Father’s Day Cookout Tips for the Perfect Summer Gathering (+ Summer Charades & Cookout Printables)

Last updated on May 17th, 2025 at 03:17 pm

As the weather warms up and neighborhood block parties commence, cookouts and family fun go together like a burger on a bun. This Father’s Day, celebrate dad with an enjoyable barbecue that he’ll always remember. 

Not sure where to start? Here are a few summer grilling pointers to make sure your cookout is safe and entertaining this Father’s Day. And, be sure to grab our fun summer charades printable too!

How to Throw the Perfect Summer Gathering

Grill Equipment:

Whether you’re using your dad’s beloved charcoal grill or your new gas grill, the tools you’ll need to prepare the food are all the same. Good barbecue tools can last for years. Make sure you have a stainless steel spatula, sturdy tongs, and a heat-resistant grilling fork. 

Blasting brushes, an apron, and a flame-resistant glove can all help in dishing out burgers or steaks and protect against fires and burning yourself. Extra charcoal for your grill is also important to keep the party going! 

Here’s a checklist of items to make sure you consider before the cookout:

• Oil
• Spatula
• Meat knives
• Apron
• Fire-resistant gloves
• Meat thermometer

It might sound obvious, but making sure all of your guests have food, drinks, and all the fun that they can have is important. Pairing cookout foods with adult-beverages is a great way to spice up your menu. You can show off your bartending skills, and mix refreshing drinks that you can make throughout the summer. 

Offer a variety of non-alcoholic drinks for kids and guests who don’t drink to include everyone in the activities. Be sure to have your coolers stocked so everyone can stay hydrated and happy. Here are a few beverage ideas that will make your summer cookout a hit:

• Beer, wine, and cocktails
• Juice for mixers
• Soda
• Water
• Fruit punch
• Lemonade

Summer Charades Printable

Finally, it isn’t a party without entertainment and games. Some classic outdoor games that are perfect for a barbeque party are horse shoes, lawn darts, corn hole, or a ladder toss game. You can also download and print out the summer charades game below for even more fun!

Click the photo to print your summer charades game cards. Then cut out on the dotted lines.

Watch where you grill:

From 2014 to 2018, grill fires caused nearly 8,900 fire department visits to homes hosting their own cookouts. Trust me—you do not want to be a part of these statistics. It’s crucial to grill at least ten feet away from all guests, flammable structures, and especially from your home. 

For more information on how to safely grill, ensure everyone’s safety, and protect your home, here are some helpful guidelines:

• Grill safety tip 1: Make sure that children and pets are far away from the grill when it is fired and being used. 

• Grill safety tip 2: Turn your grill off when it is not in use. Vent the lid to the grill to prevent gas build up after use.

• Grill safety tip 3: Check for wobbly legs or uneven ground underneath your grill that you may not have noticed in the past. This will make sure that your grill won’t tip over when you add food to the grill.

Say “Thanks, Dad!”

It’s the little things that make your dad special, whether he cheered you on at every football game or has the best bad jokes. Thanking your dad for all the memories you two have made will make his Father’s Day cookout all about him. 

We have created fun Father’s Day gift tags and a grill safety zone sign for you and your friends to share at your event.

Download and print the free cookout printables below to help make this Father’s Day one to remember!

Click the photo below to print.

Now you’re ready to plan the perfect Father’s Day cookout including family, food, and a game of summer charades. 

Are you planning a barbeque this summer? What are your tips for the perfect summer gathering? Leave us a comment below.

Also read:
8 Ways to Save Money on Your Afternoon Barbeque Party
Grilling and Camping Recipes Roundup — 15 Tasty Recipes
Free Father’s Day Fill-in-the-Blank Printable — Superhero Edition

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