100+ This or That Questions for Dad: Build Stronger Bonds Through Fun Conversations

This or that questions for dad are simple choice-based questions that help families connect with fathers on a deeper level while creating fun, memorable conversations. These questions present two options—such as “coffee or tea” or “beach vacation or mountain getaway”—that reveal dad’s preferences, personality, and values in an engaging, low-pressure format.

We often think we know our dads inside and out. But how often do we actually sit down and ask about their preferences, dreams, or simple daily choices? These conversations don’t happen as naturally as they should, especially as life gets busier and everyone’s schedules fill up.

In this guide, we’ll share over 100 carefully crafted this or that questions specifically designed for dads. You’ll find questions organized by category, from everyday preferences to deeper topics that spark meaningful discussions. Whether you’re planning a Father’s Day celebration, looking for road trip entertainment, or simply want to strengthen your relationship with your father, these questions will help you create genuine connections and discover new things about the dad in your life.

Why This or That Questions Work Perfectly for Dads

What Makes These Questions Effective for Fathers?

This or that questions work perfectly for dads because they provide a structured conversation format that feels comfortable and non-threatening while encouraging genuine sharing. Many fathers prefer straightforward interactions over emotionally heavy discussions, making this format ideal for building connections.

We’ve noticed that dads often appreciate the simplicity of binary choices. There’s no pressure to come up with elaborate answers or share vulnerable feelings right away. They can just pick an option and, if they feel like it, explain why. This casual approach often leads to deeper conversations naturally.

The format also removes awkwardness from family bonding time. Instead of forced “quality time” that feels uncomfortable, these questions create organic opportunities for storytelling, laughter, and learning about each other. Dads can share memories, explain their reasoning, and reveal aspects of their personality without feeling put on the spot.

How Do These Questions Strengthen Father-Child Relationships?

These questions strengthen father-child relationships by creating regular opportunities for meaningful interaction, showing genuine interest in dad’s thoughts, and building shared experiences through conversation. Research shows that consistent, positive communication significantly improves family bonds and emotional closeness.

When you ask your dad these questions, you’re sending a powerful message: “I want to know you better. Your opinions matter to me.” This validation means more than you might realize, especially for dads who may not always feel appreciated or understood.

The conversations sparked by these questions also create memories. Years from now, you’ll remember laughing about dad’s surprising answer or hearing a story from his past you’d never known. These shared moments become part of your family’s story and strengthen the emotional foundation of your relationship.

For families looking to deepen connections beyond just dad, our comprehensive collection of this or that questions offers options for every family member and situation.

100+ This or That Questions for Dad

Food and Drink Preferences

Food questions reveal daily habits and comfort preferences while often triggering stories about favorite meals, family traditions, or memorable dining experiences.

1. Coffee or tea?
2. Beer or wine?
3. Steak or chicken?
4. Pizza or burgers?
5. Breakfast or dinner?
6. Cooking at home or eating out?
7. Spicy food or mild food?
8. Chocolate or vanilla?
9. Pancakes or waffles?
10. Grilling or baking?
11. Sweet snacks or salty snacks?
12. Ice cream or pie?
13. Italian food or Mexican food?
14. Soda or juice?
15. Hot dogs or tacos?

For more food-related conversation starters, check out our this or that food questions that work great for family dinners and gatherings.

Hobbies and Leisure Activities

These questions uncover how dad likes to spend his free time and what activities bring him joy or relaxation after a busy week.

1. Watching sports or playing sports?
2. Reading books or watching movies?
3. Fishing or hunting?
4. Working on cars or working in the yard?
5. Video games or board games?
6. Camping or staying in hotels?
7. Golf or bowling?
8. Building things or fixing things?
9. Photography or painting?
10. Collecting things or experiencing things?
11. Solo hobbies or group activities?
12. Indoor activities or outdoor adventures?
13. Learning new skills or perfecting existing ones?
14. Competing or collaborating?
15. Active hobbies or relaxing hobbies?

Work and Career Questions

Career-related questions help you understand dad’s professional life, work values, and how he views success and achievement.

1. Working with your hands or working with your mind?
2. Being the boss or being part of a team?
3. Working from home or working in an office?
4. Early morning start or late start?
5. Routine work or variety in tasks?
6. People-focused job or task-focused job?
7. High pressure or steady pace?
8. Travel for work or stay local?
9. Creative work or analytical work?
10. Teaching others or learning from others?

For inspiration about career growth and professional development, explore our inspirational career quotes that celebrate the journey of work and achievement.

