Father’s Day is a time for shared memories, heartfelt conversations, and maybe a fishing trip or two. But what happens when distance separates you from your dad or your kids? This year, I decided to explore a futuristic solution: celebrating Father’s Day in virtual reality. Armed with an Oculus Quest 2 and a healthy dose of curiosity, I embarked on a virtual adventure with my teenage son to see if we could forge a meaningful connection despite the digital divide.
A Leap into the Metaverse: Navigating the Tech and Choosing Our Adventures
Like any foray into uncharted technological territory, our journey began with a few hiccups. Setting up VR can be intuitive for some, like Lifehacker Food Editor Claire Lower’s dad who, remarkably, had his wifi password memorized. For others, it’s a hurdle. As Deputy Editor Joel Cunningham wisely noted, “If your dad is the kind of person who calls you in a panic because hackers have deleted all of his emails, I can assure you you will not be spending Father’s Day, or any day, with him in VR.” Thankfully, my tech-savvy teenager and I navigated the setup with relative ease, setting the stage for our virtual Father’s Day celebration.
With our headsets in place, we dove headfirst into Meta Horizon Worlds, Meta’s flagship app. Drawn to our shared love for horror, we braved Eli Roth’s haunted house experience, “Trick-VR-Treat.” While the cartoonish visuals of Horizon Worlds didn’t exactly inspire terror, the VR movie itself was a hit. The immersive experience, with its gory thrills and unexpected scares, provided a welcome dose of visceral fun. “I guess we did some bonding,” my son Dexter quipped. “We were able to laugh together about how much money [Meta] spent to make this place.”
Next, we traded in our virtual ghost hunt for a more traditional Father’s Day activity: fishing. Real VR Fishing transported us to the serene shores of Crater Lake, Oregon, where we cast our lines and attempted to out-fish each other. The realistic graphics and intuitive gameplay made for a surprisingly immersive experience, even if the emotional heart-to-heart I attempted with my son fell a little flat. “The best part was trying to hit each other with fishing rods,” Dexter admitted.
Our final adventure brought us to the chaotic world of Cook-Out, a cooperative cooking game where we frantically assembled sandwiches for a demanding clientele of anthropomorphic animals. The fast-paced gameplay, complete with flying ketchup and frustrated yells, forged a unique sense of camaraderie. “This was the most stressful experience of my life,” Dexter confessed. “I’ve played countless hours of competitive video games, and nothing is more stressful than Cook-Out.”
Reflections on a Virtual Father’s Day: Distance, Connection, and Ketchup-Stained Memories
So, how did spending Father’s Day in virtual reality compare to actually spending time together? While the digital realm added a layer of separation, it also opened up new avenues for connection. For those separated by distance, VR offers a unique way to bridge the gap, offering shared experiences and a reason to connect.
As I hang up my virtual fishing rod and bid farewell to our digital kitchen, I’m left with a sense of optimism. Virtual reality may not replace the irreplaceableāthe warmth of a hug, the shared laughter over a real dinner tableābut it can offer a meaningful alternative when those things are impossible. It’s a way to connect, to create memories, and to remind each other that even in a digital world, the bonds of family remain strong.
What about you? Have you tried celebrating special occasions in virtual reality? Share your experiences in the comments below. And if you’re looking for unique, handcrafted gifts to show your dad you care this Father’s Day, be sure to browse the selection of one-of-a-kind treasures on Robert Kline Art. From personalized gifts to handmade creations, you’re sure to find something special to make his day unforgettable.