Planning a Father’s Day outing to celebrate dad? You need to know if your local shopping center will be open and what to expect before you head out.
Most malls stay open on Father’s Day and follow their regular Sunday hours, though some stores may have adjusted schedules. Unlike major holidays when retail locations close, Father’s Day is a big shopping day. Many families visit malls to buy last-minute gifts or enjoy meals at mall restaurants with dad.
Your trip will go more smoothly when you know what hours to expect and how to navigate the Father’s Day crowds. This guide covers everything from typical operating schedules to smart shopping tips and gift ideas that will make your mall visit successful. You’ll learn how to plan around peak times and find the perfect present without the stress.
Is The Mall Open On Father’s Day?
Yes, malls are typically open on Father’s Day. Most shopping centers treat this holiday as a regular business day with normal operating hours.
Father’s Day falls on the third Sunday of June each year. Since it’s a Sunday, you can expect most malls to follow their standard weekend schedule. This usually means opening around 11:00 AM and closing between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
Common Sunday Hours at Malls:
- Opening time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Closing time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Shopping malls remain open on Presidents Day and other federal holidays, so Father’s Day is no exception. Stores want to capture last-minute gift shoppers who need presents for dads.
You should still check your specific mall’s hours before heading out. Some locations may adjust their schedule based on local demand. Individual stores within the mall might also keep different hours than the main facility.
Mall of America promotes Father’s Day shopping with special events and gift ideas. Many malls create similar campaigns to help you find the perfect present.
Call ahead or check your mall’s website if you’re planning to visit early in the morning or later in the evening. Food courts and restaurants may have extended hours compared to retail stores. This gives you flexibility to grab a meal even if some shops are closing.
Plan your trip for mid-day if you want the most options available. Most stores will be fully staffed and ready to help you find gifts during peak afternoon hours.
Father’s Day Hours And Operating Schedule
Most shopping malls stay open on Father’s Day with regular hours. You can typically visit your local mall between 10:00 AM and 9:00 PM on this Sunday holiday. However, individual stores within the mall may open or close at slightly different times.
Common Mall Hours on Father’s Day:
- Opening time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Closing time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Food courts often stay open longer than retail stores
You should call ahead or check your mall’s website to confirm exact hours. Some smaller shopping centers may operate on reduced Sunday schedules. Major retail chains like JCPenney usually maintain their standard Sunday hours on Father’s Day to help shoppers find last-minute gifts.
Mall anchor stores such as department stores might have different operating times than the rest of the mall. These larger retailers sometimes open earlier or close later to accommodate holiday shoppers. You’ll find that most stores take advantage of Father’s Day to run special promotions and holiday sale hours.
Food courts and restaurants within malls typically follow the mall’s general schedule. Some dining establishments may extend their hours to serve dinner crowds looking to celebrate after shopping.
Planning Tips:
- Arrive early for the best selection of gifts
- Expect larger crowds in the afternoon
- Many stores offer Father’s Day deals throughout the weekend
- Parking lots fill up faster on holidays
Your best approach is to plan your visit before noon when stores are less crowded. This gives you more time to browse and find the perfect gift without rushing.
Tips For Visiting The Mall On Father’s Day
Plan to arrive early in the day. Father’s Day brings larger crowds, so getting there when doors open gives you easier parking and shorter lines at popular stores and restaurants.
Before You Go:
- Make a list of stores you want to visit
- Set a budget for gifts and food
- Check if your dad’s favorite restaurants accept reservations
- Download the mall’s app for directory maps and deals
The mall doors open three hours before retail hours , which gives you time to scope out the layout. You can walk around and plan your route without fighting crowds.
Bring a fully charged phone. You’ll need it for mobile payments, digital coupons, and staying in touch if your group splits up. Many malls offer charging stations, but they fill up quickly on busy holidays.
Smart Shopping Strategies:
- Visit specialty stores first before they get crowded
- Use the food court during off-peak hours (before 11:30 AM or after 1:30 PM)
- Keep gift receipts in case exchanges are needed
- Look for Father’s Day sales and bundle deals
Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll do a lot of walking. Dress in layers because mall temperatures vary between sections.
Consider buying gift cards if you’re unsure what to get. Your dad can return later to choose exactly what he wants without dealing with holiday crowds.
If you’re bringing kids along, locate family restrooms and play areas ahead of time. Pack snacks and water bottles to save money and avoid meltdowns.
Father’s Day Gift Ideas At The Mall
Shopping malls offer a wide range of gift options for every type of dad. You can find everything from tech gadgets to clothing in one convenient location.
Popular Gift Categories:
- Tech and Electronics – headphones, smartwatches, tablets, and gaming accessories
- Fashion and Accessories – shirts, ties, belts, wallets, and shoes
- Sports and Outdoor Gear – athletic wear, camping equipment, and fitness trackers
- Personal Care – grooming kits, cologne, and spa gift certificates
- Home and Kitchen – grilling tools, coffee makers, and specialty cookware
Major retailers like T.J.Maxx and Marshalls stock Father’s Day gifts at discounted prices. These stores give you the chance to save money while still finding quality presents.
Budget-Friendly Options:
You don’t need to spend a fortune to make dad feel special. Consider these affordable choices:
- Personalized items like engraved keychains or photo frames
- Baseball caps or casual wear
- Gift cards to his favorite restaurants
- Small gadgets like portable phone chargers
Many malls also have specialty stores for specific hobbies. If your dad enjoys cooking, you’ll find kitchen stores with professional-grade tools. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate athletic retailers with the latest gear.
Department stores provide gift-wrapping services to save you time. You can complete all your shopping in a single trip and leave with a professionally wrapped present ready to give.
