Honestly, when it comes to celebrating Father’s Day, things are pretty low-key around my house. They always have been. In fact, for a lot of years, my kids weren’t even around for Father’s Day. It always seemed like our church’s youth mission trip fell on Father’s Day weekend, so we “floated” it until they got back home.

Having said that, though, I can also guarantee that I appreciated the Father’s Day celebrations my wife and kids plan. While dads can try to look tough, something inside cries out for affirmation and appreciation. Being a dad is tough, and dads need to be armed for the journey—and they need all the encouragement they can get!

A good plan to celebrate Father’s Day helps scratch that itch.

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“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.”

Psalm 103:13

Why should you celebrate Father’s Day with Dad?

If someone asked me why we need to celebrate Father’s Day, I can’t think of a better response than “the Bible.” In the Ten Commandments, God told His people to honor their parents—both mother and father (Exodus 20:12). Later, the apostle Paul reminded his readers that this was the only commandment that came with a blessing attached to it (Ephesians 6:1-3). So, God literally demands that we honor our fathers.

But there are a couple of other reasons worth mentioning. First, fathers make an indelible impact on their families. As husbands and dads, men create the culture for their homes. Their investments of love and energy produce positive results that are lacking in families where the dads are absent. So, that makes celebrating Father’s Day significant.

Second, as I mentioned earlier, dads really do need appreciation and affirmation. The voices of the culture spend a lot of time tearing men down. Guys need to know that their wives and kids believe in them. They need to be treated like superheroes every once in a while. Finding creative ways to celebrate Father’s Day is a big deal for them.

5 Ways to celebrate Father’s Day

If you’re wondering how to come up with some great ways to celebrate Father’s Day, you might just need to ask. Some dads are going to be quick to let you know what would mean the most to them. For the rest, here are five ways you can celebrate Father’s Day and remind Dad just how much he means to you.

1. Make something instead of buying something

If your dad’s love language is gifts, he will definitely appreciate anything you give him for Father’s Day. But a homemade touch can speak volumes to him. It says that you seriously put some thought into who he is and what he would like. It doesn’t have to be fancy or crafty. It just needs to be thoughtful and from the heart. 

2. Spend some time together.

For me, this is one of the best ways to celebrate Father’s Day. Now that my kids are grown and starting families of their own, their willingness to simply spend time with me is incredibly special. For you, it could be something as simple as taking a walk together or going to a ballgame. Maybe you want to plan a special trip for just the two of you. Even a family game night can make him feel appreciated. My kids took me to a miniature golf course one year, and we had a blast! As the old saying goes, the best way to spell “love” is T-I-M-E. It’s a Father’s Day celebration he won’t forget.

3. Do something for him that he’s been putting off.

Like all human beings, dads can fall into the rut of “good intentions.” It may be something around the house or some other chore that they’ve been meaning to do but haven’t gotten around to it just yet. That’s where you can come in, celebrating Father’s Day by helping him check that off his list. Maybe it’s something hard, like cleaning the gutters. Or it could be something simple, like weeding a flower bed or washing a car. Give your dad the gift of “done” by serving him the way he has served you so well. 

4. Create a memory video or journal.

This may not be a one-person job, but it will be worth the effort. Take some old pictures and put them in a scrapbook, or create a compilation video of your favorite moments with your father. It could be as easy as converting one old videocassette (like a wedding) to a digital format. Memories make a huge impact in our lives, and collecting all those memories in one spot is a meaningful way to celebrate your father and Father’s Day.

5. Plan a scavenger hunt or progressive meal.

I saved this one for last because it’s probably the most fun I’ve ever had for Father’s Day. Several years ago, my wife planned a “progressive” Father’s Day event. We started with appetizers at one restaurant, then had a main course at one of my favorite fast-food places. Then, we spent some time at the bowling alley before topping off the evening at an ice cream shop. It was so much fun, and it touched on several of the ideas already mentioned. To me, it was a highlight in celebrating Father’s Day.

The Need for Intentional Fathers

It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life. When that happens, we might be careful about honoring Dad one Sunday a year and think that will get him through until next June. But I can promise you that dads need more—even when you throw in their birthday and their wedding anniversary.

So, while it’s great to plan some cool ideas for celebrating Father’s Day, be intentional about honoring him and showing him appreciation throughout the year. Don’t limit your gratitude to a few days on the calendar. Let him know how much you care just because you can.

Are you ready to be the dad God called you to be? Take the Godly Father Assessment to see how you’re doing and where you can improve as a father!