Entertainment and Media

Entertainment preferences reveal personality traits and offer insights into what captures dad’s attention during downtime.

1. Action movies or comedies?
2. Classic films or new releases?
3. Documentaries or fictional shows?
4. Streaming services or cable TV?
5. Watching alone or with family?
6. Sports channels or news channels?
7. Podcasts or music?
8. Radio or playlists?
9. Live concerts or recorded music?
10. Rock or country music?
11. Reading fiction or nonfiction?
12. Audiobooks or physical books?
13. Newspapers or online news?
14. TV series or movies?
15. Superhero films or war movies?

Travel and Adventure

Travel questions explore dad’s sense of adventure and reveal dream destinations or favorite types of getaways.

1. Beach vacation or mountain retreat?
2. Road trips or flying?
3. International travel or exploring locally?
4. Relaxing vacation or adventure-packed trip?
5. Camping or luxury hotels?
6. Historical sites or natural wonders?
7. Big cities or small towns?
8. Warm climate or cold climate?
9. Cruise or resort?
10. Planned itinerary or spontaneous exploring?
11. Solo travel or family trips?
12. Weekend getaways or long vacations?
13. Visiting new places or returning to favorites?
14. Tourist attractions or off-the-beaten-path?
15. Packing light or bringing everything?

Sports and Fitness

Sports questions tap into competitive spirit and physical activity preferences while often revealing lifelong passions and team loyalties.

1. Football or basketball?
2. Baseball or hockey?
3. College sports or professional sports?
4. Playing sports or watching sports?
5. Individual sports or team sports?
6. Gym workouts or outdoor exercise?
7. Running or cycling?
8. Weights or cardio?
9. Morning workouts or evening workouts?
10. Competition or personal fitness?

Technology and Gadgets

Tech questions reveal how dad interacts with modern technology and what tools make his life easier or more enjoyable.

1. iPhone or Android?
2. Mac or PC?
3. Smart home devices or traditional controls?
4. Latest technology or proven technology?
5. DIY tech fixes or professional help?
6. Digital organization or paper planners?
7. Social media or staying offline?
8. Texting or phone calls?
9. Email or messaging apps?
10. Online shopping or in-store shopping?

Lifestyle and Daily Preferences

Daily preference questions reveal routines, comfort zones, and the small choices that shape dad’s everyday life.

1. Early bird or night owl?
2. Hot shower or cold shower?
3. Casual clothes or dressed up?
4. Neat and organized or comfortable mess?
5. Planning ahead or going with the flow?
6. Saving money or spending on experiences?
7. DIY projects or hiring professionals?
8. Dogs or cats?
9. Quiet time or social time?
10. City living or country living?

Deeper Reflection Questions

These questions encourage thoughtful responses and often lead to meaningful conversations about values, life experiences, and personal growth.

1. Being respected or being liked?
2. Job satisfaction or higher salary?
3. Spending time with family or personal time?
4. Giving advice or listening?
5. Being right or keeping the peace?
6. Success or happiness?
7. Adventures or stability?
8. Being remembered for achievements or relationships?
9. Wisdom or youth?
10. Legacy or living in the moment?

For couples looking to strengthen their partnership, our this or that questions for husband and wife offer questions that help partners understand each other better.

How to Use These Questions with Your Dad

When Are the Best Times to Ask These Questions?

The best times to ask dad this or that questions are during car rides, family dinners, holidays, one-on-one activities, or any relaxed setting where conversation flows naturally without distractions or time pressure.

We’ve found several perfect opportunities:

During car rides – Long drives create a captive audience in the best way. With nowhere else to be and minimal distractions, conversations deepen naturally. Ask a few questions and see where they lead.

Family dinners – Instead of everyone staring at phones, use these questions to spark table conversation. Go around and have everyone answer, creating opportunities for comparison and laughter.

Father’s Day celebrations – Make the day more meaningful by going beyond material gifts. These questions show you care about knowing dad better, which often means more than another tie or gadget.

During shared activities – Whether you’re fishing, working on a project, or watching a game together, drop in a question or two. The activity takes pressure off the conversation while still allowing meaningful exchange.

Holiday gatherings – When extended family comes together, these questions can include everyone and create entertaining group discussions that bring generations together.

What Strategies Make These Conversations More Meaningful?

Make conversations more meaningful by asking follow-up questions, sharing your own answers, creating judgment-free space, giving dad time to think, and genuinely listening to his responses without interruption.

Ask “why” gently – After dad answers, follow up with “What makes you choose that?” or “Tell me more about that.” This invites storytelling without feeling like an interrogation.

