Parents often go above and beyond to give their kids the best memories. But in their efforts, some cross a few lines—often in funny ways. Here’s a collection of heartwarming and humorous stories of dads who created unforgettable adventures their kids will never forget.

One night, when I was about 8, Dad found a secret passage in a Nintendo game. He paused, woke me up, and snuck me downstairs wrapped in a blanket so I could see it. Staying up past midnight on a school night became one of my favorite memories.

Another time, my daughter caught me sneaking ice cream after her bedtime. I told her not to tell Mom, and she didn’t—at least not directly. She went upstairs and sweetly told my wife she needed to brush her teeth again because of “sugar bugs.” She totally ratted me out without realizing it.

My sister once confessed to our dad that she earned coins by letting kids copy her homework. He kept a straight face, told her to stop, and never told Mom.

When I was little, Dad got pulled over because I was tickling him while he drove. I nervously nodded when the cop asked if it was true. They laughed and let us go, and Dad gave me the classic “Don’t tell Mom” talk.

Dad and I once started a tiny fire on the porch, went to bed, and woke to a giant hole in the wood. He just covered it with a table and said, “Don’t tell Mom.” She found out anyway.

Late-night gaming sessions, sneaky breakfasts, secret woodworking “rebellions,” and shared junk food all turned into treasured memories. These funny little moments show how dads often create the best adventures in the most unexpected ways.