Outdoor Adventures to Celebrate Dad This Father’s Day

Father’s Day isn’t about the perfect gift—it’s about sharing moments, making memories, and doing something different together. For outdoor lovers, there’s no better way to celebrate than by stepping away from the screen and into nature. This year, skip the socks and clothing and give your dad what he really wants: your time and a little adventure.

Here at BERT, we believe the best bonding happens after you’ve ditched the asphalt and put some miles behind you—whether by foot, bike, or paddle. So we’ve rounded up a few uncommon outdoor experiences you can share with your dad this Sunday. They’re simple, heartfelt, and designed for real connection.

1. Plan a Microadventure

Who says you need a big trip to feel like you’ve escaped? A microadventure is a short, local outdoor experience—like biking to a new trail at dawn or hiking to watch the sunset from a hilltop. Keep it spontaneous. Pack snacks, turn off your phones, and let the day unfold. Sometimes, the unexpected is where the magic lives.

2. Take a Coffee-and-Camping Morning

If your dad’s not a fan of sleeping in tents, try this: drive out early to a nearby forest or lakeside spot, bring a portable coffee setup (yes, Jetboils and AeroPresses count), and make breakfast together in the wild. Few things beat sharing hot coffee with your dad in the quiet of nature. Bonus points if you add hammocks.

3. Try a Local Water Adventure

Forget crowded beaches—think outside the box. Try paddleboarding on a calm lake, canoeing through a nearby river trail, or even fly-fishing for the first time. If you’ve never done it before, all the better—it becomes your shared first. Pro tip: check your local park for rentals and beginner classes.

4. Go Birdwatching with a Twist

Birdwatching isn’t just for retirees. Make it competitive: who can spot and ID the most birds in an hour? Use a birding app and create a running list together. Not only does it slow down the pace of your day, it tunes you both into the quieter details around you. You’ll remember the laughs more than the birds.

5. Create Your Own ‘Campfire Talk’

Set up a firepit in the backyard or head to a campsite and build your own little circle. But here’s the twist—bring a couple of storytelling prompts or photo albums. Talk about “your favorite childhood summer” or “the worst trip that became the best memory.” There’s something about firelight that makes stories stick.

At BERT, we design shoes for what happens before and after your biggest adventures. But truthfully, we know that the most meaningful journeys aren’t measured in miles—they’re measured in moments shared with people we love.

Father’s Day is your chance to create one of those moments. It doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy or expensive. Just intentional. Just outside. Just with Dad.

So this Sunday, grab your gear, step outside, and show your dad that the best thing he ever taught you was how to explore. And don’t forget to pack your BERTs—you’ll want something cozy to slip on after the day’s done.