Share your answer too – Make it a two-way conversation. After dad responds, share your choice and reasoning. This creates balance and shows you’re participating, not just interviewing.

Don’t judge the answers – If dad’s preference surprises you or differs from yours, resist the urge to criticize. Remember, the goal is understanding, not agreement.

Give him thinking time – Some dads need a moment to consider their answer. Don’t rush to fill silence. Comfortable pauses often lead to more thoughtful responses.

Record the memories – Consider writing down memorable answers or recording the conversation (with permission). These become treasured keepsakes, especially as dads get older.

If you’re looking for other ways to engage in meaningful family conversations, explore our conversation topics to talk about with friends and family for additional ideas.

Creative Ways to Use Dad’s This or That Questions

How Can You Turn This into a Father’s Day Activity?

Turn this or that questions into a Father’s Day activity by creating a custom game, making a memory book, hosting a family quiz show, or combining questions with photos that celebrate dad’s life and preferences.

Create a “Dad Trivia” game – Before Father’s Day, ask family members to guess dad’s answers to 20 questions. On Father’s Day, reveal the correct answers and see who knows dad best. This creates laughter and surprising discoveries.

Make a personalized book – Write out questions on the left pages and dad’s answers on the right, adding photos or illustrations. This becomes a meaningful keepsake that captures dad’s personality at this moment in time.

Video interview – Record dad answering questions on camera. Years from now, family members will treasure hearing his voice and seeing his expressions as he shares his preferences and stories.

Family competition – Split into teams and take turns answering for dad before he reveals his actual choice. Award points for correct guesses, creating friendly competition and lots of laughs.

Can These Questions Help Kids Connect with Their Dad?

Yes, these questions help kids connect with dad by opening communication channels, revealing shared interests, creating inside jokes, and helping children see their father as a complete person beyond his parenting role.

Children often see dads primarily through the lens of authority and provision. These questions humanize fathers, showing kids that dad has preferences, dreams, and personality quirks just like they do.

For young children – Stick to simpler categories like food, animals, and activities. Kids love discovering that dad likes the same ice cream flavor or prefers the same season they do.

For teenagers – Use deeper questions about values, career, and life philosophy. Teens benefit from seeing dad’s reasoning and understanding the principles that guide his decisions.

For adult children – Don’t stop asking questions just because you’re grown. Adult children often discover entirely new dimensions of their fathers’ personalities and life experiences through these conversations.

The connection goes both ways. Dads also learn about their kids through these exchanges, creating mutual understanding that strengthens bonds across generations.

For younger kids just learning to ask questions, our this or that questions for kindergarten offers age-appropriate options that teach conversation skills while building family connections.

Benefits of This or That Questions for Dads

How Do These Questions Improve Family Communication?

These questions improve family communication by lowering conversational barriers, creating regular dialogue habits, revealing common ground, encouraging active listening, and demonstrating that family members’ thoughts and preferences matter.

Many families struggle with meaningful communication. Conversations stay surface-level, focusing on logistics rather than connection. “Did you finish your homework?” “What time is practice?” “Don’t forget to take out the trash.” These necessary exchanges don’t build emotional bonds.

This or that questions shift the dynamic. They invite sharing without requiring vulnerability that might feel uncomfortable. Dad can talk about preferring beaches over mountains without exposing deep emotions, yet the conversation still reveals something about him.

Over time, these small exchanges build communication muscles. Families get better at talking to each other. The questions become conversation starters that lead to bigger discussions about hopes, memories, and values.

What Do These Questions Reveal About Dad’s Personality?

These questions reveal dad’s personality through patterns in his choices, his reasoning behind preferences, the enthusiasm in his responses, and the stories he shares while explaining his selections.

Consistent patterns tell stories – If dad always chooses competitive over collaborative, active over relaxing, and adventure over routine, you’re seeing his core personality traits emerge. These patterns help you understand what drives him.

The “why” matters most – Two dads might both choose “steak over chicken,” but one explains it’s about the grilling ritual while another focuses on the protein content. The reasoning reveals values, priorities, and what matters most to them.

Enthusiasm levels speak volumes – Notice which questions light dad up. Does he get animated discussing sports or travel? Does he have strong opinions about technology but not care about food? His energy shows where his passions lie.

Stories reveal history – When dad explains that he prefers camping because of childhood memories with his father, you’re learning family history and understanding how his past shapes his present preferences.

Can These Questions Help During Difficult Times?

