Fun Father's Day Experience Gift Ideas for 2025

When is Father’s Day?

Father’s Day 2025 falls on Sunday 15 June, and yes, it’ll sneak up faster than you think.

Dads are known to be big kids at heart. Playful, curious, adventurous. They never really grow up, and thank goodness for that. So this year, instead of handing over another pair of novelty socks or a bottle of aftershave, why not give him a Father's Day gift that taps into that childlike joy?

Take Father’s Day higher and make it one he’ll never forget.

What dads really want is time. Time to laugh. Time to explore. Time to feel appreciated, with just the right dash of fun.

Socks are safe. Chocolate is easy. But deep down, every dad’s just a big kid who wants to have fun and make memories that stick. Floating above the countryside. Discovering somewhere new. Doing something so out of the ordinary, he’ll talk about it for years.

Taking life higher isn’t just about altitude. It’s about making moments that lift you emotionally. The kind that make you laugh until your cheeks hurt and bring everyone closer without even trying.

Here’s how you can match the perfect gift to Dad:

For the fun dad

He’s the first on the dancefloor and always up for a laugh. Think outdoor challenges, comedy nights or an immersive experience with a twist. Something like axe throwing followed by street food and craft beer. Just enough chaos to keep him smiling.

For the chilled dad

Give him something calm and scenic. A countryside picnic, a gentle river cruise, or a spa garden pass where he can do absolutely nothing. Bonus points if there’s a Sunday roast involved.

For the Foodie Dad

Skip the supermarket steak and serve up something special. A firepit BBQ class, a whisky tasting session, or an afternoon touring a vineyard. He’ll love the flavours, and the stories that come with them.

For the curious dad

He’s the one who reads every plaque in a museum and always has a podcast recommendation. Think steam train rides, historical walking tours or behind-the-scenes experiences that spark wonder. He’ll probably research it before you even leave the house.

For the dad who’s unsure and says “I don’t need anything”

Which really means “Surprise me”. Go for something he’d never book for himself. Maybe a hot air balloon voucher, maybe a wildlife experience, or maybe just a proper day out doing something totally unexpected. It’s not about the gift, it’s about the memory.

At the end of the day, the best gift is the one that brings you closer. One that makes him smile every time he thinks about it. Something that says, Thanks for everything. Now let’s go make a memory.

So this year, skip the usual. Skip the gift wrap altogether. Give him something better.
Give him the chance to feel like the big kid he’s always been.

Is a Hot Air Balloon Ride is the Ultimate Father's Day Gift for Any Dad?

There’s something extraordinary about drifting through the sky in a hot air balloon. It’s calm, it’s freeing, and it’s just the right amount of thrilling. You feel the quiet whoosh of the burners, the gentle rise into the clouds, and suddenly the world below seems both tiny and full of possibility.

Just like the best dads. Steady, uplifting and always there to guide you when it matters most.

So why not begin this Father’s Day with a gift that shows more? Give him something that says he deserves to see the world from a whole new angle.

An experience with Virgin Balloon Flights isn’t an ordinary gift. It’s a bold step into something new. From the moment you arrive at the launch site, there’s a shared sense of excitement and wonder. You help the crew inflate the balloon, watching it slowly come to life. There’s teamwork from the get-go, laughter between strangers, and that collective moment of “we’re really doing this.”

Then comes the flight. Peaceful, but packed with energy. Exciting, yet grounding. You’re in it together, sharing the view, the stillness, the adrenaline and the amazement. There’s nothing else quite like it.

He can choose when and where to fly, with launch sites all across the UK and flights available morning or evening. Whether he’s a sunrise chaser or a golden-hour dreamer, there’s a sky out there waiting for him.

This is more than ticking a gift box. It’s a heartfelt thank you for every time he lifted you higher, supported your next big step, or cheered you on when you took a leap.

And if he’s the kind of dad who already has everything? This is the one thing he didn’t know he needed. Until now.

Stunning views and quality time with whoever Dad chooses as his plus one – yes, a hot air balloon ride gets our vote as the best all-round experience.

Not every gift has to come in a box. Some of the best presents are the ones you live out together, full of laughter, new moments and stories you’ll both be telling for years. Whether you're out in the fresh air or trying something completely new, these experiences all share one thing: the chance to spend proper, meaningful time with your dad.

Here are a few fun ways to spend proper time together and make memories that stick.

1. Go countryside roaming

Pack up the car and escape to nature, woodlane, quiet lanes and maybe even a proper pub in the middle of nowhere. It’s simple, it’s grounding, and it gives you time to catch up away from the noise.

