11 Dad Daughter Activities to Try This Father's Day

Need a Father’s Day gift that says more than ‘I saw these socks at the checkout and didn’t know what else to get for you!’? 

Any gift a Dad receives from his favourite daughter will be appreciated. But you can always make things a little more special than a last-minute stress purchase. 

A Dad-Daughter activity is the perfect chance to forge a connection, spend precious time together and create a memory that’ll last much longer than a generic gift. 

We’ve made it simple to plan the best day together so you don’t have to worry about what to get this Father’s Day. Here are 11 Dad-Daughter activities to help you show your appreciation and foster your unique and special bond. 

1. Make chocolate together

Are you and Dad a pair of sweet tooths always on the search for the next best dessert to share? If you’re looking for warm and memorable, this chocolate making class in Sydney is the place to be. 

Grab Dad and join Belgian chocolatier Hélène to discover the art of bean-to-bar chocolate! You’ll both taste different varieties, learn to temper chocolate, and craft your own beautiful truffles and mendiants to take home.

Think of the bragging rights you and Dad will have at your next family event as proud chocolatiers! Leave with new skills, delicious handmade treats and a deeper appreciation for the craft. Plus, you’ll get to wrap up the experience with a cosy, complimentary hot chocolate or coffee, the perfect chance to reflect on the day and catch up on each other’s lives. 

“This was really fun. How can one go wrong with 2 hours of chocolate? It did not disappoint, and we highly recommend it.” - Robert S. 

2. Plan a coastal walk

Are you and Dad in need of a little fresh air and reconnection? Maybe it’s been a while since you had a proper chat. There’s plenty of coast to explore in Australia, perfect for seaside walks and enjoying the scent of salty air. 

Pack a backpack of snacks and water, pick Dad up, and head to your choice of destination. Spend the morning or afternoon walking, talking and reminiscing. This is the perfect chance to share some news, learn more about Dad, or to simply spend quality time together. Sit down for a mini-picnic before you have to head back and enjoy the peace of each other’s company.

3. Learn the art of Kintsugi

Are you and your dad sentimental souls? The art of Kintsugi is the perfect chance to connect over something meaningful and enlightening. 

Kintsugi involves the restoration of broken ceramics, making a piece of pottery by sealing the broken pieces back together with gold lacquer, or, with a modern twist, epoxy glue and mica gold powder. The art is a great reminder to look back on life, even the hard and messy parts, and realise they were all part of the journey that brought us where we are. It’s an important message to realise the beauty in the flaws, recognising that broken things can be made beautiful again—even when they’re imperfect.

If this sounds like the kind of philosophy Dad would appreciate, join a beginner’s kintsugi workshop in Melbourne and make your own gorgeous piece of repaired pottery as you both reflect on all the things that got you where you are today. 

Click here for even more adult craft ideas for Father's Day.

4. Get into silversmithing

Does your dad love to get hands-on and try out-of-the-ordinary tasks? Have him feel like a true silversmith in this ring making class in Perth, where he’ll get to design and craft his own sterling silver or gold rings. 

“Absolutely amazing, 100% worth it. The timing, the instruction, everything was so well done and so professional and intimate at the same time.” - Lachlan W.

Over two fun and practical hours, you and Dad will be guided step-by-step to make two rings to take home. Spend the time sharing design ideas and catching up as you get the hang of the tools and what it takes to make your own jewellery! 

5. Take Dad to the movies

Sometimes the simplest activities can mean the most. Do you remember being young and having your dad take you out for the day? This is your chance to return the favour.

Take Dad to see the latest comedy or action flick, overindulge in popcorn and choc tops, and then discuss your thoughts over a light lunch. If you’ve always shared a love for film or a certain genre, this is a great way to reconnect over that interest. Not to mention, you both get a fun day hanging out and forgetting about your usual routines for a moment. 

It could be a movie and lunch, or it could be anything that your dad used to do with you as a kid. Whatever it may be, enjoy the time spent together doing something simple and easy-going.

6. Learn to draw portraits

Is your dad a bit of a creative who hasn’t had the chance to get in touch with that side of himself lately? This Dad-Daughter activity could be perfect to help him get back into a creative space. 

Spend two hours at a portrait workshop on the Sunshine Coast learning new techniques with various mediums, from charcoal to pastels, ink and more. It may even be a nice touch to draw each other—a memento Dad can keep to see how proudly you perceive him. 

7. Paint and sip (in the dark!)

If Dad’s always up for a good time, likes art, but isn’t exactly an artist, why not opt for a fun paint and sip? This one brings the party vibes as you’ll paint neon masterpieces in the dark!

“Teacher was great, music selection was top notch, vibes in general were amazing.” - Joseph F. 

You don’t have to be any type of creative to enjoy this paint and sip experience. Simply bring yourselves, share some laughs and enjoy a guided painting session as you bop your head to some music. 

8.Tuft your own rugs

Looking for a Dad-Daughter activity that he’ll never expect? Introduce Dad to the art of tufting with this rug making class in Sydney!

Bring a design for Dad and get your hands on a tufting gun. In this class, you and your dad will be guided on how to make a wonderfully unique piece of woollen art. Dad can hang it on his wall or use it under his desk. The most important thing is he’ll have the most original story to tell about that time you both went tufting. 

9. Set up a game night

If you and Dad have a small (or big) competitive streak, why not set up an ultimate game night? Think about the board games you used to play as a kid, and the ones you weren’t allowed to—like poker. Whatever games you choose, you’ll be sharing big laughs (and maybe a few cheeky words).

Organise a charcuterie board, order dinner, make sure his glass is never empty and let the games begin! 

10. Join a cooking class

Has food always been a way of family bonding? Share your love for feasting and head to this rustic Italian cooking class in Brisbane. 

Your special day together begins with a warm welcome, as you and your dad join fellow food lovers to mix, knead and hand-stretch a fragrant olive and rosemary focaccia. Guided step-by-step by an expert chef, the two of you will work side-by-side, sharing laughs and learning cooking secrets as you master the timeless arts of bread-making, rolling fresh pasta and simmering delicious sauces.

It’s more than just a cooking class—it’s a chance to bond and share a beautiful experience you’ll both look back on every time you cook together. You may even be able to teach Mum a thing or two!

“Chef Sean was terrific! Very easy to follow and the food was absolutely delicious. A sensational way to spend a few hours with family.” - Damien R.

11. Indulge in a wine tasting

Last, but definitely not least, a Dad-Daughter activity to top off a perfect Father’s Day would be this wine and cheese tasting experience in the Hunter Valley.

If Dad loves a good Semillon and a slice of history, he’ll love this. Together you’ll learn about Australia’s wine history whilst taste-testing the wines the Hunter is famous for: Semillon, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Verdelho. And of course, we can’t forget the delicious cheese board you’ll get to indulge in as you go. With a touch of class and the space to connect, this is an out-of-the-ordinary day you’ll both cherish and may even revisit sooner than you think. (You can always take a bottle or two home to relive your fine wine experience at home!)

11 Dad-Daughter activities in summary…

These dad-daughter activities gift the invaluable present that everybody wants more of … time! And especially time with their kids. 

Here's to breaking the routine, connecting in a meaningful way, and creating a Father’s Day memory that will have Dad reminiscing with a grin.