13 Memorable 80th Birthday Ideas For Dad

Your Dad reaching the age of 80 is a major event! It deserves the type of birthday party that befits such a major milestone. But how best to celebrate it in a way that will create beautiful shared memories? To start, here are 13 memorable 80th birthday ideas for Dad that you’re sure to love.

Along with birthday ideas, we’re also sharing 80th-birthday-perfect venue rentals that you can book through Peerspace. Peerspace is the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals and is the easiest way to discover and book sensational spaces that bring any party to life. But not just any spaces, we’re talking about mansions, cabins, art galleries, restaurants, rooftops, and more.

More on that ahead! For now, let’s get started with our favorite 80th birthday ideas for Dad.

1. Hire a photographer to capture this milestone event

After all, this is a list of memorable 80th birthday ideas for Dad – meaning ideas for things that you’ll all remember for years to come! So hiring a photographer, whether that’s for formal portraits or just to take candid photos of the birthday festivities, is an excellent way to create real memories to look back on.

You might even want to rent a professional photo studio through Peerspace for a few hours, someplace like this stunning modern 6-in-1 photo studio in Atlanta, GA. It is a beautifully designed loft space full of exotic plants and radiant natural light. The host provides six differently styled spaces all in one spot, perfect for capturing Dad’s many moods.

This Peerspace studio has several hundred rave reviews from past renters who call it a “Very beautiful space! Several different options to choose from for film or content. Highly recommended!” and “Excellent in every way! The lighting was perfect in each room. Very clean, great customer service experience. If you are a plant person this space is for you. Planning on returning soon.”

After the birthday photoshoot, have some of the photos professionally printed and framed and give copies to Dad as a memento.

2. Take him on a trip to visit his childhood home

Taking a trip to visit your Dad’s childhood home could be the trip down memory lane needed to make his 80th birthday that much more special. He’ll no doubt share long-forgotten stories with you that strengthen your bond and make him fondly recall his younger days.

Whether it’s located in the same city where he currently lives or in a completely different part of the state, country, or even world, this is an amazing and truly memorable 80th birthday idea for Dad.

Dad may not have lived in a mansion during his childhood, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help him rent a mansion for a day for the perfect birthday setting!

3. Have a laugh-filled roast of the birthday guy

This 80th birthday idea for Dad comes from Fun Attic. They suggest: “If the elderly person you plan on throwing a party for has a good sense of humor, consider hosting a roast. Make sure the guests know to keep it clean, lighthearted, and fun. The goal is to make sure everyone gets a good laugh without any feelings getting hurt.”

If this sounds up your Dad’s alley, it’ll be a really fun night! Enhance the experience by booking a fun performance venue through Peerspace that also happens to have a stage and theater lighting. This versatile downtown Denver, CO theater is one such space and actually functions as a comedy club when it’s not moonlighting on Peerspace, so it’s perfect for your roast!

The venue provides you with A/V equipment, theater lighting, seating, and even a bar, so all the guests can loosen up a bit before they deliver their heartfelt roasts. The host also provides a karaoke system, so the birthday guy can belt out some of his favorite classic tunes post-roast if he’s feeling up to it.

4. Make it a glamorous night by planning an Old Hollywood party

Many 80-year-olds might be nostalgic for the glamorous days of Old Hollywood when talented stars like Humphrey Bogart, Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and Bette Davis lit up the silver screen and captivated millions. If your Dad loves old movies, an Old Hollywood-themed party will be a winner!

No matter which Coast you’re on, you can also book a Peerspace party venue steeped in Hollywood history by renting a Hollywood mansion once owned by Rudolph Valentino and a New Jersey mansion in the woods once frequented by Charlie Chaplin! Your Dad will no doubt appreciate the thought you put into the event when you use 80th birthday ideas for Dad like this!

Does this idea seem perfect for Dad? Then take further inspiration from our chic Hollywood theme party ideas!

5. Go golfing together and hit the links

If your Dad is an avid golfer, then 80th birthday ideas for Dad like this are ideal for him. If so, why not consider an alternative to having a big party where you invite tons of people and instead just go golfing together? You’re sure to have a fun time together, getting some sun and fresh air with plenty of time to talk to your Dad and reminisce over fond memories.

If you live where the weather isn’t so great during the time of year your Dad’s birthday falls, don’t worry. You can book a venue like this private indoor golf simulator club in Seattle, WA through Peerspace! It features two side-by-side golf bays, so you and your Dad can take your swings together, and the simulator recreates virtual versions of 110 different courses. They have a BYO policy when it comes to food, drinks, and golf clubs, so don’t forget those!

For our Midwest friends, there’s also this private indoor man cave in Navarre, OH complete with a golf simulator. The host calls it the “ultimate bachelor’s pad,” and we can see why, thanks to its rustic style, bar, and lounge seating. Plus, you enter this private space through a garage door, so it should be fine for Dads with any mobility issues.

