On Sunday, June 15, 2025, we take a moment to celebrate the important men in our lives. Whether it’s your Dad, Stepdad, Grandpa, Uncle, or anyone who has been a father figure to you, this day is about honouring their love, guidance, and support.
Many countries around the world celebrate Father’s Day, not all on the same date, but each in their own unique way. In Canada and the United States, we celebrate on the third Sunday in June.
If you’re feeling unsure about how to celebrate your Dad or husband this year, here are some of my go-to ideas that are always a hit:
Celebration Ideas for Father’s Day
Plan a backyard BBQ or picnic
Gather the family and host a barbecue with all of Dad’s favourite foods. If the weather’s nice, consider moving the celebration to a local park or beach for a relaxed picnic vibe. Bring lawn games, cool drinks, and a Bluetooth speaker for music. It’s a great way to celebrate all the dads in your family at once.
Book a golf day
If your Dad is a golf lover, treat him to a round at a special golf course he hasn’t tried before. Make it extra special by booking a tee time for him and a few of his favourite golf buddies. You can also prepare a small gift like custom golf balls or a new glove to surprise him.
Try somewhere new to eat
Explore a new restaurant, pub, ice cream shop, or pizza joint. You could even plan a mini food tour of a few places Dad has been wanting to try. Make it casual or turn it into a surprise outing with stops along the way.
Plan a day full of surprises
Create a day filled with small surprises and let Dad follow a trail of clues to each one. Maybe it starts with breakfast in bed, followed by a mystery outing, a meaningful gift, and a favourite activity. Personalize each part of the day to what he enjoys most.
Take a road trip
Plan an overnight trip to somewhere he loves—or surprise him with a new destination he’s mentioned wanting to visit. It doesn’t have to be far. A change of scenery, even just for 24 hours, can feel like a real treat. Think wineries, fishing spots, hiking trails, or a cozy cabin in the woods.
A Brief History of Father’s Day
The idea of Father’s Day is believed to have originated in the early 1900s. In 1909, Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, was inspired while listening to a sermon about Mother’s Day. She felt fathers deserved similar recognition and wanted to honour her own father, a single parent who raised six children on his own.
Thanks to her efforts, the first unofficial Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910 in Spokane. The idea gradually gained national attention and, after decades of advocacy, Father’s Day was officially recognized as a national holiday in the United States in 1972.
Whether you go big or keep it simple, Father’s Day is about appreciation. However you choose to celebrate, make it meaningful and personal. Sometimes, a heartfelt card or an afternoon spent together can mean more than any gift.
Happy Father’s Day!
MaryAnna xo
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MaryAnna Robbins CSEP-CPT, OFC RHEP – Group Exercise, Resistance Trainer, Yoga Fitness, Pilates Mat Fitness
