Pick a trail you've been meaning to try and let your dog lead the way. He will stop at every interesting rock, investigate every suspicious bush, and arrive at the summit looking like he planned the whole expedition. Even though he didn't plan the expedition and he has no idea where he is, he's having the best day of his life.

Find a dog-friendly fishing spot, grab your gear, and settle in. Fair warning: some dogs are excellent fishing companions — calm, patient, perfectly still. Others will splash directly into the water the moment you cast your line and wonder why you seem annoyed. Either way, you're outside with your dog. That's a win.

Rent a pet-friendly kayak, canoe or paddleboard for a waterfront adventure. Some dogs take to it immediately — nose up, ears back, fully in their nautical era. Others will spend the entire trip trying to figure out how to get back to shore. Both outcomes make for an excellent Father's Day story. Look for calm lakes or slow-moving rivers for a first-time outing, and bring a dog life jacket.

Fire up the grill, invite a few friends, and let the dogs sort out the social hierarchy while the burgers cook. Toss your pup a plain, unseasoned piece of chicken or a dog-safe treat from the grill — no onions, no seasoning, no sharing the brisket no matter how convincingly he stares at you. And he will stare very convincingly.

Disc golf courses are almost universally dog-friendly, free or low-cost, and located in parks where your dog can sniff absolutely everything between holes. Your dog will not understand the rules of disc golf. He may attempt to retrieve your disc mid-flight. He will consider this helping. Check local course policies before bringing your pup, and keep him leashed if required.

Summer food truck festivals are one of the most underrated dog dad outings out there. The format is perfect: you wander, you eat something interesting, your dog meets approximately forty strangers who all want to pet him, and nobody has to commit to a sit-down restaurant. Many outdoor festivals welcome leashed dogs — check ahead to confirm, and bring water for both of you.

Many summer concert series, music festivals, and outdoor venues welcome leashed dogs — particularly free events in parks and town squares. Check your local events calendar for dog-friendly shows happening around Father's Day weekend. Bring a blanket, find a spot with some shade, and let your dog people-watch while you enjoy the music. He will attempt to make friends with everyone within a 20-foot radius. Let him.

Book a dog-friendly campsite and spend the night exactly as nature intended: next to a fire, under the stars, with a dog who will take up the entire sleeping bag and refuse to move. Bring extra blankets. You'll need them. Your dog will not share.

A growing number of axe throwing venues and entertainment bars welcome leashed dogs, and axe throwing is exactly as dad-coded as it sounds. Call ahead to confirm pet policy, then spend an hour throwing things at a target while your dog watches with what can only be described as cautious respect. Some bowling alleys with outdoor or open-air setups welcome dogs too — worth a search in your area.

Minor league baseball stadiums and some MLS venues regularly host "Bark in the Park" nights where dogs are welcome in designated sections. Check your local team's schedule around Father's Day — these events sell out. There is a non-zero chance your dog will spend the entire game trying to eat your hot dog. Budget accordingly.

Dog-friendly breweries are one of the great institutions of modern pet parenthood. Sample craft beers at a dog-friendly brewery where your sociable pup can network with the local four-legged crowd while you enjoy something hoppy.

Windows down, dog in the passenger seat, no particular destination. This is one of the simplest and most underrated things you can do with a dog on a summer day. Pick a scenic route, stop wherever looks interesting, and let your dog hang his head out the window like he owns the road. Because as far as he's concerned, he does.