What Do Dads Really Want to Do on Father’s Day? (According to Reddit)

Let’s be honest—when it comes to Father’s Day, we often default to the classics: socks, BBQ gear, maybe a “World’s Best Dad” mug and a family lunch that feels more like an obligation than a celebration. But what if we told you that the dads of Reddit have a very different idea of the perfect Father’s Day?

We scrolled, we lurked, we took notes—and here’s what real dads say they actually want on their day.

1. To Do Absolutely Nothing

Yes, you read that right. Not brunch. Not a family trip. Just... nothing. No chores. No errands. No social commitments. A day with no plans is apparently the dream.

But for some dads, “nothing” just means being at home, surrounded by the people they love most. No fuss, no itinerary—just hanging out with their partner and kids, watching a movie, firing up the BBQ, or playing in the garden. It’s the quiet, everyday moments that mean the most.

2. To Be Left Alone (Lovingly)

This might sound harsh, but it’s not personal—dads just want space. A quiet house. No one asking where the remote is. No tiny humans needing snacks every 15 minutes.

It’s not about escaping the family; it’s about recharging. Sometimes the best gift is simply the sound of silence, a hot cup of coffee that doesn’t go cold, and a moment to think their own thoughts without background noise.

3. A Guilt-Free Gaming Marathon

For the gamer dads, the ultimate Father’s Day is uninterrupted hours with their console of choice. No side quests like taking out the bins or cleaning up spills—just pure, blissful gaming. 

4. A Nap. A Real, Uninterrupted Nap.

It’s giving peak Dad energy. A nap in the middle of the day, with no shame and no one jumping on them mid-snooze? Yes, please.

For some, it's not even about sleeping long—it’s just having the option to lie down without guilt or being needed for 27 things at once. Let the man nap in peace!

5. A Night Out (Without the Kids)

A surprising number of dads said what they really crave is a date night. Just the two of you. No high chairs, no sippy cups, no interruptions mid-convo.

While some dads want to be alone, others dream of a date night—dinner, drinks, and no chicken nuggets in sight. A few hours of grown-up time can feel like a total reset (and yes, they might even dress up for it).

6. Freedom to Do Whatever, Whenever

Whether it’s bingeing a series, tinkering with a hobby, or escaping into a video game, dads want a day that’s theirs. No questions asked.

And hey, if that means building Lego for hours or reorganizing the garage for the third time this month—so be it. Freedom is the gift.

7. No Pressure. No Gifts. Just Appreciation.

Turns out, some dads (not all) aren’t all about flashy gifts. What they really want is to be appreciated—genuinely. A heartfelt note or card, a “thanks for everything,” maybe even a hug.

8. Please Don’t Make Me Go to a Family Dinner

This one might stir the pot, but we’re just the messenger: a few dads admitted they’d love to skip the big extended family dinners. Especially if it means spending the day entertaining their dad or father-in-law instead of getting a break themselves.

Sometimes, they just want one day off the social circuit—no hard feelings!

TL;DR? It’s Simple: Let Dad Chill

If there’s one thing to take away from the dads of Reddit, it’s this—Father’s Day doesn’t have to be fancy or full of events. Most dads just want a bit of peace, autonomy, and a reminder that they’re doing a good job.

So maybe this year, skip the dinner reservations and big plans. Let Dad do his thing—whatever that may be. Because honestly? A nap, a game controller, and a cold drink might just be the perfect way to say, “Thanks, Dad.”