6. Make a slideshow about your Dad for the party

Put together a slideshow of your dad over the years, with photos and videos from childhood and young adulthood as well as more recent photos, perhaps in chronological order, so it effectively tells the story of his life. Guests will really appreciate having this insight into his life, and it will be wonderful to see all the old photos, especially adorable baby photos if you have them!

To make the most of this idea, rent a private screening room through Peerspace that offers you the comfort of a movie theater but that you, your Dad, and his party guests can enjoy privately. One of our favorites is this deluxe theater room in San Diego, CA, that provides plush seating for 15 guests, a 72″ screen, a projector into which you can plug a USB drive containing your slideshow, and surround sound. Bring some snacks, start the slideshow, and let the good times roll!

Learn more about how much it costs to rent a movie theater for a birthday party here!

7. He’s never too old to enjoy a dance party

Does your Dad love to dance? At his birthday party, play songs that were popular when your Dad was young. If he’s up for it, have him show you the dance moves that he would have done at the time! And if you don’t have a space where you can host a party with a dance floor, then rent a stylish and well-equipped dance studio rental through Peerspace.

For instance, this airy and bright yoga studio near Sydney, Australia has a dance-perfect floor and plenty of room for as many as 100 guests. Meanwhile, Stateside Dads in the Atlanta area can also enjoy this beautiful well-lit studio for dance and yoga in Chamblee, GA. It’s a large open space with room for 20 guests, an excellent sound system, and party-perfect optional add-on services from the host.

You can find dance party venues like these in cities across the globe when you use Peerspace.

8. Get him a nice bottle of wine, whiskey, or his preferred drink

For Dads who love fine wine or high-quality liquor, shelling out for a really high-quality bottle of his favorite drink will be highly appreciated.

Be sure to do a bit of research before choosing what to buy him, and try to figure out what he’d like the most (for instance, red wine? White wine? Is there a particular region that’s his favorite for wine?). Talk about one of the most thoughtful 80th birthday ideas for Dad when you want to spoil him!

9. Help him host a backyard barbecue

For all the times your dad cooked you and the rest of your family delicious meals on the grill, return the favor and go all-out with a wonderful barbecue serving all his favorite foods.

Assuming you have a backyard where you can throw this barbecue, this is a really affordable party idea – all you have to pay for is the food and drinks and perhaps a bit of decor (string lights are always a nice touch), and you’ve got a festive gathering!

If you’re in San Francisco, CA, and want to book a fun outdoor space that can bring the barbecue to you, then check out this stylish private outdoor heated garden. The host provides the warm, stylish outdoor space and can even hook you up with catering, whiskey tastings, blackjack, karaoke, and more!

10. Head to the beach together

For Dads who are beach bums and just love to sit in the sun, dig their toes into the sand, and read a good book, go on a trip to the beach together. Follow this lovely day of surf, sand, and sun by treating him to a nice meal. We can hardly think of better 80th birthday ideas for Dad than this!

Our awesome outdoor birthday party ideas can enhance your day at the beach. Check them out!

11. Serve him a classic: breakfast in bed

Stay over at your Dad’s house the night before his birthday, and in the morning before he wakes up prepare all his favorite breakfast foods and bring them to him on a tray. He’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness, and it’ll start his birthday off on a great foot.

12. Introduce your Dad to something new

As a reminder that turning 80 doesn’t mean he has to stop learning new things or seeking out new experiences, and if your Dad happens to be especially open-minded, consider planning a birthday activity that would allow him to have a new experience.

For instance, Love to Know suggests introducing him to a virtual reality game via a headset. It “can be a great choice of entertainment for not requiring wires, computers, or external devices, from meeting up with their family members in a virtual space to playing games and going on an epic adventure around the world.”

13. Take him to dinner at his favorite restaurant

Another alternative to a loud, busy party if that’s not his thing! Treat your Dad to a lavish meal at his favorite restaurant. This is an especially good option if your Dad is frugal and tends to avoid treating himself. By the age of 80, he definitely deserves it!

If you prefer to book a restaurant that will provide you and Dad with some personalized service, then book a restaurant venue through Peerspace. For instance, you can book your Baltimore, MD-based Dad a few hours at this gorgeous converted bank in the heart of downtown. The host is happy to provide you with a customized menu filled with all of your Dad’s favorite eats and drinks. All in a beautiful and warm setting!

80th birthday ideas for Dad: conclusion

We hope these 80th birthday ideas for Dad have struck the perfect cord for you and your Dad and you’re ready to start planning an epic birthday party!

Between these thoughtful suggestions and the perfect celebration venue courtesy of Peerspace, you’ll be throwing Dad a birthday suited to this amazing milestone. Cheers to that!

Find unique birthday party venues on Peerspace