2. Take a river cruise or lakeside walk

A slow boat trip or a walk by the water is the kind of gift that doesn’t shout, but it speaks volumes. You’ve made the time, you’ve picked the place, and the conversation flows as easily as the current.

3. Explore somewhere new together

Pick somewhere neither of you has been. It could be a hidden village, a castle with a twist, or even a safari park where you both get way too excited spotting giraffes. Hop on a steam train through the hills, check out a quirky local museum, or visit a food festival where everything smells amazing and half the fun is not knowing what you’ll try next. Let Dad take the lead and follow wherever his curiosity goes.

4. Share something delicious

Whether it’s a steakhouse, a Sunday roast or a surprise afternoon tea, sharing a meal always brings people closer. Book somewhere special or revisit an old favourite, and let the conversation linger as long as the dessert.

5. Throw in something unexpected

Add a dash of adventure with an outdoor experience he’d never expect. Think zip lining through the treetops, clay pigeon shooting in the countryside, or tearing up a trail on a quad bike. Try a Segway safari, a forest high ropes course, or even a wild animal experience if he's the type to make friends with a falcon. It’s all about stepping outside the usual and doing something bold, together. That’s where the real memories are made.

It doesn’t have to be big or fancy. Just something thoughtful, shared and full of presence. That’s what turns a good Father’s Day into one you’ll both remember forever.

We know better than anyone that the weather isn’t always on our side. But just because the skies are grey doesn’t mean the day has to be. When the rain rolls in, swap the umbrella for something unexpected and keep the fun going indoors.
Why not celebrate with something fun, relaxed and a little different?

For the dads who love to explore, try new things or just have a laugh, here are some brilliant rainy-day ideas that bring the same adventurous spirit back down to earth.

The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience

Step inside the iconic 90s TV show and solve puzzles across themed zones. It’s immersive, competitive, and hilarious. Perfect for the kind of dad who still claims he’d crush it on a game show.

Escape Rooms

Team up (or go head-to-head) to crack codes, solve clues and beat the clock. Escape rooms are ideal for dads who love a challenge and think they’ve got the brains to back it up.

Step Into the Story with an Immersive Experience

If your dad loves films, theatre or a bit of drama, an immersive experience is the perfect way to turn Father's Day into a full-blown adventure. These are no ordinary days out — you don’t just watch the story unfold, you become part of it.

One of the most mind-blowing out there? The War of the Worlds: The Immersive Experience in London.

Inspired by Jeff Wayne’s iconic album, this multi-sensory adventure throws you into a full-blown Martian invasion. With VR, live actors and 24 immersive scenes, you’ll sneak through ruins, sail stormy seas and face a towering Martian machine. There’s even a bar break mid-way to catch your breath.

It’s bold, bonkers and brilliant for dads who love a bit of drama with their day out.

Museum Lates and Science Centres

Venues like the Science Museum in London or Thinktank in Birmingham offer after-hours events with drinks, talks and hands-on fun for grown-ups. It’s learning without the yawns and ideal for curious dads who still ask “how does that work?”

Rain or shine, the day’s still yours to make special. It’s not about the weather. It’s about the time you spend together and the stories you’ll laugh about for years to come.

1. Plan Ahead

Father’s Day is a popular time for experience gifts, so whether it’s a balloon flight, a river cruise or a roast dinner in the countryside, book early to get the best options.

2. Make It Feel Like Him

The perfect day isn’t about ticking boxes. Think about what makes your dad light up. Is he an early riser who loves the outdoors? Or more of a foodie who’ll happily sit by a river with a pint and a pie?

3. Leave Space for Spontaneity

Have a rough plan, but let the day breathe. Some of the best moments come from last-minute decisions, surprise detours or saying yes to one more round of mini golf.

4. Bring the Crew

Make it a family thing. Whether it’s just the two of you or a full-day outing with kids, grandkids or even the in-laws, shared memories are the ones that really stick.

5. Capture the Day

Take all the photos. From balloon lift-off to pub garden laughs, these are the moments that deserve a spot on the fridge or in the family group chat.

6. End with a Cheers

Finish strong with a relaxed dinner, a toast to Dad, or his favourite dessert at home. It’s the little rituals that turn good days into great ones.

When all’s said and done, it’s not about the wrapping paper or the price tag. It’s about making time for each other, doing something that feels special, and creating memories that last far beyond the day itself.

Maybe it’s a sunrise balloon flight. Maybe it’s a riverside stroll, a shared adventure or a good laugh over lunch. However you choose to spend it, Father’s Day is your chance to show him he matters.

Give him a story he’ll be telling for years. One that starts with a surprise and ends with a smile. Because the best gifts aren’t things. They’re moments. And this one might just be the best yet.