When I was in fifth grade, my dad let me skip school to take me fishing. Pretty cool, right? It’s a memory I still hold on to because it combined two awesome things: fishing and my dad (3, if you count ditching school, which you totally should). You probably have some solid memories you share with your dad, too. If we want our sons to savor the same kind of memories decades from now, we have to be intentional about creating those memories today.
Here are 13 father and son activities that can form forever bonds. I know the title says 10, but what can I say? I’m a giver (and a liar).
1) FISHING/HUNTING—The slower pace often leads to deep thinking and conversation. So, just be sure to pick a type of hunting that allows you to whisper.
2) PRACTICE A SPORT HE PLAYS—It’s a classic. If you build it, he will come. There’s something almost poetic about a game of catch between father and son. So, go outside and toss the football, kick a soccer ball around, or shoot some hoops.
3) FIX/BUILD SOMETHING—Walking your son through a project on how to fix or build something not only sets up quality time but also teaches your son some life skills he’ll need for the future.
4) LEARN A NEW SKILL TOGETHER—Trying to take on a new challenge puts the two of you on common ground. Learn to box, play an instrument, or take a cooking class. Learning together can bring you closer as few things can.
5) SHARE A MEAL –Not all time together has to be over-the-top activities. You probably have memories of conversations you had with your dad when it was just the two of you sitting at your favorite restaurant. There’s a reason we see Jesus sharing a meal with many of the people He did ministry with—it works.
6) PLAY HIS GAME—Whether LEGO, video games, NERF guns, or chess. Step into his world and do whatever he likes to do.
7) CHASE A PHYSICAL GOAL TOGETHER—Pick a physical challenge that will involve some struggle — it’s beneficial in more ways than one. Trials glue people together. Soldiers share a brotherhood like no other because they face the ultimate battle together. Start working out together, train for a race or triathlon. Work up towards a long hike. Whatever the goal, it has to be challenging for both of you.
8) SET OUT ON A ROAD TRIP—You probably have great memories from one road trip or another. Shared hours in confined space practically force bonding. Pick a spot on the map, and then go for a drive.
9) GO CAMPING—It’s primal. It’s an opportunity to step away from technology and slow down a little bit. And then there’s the campfire. Mix it all together, and you get an excellent recipe for bonding.
10) MISSION PROJECTS—Service opens the hearts of people. Spending time together while caring for someone else’s needs will help teach him he isn’t the center of the world and lead to some life-changing discussion.
11) DO SOMETHING FOR YOUR WIFE/HIS MOM—This is a win, win. Your wife will appreciate an unexpected gift at an unexpected time. Plus, you will teach your son how he should care for his wife when the day comes.
12) GO TO A GAME/CONCERT—Favorite team you both root for? A shared interest in music? Even if the answer to those questions is “no,” this could be an opportunity to introduce each other to a passion.
13) RECREATE A FAVORITE MEMORY YOU SHARED WITH YOUR DAD—Invite your son to do something you loved doing with your dad. For extra credit, include your father in the activity.
The father and son relationship is only as strong as YOU make it.
A father-son relationship can be something special, but much of that depends on you. Pick an activity and spend some quality time creating memories that will linger with him for a lifetime.
