7 Top Father's Day Boating Activities for Boating Dads

7 Best Outdoor Activities for Father’s Day

Written by Boatsetter Team
May 28, 2024

Last Updated on May 28, 2024 by Boatsetter Team

This year for Father’s Day, give Dad what something he really wants: A couple hours, or days, out on the water with his favorite human (namely, you). Choose from a list of seven dad-approved Father’s Day boating activities.

  1. Tee time on a boat
  2. Guided fishing trip 
  3. BBQ on a boat
  4. Dock ‘n’ dine 
  5. Water sports 
  6. Vist a National Park
  7.  Cruise & hike
  8. Family competitions

Find available boat rentals for Father’s Day near you

1. Tee time on a boat

Fuse Dad’s love for boating and golfing into one, epic Father’s Day experience. Hit golf biodegradable balls off the back of a 55 ft Sea Ray Yacht while cruising around Boston’s Harbor Islands.

2. Guided fishing trip  

Father and son fishing

Whether you’re looking to fish in a lake or go deep sea fishing, one way to make this Father’s Day special is by booking a fishing boat with a local angler that can show you all their honey holes, and maybe even a few new tricks

3. BBQ on a boat

bbq on a boat

Bring the grill master on board for an on the water cookout. Make sure to do the slicing, dicing, mixing, and blending at home to get everything ready for an easy afternoon of grilling out on the boat. Don’t forget to bring Dad’s favorite barbecue sauce. And, of course, use the fridge on board to keep his beverage chilly. Just the way he likes it. 

4. Dock ‘n’ dine at a waterfront restaurant 

Dock-and-dine.

With hundreds of incredible waterfront eateries, including the best steakhouses and seafood joints, why not give Dad a dock ‘n’ dine experience? Naturally, restaurants get packed so call ahead make reservations. And, if possible, ask them to hold an outdoor table with a water view. 

5. Water sports

fathersday water sports

Some dads love riding ATVs, bungee jumping, and extreme races. One fun Father’s Day idea is to bring Dad out for a thrilling day of water sports. From paddle boarding to wake boarding to water foiling, find a boat with a licensed captain and focus on having fun with Dad. 

6. Visit a National Park

With 429 National Parks between sea and shining sea, many of which hold scenic waterway trails, this year for Father’s Day why not explore a National Park by boat? Bring a camera for silly selfies and for pictures of diverse wildlife.

7. Cruise & hike  

Next time you’re planning your hiking trip, take Dad through a loop that connects to water and enjoy natural and wildlife sightings fro a new perspective. If you and Dad are daring, try your hand at the helm on The Great Loop, a 6, 000-mile water trail that passes through 15 states and provinces, and includes over 100 locks.

8. Family competitions on the water 

Tying a boat to a cleat.

A little family competition never hurt no body. Grab a line on the boat and see who can tie a knot or loop a cleat the fastest. See who can plot a course to a nearby waypoint without using any electronic devices. Or, hop in the water for a few laps around the boat, but let Dad win. It is his day. 

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