By Maria LyndersShopping for Dad can feel a little like trying to read a map without a compass. You know his hobbies and quirks, but figuring out which direction to go in can leave you wandering in circles. That’s where this Father’s Day experience quiz comes in. Think of it as your compass for finding Father’s Day gifts that hit the mark — whether that’s a creative class, a food-filled afternoon, or simply more quality time together.
Once you start thinking about Father’s Day gifts as experiences for dad instead of more gadgets and gizmos, the problem quickly becomes having too many good ideas to choose from. From NYC cooking classes for the whole family to woodworking workshops in LA, there are plenty of experience days for Dad that come with a new skill, a great memory, and a story he’ll probably tell for years.
If you need help narrowing it down, answer five quick questions, and we’ll pair your dad with his perfect Father’s Day experience for 2026. Pencils at the ready!
The Dad Gift Quiz
1. If Dad had a signature T-shirt, what would it say?
A. “The Grillfather “
B. “Proud Girl Dad”
C. “The Man. The Myth. The Legend.”
D. “I Need My Space” (NASA shirt)
2. You’re on a long family road trip. What’s Dad playing on the radio?
A. Country hits and classic rock
B. Whatever the kids want — he’s fully committed to the singalong
C. A podcast about his next DIY project
D. NPR’s All Things Considered
3. Which dad joke would he absolutely tell at dinner?
A. “I like my steaks like my jokes… well done.”
B. His favorite punchline is showing embarrassing baby photos to your significant other.
C. “Want to hear a joke about construction? I’m still working on it.”
D. “When do computers overheat? When they need to vent.”
4. What’s Dad’s ideal Sunday?
A. A long hike followed by firing up the grill for a family BBQ.
B. A cozy movie night with his kids…it’s another rom-com, and he’s secretly into it.
C. A day checking off home projects — building a raised garden, fixing the squeaky door, and finally using that tool he bought months ago.
D. A museum day with a guided tour so he can learn the stories behind every piece of art.
5. What’s your Dad’s “Roman Empire”?
AKA that one niche obsession he’ll never stop thinking about
A. The invention of fire – because he can’t imagine life without his smoker
B. The Renaissance — because he appreciates art and the stories behind great works.
C. The Industrial Revolution — because he’s fascinated by tools and how things are built at scale.
D. The Moon Landing — because he secretly still wants to be an astronaut.
The gift results are in!
Mostly A’s: The Grill Master Dad
If you took this Father’s Day experience quiz and got mostly A’s, your dad is happiest when there’s good food, a strong cup of coffee, or something sizzling on the grill. He’s the type to spend all weekend perfecting his BBQ technique, researching the best bourbon, or proudly serving up his latest homemade masterpiece to anyone within reach.
Top Father’s Day ideas
- Summer BBQ grilling class in New York City
- Whiskey tasting experience in San Francisco
- Barista latte art class in Seattle
In your words…
“I did this [barista] class with my dad, and we loved learning about how to pull a good shot, and the (very difficult) technique required to make various art with our milk! We’ve already made many lattes with better results since.” - Jessica H
Find more cooking classes here
Mostly B’s: The Girl Dad
If your dad is a certified girl dad, the things that make him happiest are the moments spent with you. He’s dressed up as a princess without hesitation, mastered tea party etiquette, and somehow learned how to French braid better than anyone else in the family. A Father’s Day experience for him is all about making memories together.
Top Father’s Day experiences
- Cologne and perfume making class in San Francisco
- Pet stained glass making class in Los Angeles
- Rug tufting class in San Francisco
In your words…
“My husband, daughter, and I had a blast together tufting rugs to celebrate Father's Day. Our teacher was great - he gave us lots of attention and care. And all three of us made something we love!” - Kristi M
Mostly C’s: The Handy Man Dad
If you got mostly B’s, your dad loves figuring out how things work and making something with his own two hands. Whether he’s always in the garage, halfway through a DIY project, or the first person everyone calls when something breaks, he’ll appreciate a Father’s Day experience where he can learn a new skill and create something from scratch.
Best father and son experience gifts
- MIG welding class in Chicago
- Woodside table making class in New York City
- Leather wallet workshop in New Jersey
In your words…
“My dad and I had so much fun at this workshop! Kit and team were super helpful and we learned a lot. Love the wallets we made as well as the extra card holder. The vibe was immaculate with the music. Class size was perfect, and the studio was very clean and organized.” - Casey R
Find more metalwork classes here
Mostly D’s: The Bookish Dad
Your dad is endlessly curious and always ready with a random fun fact. If he got mostly D’s, he’s probably an NPR listener, loves learning about different cultures, and enjoys hobbies that let him explore something completely new. This June, give him personalized Father's Day gifts that feed his curiosity and creativity.
Top gift experiences for Dad
- Bonsai and brew class in San Francisco
- Brooklyn street art tour in New York City
- Kintsugi workshop in Los Angeles
In your words…
“I surprised my husband with a two-hour pottery class for Father’s Day, and it turned out to be one of the most fun and memorable experiences we've had together! Neither of us had done pottery before, but the class was welcoming, hands-on, and so much fun. “ - Jessica M
Your perfect Father’s Day experience awaits
From teaching you new skills like riding a bike to late nights spent working through math problems at the dining room table (maybe not the fondest memories), your dad has been there through every stage of life, teaching you along the way. This Father’s Day 2026, gift him an experience where the roles can flip a little — a chance to teach him something new in return, or simply learn side by side and make a few new memories of your own.
And while it’s easy to default to something simple like a pair of silly socks, a ClassBento experience gift card makes it just as effortless but far more meaningful. It’s quick to book, flexible for him to use, and opens the door to thousands of different experiences you can enjoy together.
