Father’s Day often arrives with familiar images: ties, tools, grilling gadgets, coffee mugs, and gift cards. While those gifts are appreciated, many fathers say what they truly want is much simpler—and perhaps much more meaningful.
They want time.
Time with their children. Time outdoors. Time around the dinner table. Time to laugh, talk, and simply be together.
As we celebrate Father’s Day this year, it may be worth asking a different question: What does a healthy Father’s Day really look like?
The answer may have less to do with buying the perfect gift and more to do with creating moments that support connection, wellness, and appreciation.
Many fathers spend much of their lives in the role of provider, problem solver, helper, coach, chauffeur, teacher, protector, and quiet supporter. Often their contributions happen behind the scenes—in early mornings, late nights, long workdays, home repairs, school events, and everyday acts that rarely receive much attention.
Father’s Day gives us an opportunity to slow down and recognize those efforts.
A healthy celebration does not need to be expensive or elaborate. In fact, some of the most meaningful experiences are often the simplest.
Consider spending the day outdoors together. Take a walk in the park, go for a hike, visit a local trail, play catch, ride bikes, or enjoy a picnic. Time in nature has benefits for everyone, helping reduce stress, improve mood, and encourage movement.
Food can also become part of the celebration in a healthy and enjoyable way. Instead of focusing only on large meals and indulgent treats, families might cook together, try a healthy recipe, prepare a backyard meal, or visit a local farmers market.
Shared experiences often create stronger memories than wrapped presents.
Father’s Day can also be an opportunity to support emotional wellness.
Many men grew up in generations where expressing feelings openly was not always encouraged. Today, more families are recognizing the importance of connection, conversation, and emotional health.
A simple “thank you,” a handwritten note, or sharing a memory can mean more than many people realize.
Tell him what you noticed.
Thank him for the rides, the lessons, the encouragement, the patience, the hard work, the jokes, the repairs, the support, or simply for showing up.
Sometimes appreciation is the healthiest gift we can give.
It is also important to remember that Father’s Day may bring mixed emotions for some people. Some are celebrating wonderful fathers and grandfathers. Others may be missing someone they love, navigating complicated relationships, grieving losses, or wishing the day looked different.
There is room for all of those experiences.
Fatherhood itself comes in many forms: biological fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, adoptive fathers, mentors, coaches, uncles, and the men who quietly stepped into supportive roles when they were needed most.
This Father’s Day, perhaps the goal is not perfection.
Perhaps it is presence.
A shared meal.
A walk together.
A story remembered.
A laugh that lasts longer than expected.
The fathers we celebrate may not remember every gift they received over the years, but many will remember how they felt: appreciated, seen, and loved.
And maybe that is what they wanted all along.
Celebrate Dad: St. Louis Ways to Spend Time Together
Take a Nature Walk Together
Spend the day exploring the beautiful grounds at Missouri Botanical Garden. Stroll through the gardens, visit the Japanese Garden, and enjoy a peaceful afternoon outdoors. Great for dads who appreciate nature, photography, gardening, or simply slowing down.
Bike, Walk, or Picnic in Forest Park
One of the city’s treasures, Forest Park offers trails, lakes, open green space, and plenty of room for a relaxed Father’s Day picnic, frisbee game, or family walk.
Catch a Ballgame
For sports-loving dads, a game day can become a family memory. Even if you skip the big game, local leagues and youth games can make for a fun afternoon.
Tour a St. Louis Classic
History-loving dads may enjoy visiting the Budweiser Brewery Experience and seeing the famous Clydesdales while learning about one of St. Louis’ iconic brands.
Go Hiking or Explore a Trail
Spend the day outdoors at places such as:
- Castlewood State Park
- Queeny Park
- Cliff Cave Park
- Laumeier Sculpture Park
Pack lunch and make it a simple “time together” outing.
Quiet Time Outdoors
Some dads would happily trade gifts for a fishing pole, a shady spot, and conversation. Local lakes and parks can make for an inexpensive but meaningful day.
Visit a Museum Together
Art-loving dads may enjoy the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis or exploring exhibits around town. Shared experiences often become lasting memories.
Visit a Farmers Market
Walk through a local market, pick up fresh produce, flowers, coffee, or baked goods, then enjoy breakfast together.
Keep It Simple at Home
Sometimes the best Father’s Day looks like:
- grilling in the backyard
- playing cards
- sharing family stories
- cooking together
- watching an old movie
- looking through family photos
Because often what dads remember most is simply being together.
I asked Dad’s of different ages what they really want for Father’s Day and here are their responses:
- What would your ideal Father’s Day look like?
- What gift means the most to you?
- What do dads really want more of?
- What’s your favorite way to spend time with family?
- What’s one thing that helps you feel appreciated?
Gordy age 74
- My whole family going to church together. The day would have a clear blue sky and the temperature around 70 degrees. A view of “the Queen of Lakes”, Lake George, NY and all my family members present enjoying good food, games and just being together.
- The gift of life that has led to obtaining an eternal companion, my wife, and our children being an eternal family.
- More one on one time with members of my family
- Playing games, conversation and eating together
- Old cards, photos, momentos, of past times. Awards for successes at work and those who assisted in my efforts.
Jared age 33
- My ideal Father’s Day would be a quiet day hanging out with my family and eating good food!
- I’m not picky about gifts, I enjoy seeing what people come up with. It’s the thought that means the most to me.
- Time to relax and do things we enjoy
- Either trying new foods or seeing new places together
- Gifts/note of acknowledgement
Clint age 44
- My ideal Father’s Day would be spending quality time with my daughter for the entire day, doing things that we both enjoy and bond over. Sounds simple enough, but life is so busy and hectic that it’s difficult to have this. For example, My daughter is 16 years-old now and we haven’t had the opportunity to practice driving yet, but I’m looking forward to teaching her.
- The gift that means the most to me is my family. Period. Being a husband and a father is such a blessing. No other gift can compare to that.
- As a Father, what I really want more of is time. I cherish every moment I have with my daughter because she has grown up on me in the blink of an eye.
- My favorite activity to do with my family is joy riding. Our rides can last anywhere from 10 minutes to hours, but regardless of the amount of time, we are all together in that one space, unplugged from everything and engaged in conversation.
- I feel appreciated most when my family looks to me for guidance. Also, both my wife and daughter show me how much they value me every day with their love and support.
Ask your Dad or Grandfather these questions and maybe his answers will surprise you.
And don’t forget the men who may not be your dad but have been mentors or coaches and have inspired you and taught you what is important.