Skip the usual restaurant reservations. From target shooting to sunrise hikes, here are seven things to do with the man of the hour.
Father’s Day doesn’t always have to mean a buffet. Sure, restaurants will be packed, malls will be buzzing, and Father’s Day promos will be everywhere. But if you’re looking to celebrate differently this year, why not swap another predictable family lunch for an experience you’ll actually remember?
Whether your dad enjoys the outdoors, loves trying new hobbies, or simply appreciates quality time without the distractions of everyday life, there are plenty of ways to make Father’s Day feel more special. Here are five unique ideas you can enjoy together around the Philippines:
Try target shooting at a licensed firing range.
If your dad has always been curious about firearms—or is already a licensed enthusiast—a supervised visit to a professional firing range can be a memorable bonding experience. Many facilities offer beginner-friendly sessions complete with firearm safety briefings and one-on-one instruction, making the activity accessible even for first-timers.
Beyond simply pulling the trigger, target shooting emphasizes discipline, concentration, and responsible firearm handling. It’s an activity that challenges both precision and patience, while offering a shared experience that’s far removed from the usual Father’s Day routine. Just be sure to choose a licensed range, bring valid identification, and follow all safety protocols.
Book an early morning hike followed by breakfast.
Instead of meeting over coffee at noon, meet before sunrise. Easy trails around Rizal, Batangas, Laguna, or Cebu offer beginner-friendly hikes that reward families with scenic viewpoints and cooler weather. Finish the trek with a hearty Filipino breakfast at a nearby café or roadside eatery, where conversations tend to flow a little easier after earning your meal together. Hiking is also a refreshing way to unplug from screens while spending uninterrupted time outdoors.
Learn something new together in a workshop.
Instead of simply treating your father to lunch, why not engage him in something that both of you would truly love? Sign up for a pottery class, woodworking workshop, coffee brewing session, leathercraft course, or even a cooking class. Across Metro Manila and several provincial cities, creative studios now offer one-day workshops that welcome complete beginners. Rather than buying another Father’s Day gift, you’re giving your dad something far more valuable: a new skill—and a few hours of uninterrupted time together.
Catch a live basketball game.
Whether your dad has been cheering for the same team for years or simply enjoys the atmosphere of a packed arena, watching a live basketball game together is a Father’s Day experience that’s hard to beat. From the energy of professional leagues to collegiate rivalries, every buzzer-beater and big play becomes even more memorable when you’re sharing it with family. You can even wear “twinning” jerseys or merchandise shirts!
Plan a father-and-child road trip with no fixed destination.
Sometimes, spontaneous getaways are all it takes to rekindle the childhood bond you once shared with your dad. Fill up the tank, prepare a playlist featuring your dad’s favorite songs, and just drive. Stop whenever something catches your eye—a local café, roadside fruit stand, antique shop, seaside park, or scenic overlook. This way, you get to relive what dads used to do when their sons and daughters were younger: taking them to places. Only this time, you’re the one planning the trip. The day naturally becomes more relaxed, too, leaving room for unexpected discoveries that rarely happen during scheduled family gatherings.
Spend the afternoon at an arcade or sports entertainment center.
Who says arcades are only for kids? Modern entertainment centers now combine classic arcade games with bowling, billiards, darts, virtual reality attractions, racing simulators, karaoke, and other interactive activities suitable for all ages. A little friendly competition often brings out everyone’s playful side as well, and it’s a refreshing reminder that no matter how old we get, parents still enjoy moments where they can simply have fun with their children.
Make the memories while you still can.
Father’s Day isn’t really about finding the most expensive gift or the fanciest restaurant reservation. More often than not, fathers appreciate just having your time and attention. Years from now, you probably won’t remember what was on the menu—but you’ll likely remember the conversations during a road trip, the laughs after missing a target, or the satisfaction of finishing a hike together.
Related story: I die a little every day at seeing my father battle dementia
Related story: A Father’s Day watchlist: 10 movies to stream on Netflix right now