Yes, these questions can help during difficult times by maintaining connection when deeper conversations feel too heavy, providing normalcy during crisis, offering distraction from stress, and keeping communication channels open for when dad is ready to talk about harder topics.

When families face challenges—health issues, job loss, relationship struggles, or grief—heavy emotional conversations can feel overwhelming. This or that questions offer a lighter way to stay connected without demanding vulnerability that dad might not be ready to give.

They also serve as check-ins disguised as casual conversation. Changes in how dad answers questions might signal shifts in his mental or emotional state. If the usually adventurous dad suddenly chooses all the safe, routine options, it might indicate he’s feeling overwhelmed or anxious.

For families navigating relationship challenges, our resources on healthy relationship tips for couples and how to communicate better in relationships provide guidance for maintaining strong connections during tough times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are this or that questions too simple for meaningful conversations with dad?

No, this or that questions are not too simple because they serve as conversation starters that naturally lead to deeper discussions. The binary format removes pressure and creates openings for storytelling, reasoning, and sharing that often evolve into meaningful exchanges about values, memories, and beliefs.

How many questions should you ask dad in one sitting?

Ask your dad 5-15 this or that questions in one sitting, depending on how the conversation flows. Let his engagement level guide you—if he’s elaborating and enjoying the exchange, continue. If responses become short or distracted, wrap up and save remaining questions for another time.

What if dad gives joke answers or doesn’t take questions seriously?

When dad gives joke answers, laugh along and then gently redirect by asking again or by sharing your serious answer first to model the tone. Some dads use humor as a defense mechanism, and consistent, judgment-free questioning over multiple sessions often leads to more genuine sharing as comfort builds.

Can these questions work for stepdads or father figures?

Yes, these questions work excellently for stepdads and father figures because they help build new relationships and understanding without requiring shared history. They create opportunities to learn about each other’s preferences and personalities, which is especially valuable in blended families or newer relationships.

Should you avoid certain questions with your dad?

Yes, avoid questions that might touch on sensitive family issues, health concerns, or topics you know cause your dad stress or discomfort. Focus on questions that invite positive sharing, and save potentially difficult subjects for times when you’re both ready for more serious conversations.

How can you remember dad’s answers for future reference?

Remember dad’s answers by keeping a journal dedicated to his responses, making voice or video recordings during conversations, creating a digital document you update regularly, or using apps designed for family memory keeping. These records become precious keepsakes over time.

Do these questions work for dads who aren’t talkative?

Yes, these questions work well for quiet dads because the binary format requires minimal verbal output initially. Even one-word answers reveal preferences, and the low-pressure structure often helps reserved dads open up gradually. Pair questions with shared activities to further reduce conversational pressure.

Can you use these questions in group settings with dad?

Yes, use these questions in group settings to create family bonding time where everyone shares answers. This format works well at holiday gatherings, reunions, or family dinners, creating entertaining conversations while helping family members learn about each other’s similarities and differences.

Conclusion

This or that questions for dad offer a simple yet powerful way to strengthen your relationship with your father through meaningful conversations that celebrate his personality, preferences, and life experiences. These 100+ questions provide countless opportunities to learn new things about the man who shaped your life while creating memories that will last for generations.

We sometimes take our dads for granted. We assume we know everything about them because they’ve been constant presences in our lives. But every dad has layers of personality, experiences, and preferences that we haven’t fully explored. These questions help us discover those hidden dimensions.

The beauty of this approach is its simplicity. You don’t need to plan an elaborate activity or create the perfect moment. Just start with one question during your next conversation. “Hey Dad, coffee or tea?” From that simple beginning, you might discover stories about his college days, learn why he makes his coffee a certain way, or find out he secretly prefers tea but drinks coffee for the energy.

These small moments accumulate into deeper understanding. You’ll find yourself referencing past answers, noticing patterns in his choices, and seeing your dad more completely as an individual with his own preferences and personality beyond his role as your father.

For dads, being asked these questions sends a powerful message: “You matter to me as a person, not just as my parent. I want to know what makes you happy, what you prefer, and what you think about things.” This validation strengthens the bond between fathers and their children at any age.

Start today. Pick five questions from the list and ask your dad this week. Listen to his answers. Ask follow-up questions. Share your own responses. Create the habit of these small conversations, and watch how your relationship deepens over time.

The questions are simple, but their impact is profound. You’re not just learning whether dad prefers pizza or burgers—you’re building connection, creating shared experiences, and ensuring that you truly know the man who helped shape who you are.

Years from now, you’ll treasure these conversations and the insights they revealed. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Start asking questions today, and give yourself the gift of really knowing your dad.