After a cinema trip, walk, attraction or adventure, treating Dad to a delicious meal can be a lovely way to end Father’s Day.

It gives everyone time to slow down, talk properly and enjoy being together — without Dad having to cook, organise or clear up afterwards.

Dining ideas:

• Barburrito
• Smashburger
• PizzaExpress
• Sizzling Pubs
• Ember Inns
• A local family restaurant
• Dad’s favourite takeaway at home

Whether it is a sit-down dinner, a casual lunch, a post-adventure bite to eat or his favourite takeaway, a Father’s Day meal is a simple way to make the day feel special.

Kids Pass can help families find value across dining and family activities, so it is worth checking what is available near you before planning the day.

Bonus Father’s Day gift idea: surprise Dad at home

Want to make Father’s Day feel even more special? Have a thoughtful gift waiting for Dad when you get back home.

Before you shop, check the latest Kids Pass Shopping & Gift Cards offers. Members can unlock savings across selected brands.

Father’s Day gift ideas:

• Grooming, skincare or wellness treats
• Personalised presents
• Books, audiobooks or entertainment subscriptions
• Tech, accessories or home items
• Family games or activity gifts
• Gift cards so Dad can choose himself

Kids Pass shopping and gift card offers may include brands such as Lookfantastic, HP, BookBeat, Apple Arcade, and more.

From thoughtful gifts and handmade cards to family meals, cinema trips, adventure days and days out together, Kids Pass makes it easier for families to create moments that matter for less.

Not a member yet? This is a great time to join.

Start your £1 Kids Pass trial today and see what you could save this summer.