How to Host the Perfect Father’s Day

By Ellie Dharamraj - 6th May 2025

Father’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the brilliant men who’ve helped shape our lives: whether that’s a dad, stepdad, grandad, or any other father figure. It’s a chance to pause, show appreciation, and make them feel truly special. The tradition began in 1909, when Sonora Smart Dodd, inspired by a Mother’s Day sermon, had the idea of a day dedicated to fathers. Having been raised by just her dad, she wanted to honour the love, effort, and dedication of fatherhood. The first official Father’s Day was celebrated in Washington on 19 June 1910.

Today, the occasion is marked with everything from heartfelt messages and thoughtful gifts to exciting family activities and relaxing treats. Whether you’re planning something big or keeping it simple, we’ve gathered all the ideas you need to host the perfect Father’s Day this year.

When is Father’s Day?

In the UK, Father’s Day always falls on the third Sunday in June. In 2025, that’s Sunday 15 June - so pop it in your diary now!

Unlike Mother's Day, which varies by country and tradition, Father’s Day is more consistent worldwide. In the UK, the US, Canada, and many other places, it’s celebrated on the same weekend. But in countries like Australia, it’s in September.

With the UK date falling in early summer, it’s a great time to plan something outdoorsy - think sunny garden BBQS, trips to the beach, nature walks, or even a day at the park with a picnic.

What can I do for Dad on Father’s Day?

Thinking about what to do for Dad on Father’s Day can feel overwhelming, but it’s really about showing appreciation in a way that feels personal to him. Whether he enjoys being spoiled with a homemade breakfast after a Father's Day day out or simply relaxing with his favourite people, the best plans are often simple and thoughtful.

Start the day with food
- A Father’s Day breakfast in bed
- A home-cooked brunch
- Baking Father’s Day biscuits or cupcakes
Father’s Day bookings
- A Sunday roast
- A classic pub lunch
- Father's Day afternoon tea
Give thoughtful touches
- Father’s Day balloons
- Father’s Day flowers
- Homemade bunting
Match his hobbies
- Build model planes together
- Work on the garden together
- Help out with a DIY project
Father's Day craft ideas
- Homemade cards
- Decorate Photo frames
- Ice a cake together
Add a fun twist
- Set up a family scavenger hunt
- Plan an at-home cinema night
- Have a bake-off

What are some ideas for Father’s Day activities?

When looking for things to do for Father’s Day, it’s the quality time together that matters most. Whether your dad prefers the great outdoors or something more low-key, planning an activity that suits his interests is a thoughtful way to show how much you care. It could be something he rarely takes time to do for himself, or a shared experience that brings everyone together. From active adventures to relaxing pastimes, choosing the right activity helps turn Father’s Day into a meaningful memory, and it doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated to be special.

Axe throwing or archery
Geocaching in your local area
A long nature hike
Hosting a friends and family BBQ
A day trip to the beach
A family forest bike ride
Fishing in a river or lake
A boat trip or hire
Paddleboarding or watersports
A weekend camping trip
A beer tasting experience
Taking a cooking class together

If you're after something organised, keep an eye out for local Father’s Day events or experience days - from brewery tours to foodie workshops, there are loads of options to explore.

What to write inside a Father’s Day card?

Writing a meaningful Father’s Day card can sometimes feel daunting, especially when you want to get the tone right. The key is to consider your relationship with your dad or father figure and what you most appreciate about them. Start by reflecting on the role they’ve played in your life, from big moments to everyday memories. Whether they’ve been a constant source of advice, a supportive listener, or simply made you laugh when you needed it most, mentioning these qualities will make your message feel genuine and personal.

If your dad has a great sense of humour, keep the tone light and playful. A well-placed joke or cheeky remark can go a long way in making him smile.
If your relationship is more sentimental or serious, you might want to share something heartfelt: perhaps a memory you both treasure, a milestone you reached together, or a few words of thanks for everything he’s done.
If you’re writing on behalf of younger children, include a simple message that reflects their love, admiration, or favourite thing about Dad, and if they’re old enough, let them add their own words too.
For partners writing to the father of their children, this is also a lovely opportunity to show appreciation. Mention how much you value his role as a parent, recognise the little things he does for the family, and perhaps recall moments that made you feel especially proud of him.

Ultimately, the best Father’s Day card messages are the ones that feel real, whether they’re full of emotion, humour, gratitude, or a mix of all three.

27 top suggestions for Father’s Day

Need more inspiration? Here are 27 of our best Father’s Day personalised ideas, from chill time to high-energy fun:

Attend a local car show
Go to the cinema
Take him on a long countryside hike
Cook his favourite dinner
Help him out with the garden
Host a BBQ party with family
Play a round of golf or mini golf
Try paddleboarding together
Make him breakfast in bed
Pick up Father’s Day balloons
Organise a family scavenger hunt
Visit a car museum or show
Create a personalised photo album
Hire a squash court for a match
Give him some peaceful alone time
Plan a family board game night
Set up a backyard picnic
Book a Go-Karting session
Play video games as a team
Hire a boat for the afternoon
Toast marshmallows at a bonfire
Bake a Father’s Day cake together
Plan a picnic at a scenic spot
Visit a National Trust property
Take him to a comedy show
Watch his favourite film at home
Host a chilled spa day for him

However you choose to celebrate, Father’s Day is all about showing appreciation in a way that feels meaningful to you and your family. Whether it’s a grand gesture, a quiet moment, or simply spending quality time together, what matters most is making your dad or father figure feel seen and valued. With a little planning and a lot of heart, you can create a day full of memories he’ll truly cherish.

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