ALT-2 Fun Fathers Day Activities for Kids
Father's Day is usually well down the list of recognized 'special days'. After the triple whammy of Valentine's Day, Easter and Mother's Day, Father's Day is a bit of a poor cousin.
That's not to say that we of the male side of the species don't like or deserve our little moment of appreciation. It is just that we recognize that it is more important to keep our womenfolk happy and we don't want to put them to a lot of effort, as realistically, they are probably going to be the ones organizing the Father's Day activities on behalf of the little ones.
So, what to do on Father's Day.
BREAKFASTThe quickest way to a man's heart is through the rib cage. Sorry, wrong adage. That is the Texas Chainsaw Massacre version. We all know that it is through his stomach. Yes, we like our food, and there is nothing better for breakfast on Father's Day than a bit of a fry up. Put the diet aside for a day, with none of that high fibre rubbish followed by a piece of fruit (unless that fruit is juiced). Fried eggs, bacon, thick buttery toast and a man sized mug of coffee. The kids can do this and, if their culinary skills extend to pancakes or hash browns, these will also go down very well. Not too early though. After a bit of a sleep in, surprise your Dad with a generous breakfast, in bed of course, and a leisurely read of the morning paper and you can't go wrong.
I guess you are probably thinking that breakfast is not an activity. You would be technically correct, but you would also be splitting hairs. In fairness, this will set the mood for the rest of the day and it is an easy one to get the kids involved in. As I've already stated, we do like our food and, as far as we are concerned, eating is a very important activity. Plenty of potential for kudos here.
BEYOND BREAKFASTThe food has disappeared, the presents have been opened and dear old Dad is hopefully feeling rather contented with the world. What you do from here really depends on what your Dad's interests are. We do understand that it is intended to be a family celebration and that it won't be possible to go golfing or fishing (or similar) with our mates. In any case, as fathers themselves, they should be caught up in the festivities organized by their own families.
Here are a few suggestions:
MOVIESWe've been subjected to chick flicks all year round, so the lovey-dovey stuff is verboten today. If you are going to take Dad to the movies, a good old action movie is generally a safe bet. At the moment, you have a couple of can't go wrong options in "Iron Man" and "Indiana Jones 4" screening. If your cinema has a premium lounge, one with the extra wide seats where they serve you snacks and drinks during the movie, lash out. It will be appreciated.
PICNICAnother food oriented activity, however us guys like to enjoy the outdoors and this combines two of our favourite activities: being at one with nature and eating. You will need to get in early to secure yourself a decent spot and a barbecue. We do enjoy a drive out in the countryside, but try and keep it within reasonable limits. Driving for hours is probably not a good move. Pack lots of his favorite snacks and drinks, as well as sporting gear to involve the whole family. Bat and ball games will depend on where you live (cricket gear in Australia, baseball in the US, softball wherever, or your local or preferred version of football). Something like boules or bocce is also lots of fun. On the serious side, food again, if your Dad enjoys his meat, make sure that you pack plenty in the esky or cooler, as well as the barbecue implements and some folding chairs.
SPORTFather's Day is on a Sunday in whatever part of the world you live in and, if your Dad is of the sport-loving variety, there is a fair chance that there will be a game to watch. Buy some good tickets to a game that you know he will want to attend. Be mindful of etiquette. If you are going to watch a golf tournament, it is the height of rudness to talk as someone is playing a shot. Get into the spirit and buy some memorabilia or souvenirs of the game. If it is possible, send the kids to try and get an autograph of Dad's favorite player. After the game in most sporting codes, players may either mingle with the public or be obligated to partake in autograph signing sessions. Children have a better chance of securing that prized memento of the day.
CULTURAL ACTIVITIESWe are not complete Neanderthals and cultural activities are not necessarily out of the question (even though we would rarely admit that in public). We generally don't mind wandering through any kind of museum, be it general, natural, miltary or sporting history. I probably wouldn't recommend the Wax Works though. While Dad would in all likelihood enjoy it, some of the exhibits tend to be a touch on the gruesome side and may not be suitable for the younger members of the family. Zoos, theme parks and video game arcades are always good value, the only danger being that they are likely to be crowded on Father's Day.
Art galleries and markets are questionable choices, unless your Dad is into these. If you ask him, you will need to frame the question carefully as there is a considerable difference between going along because they have to and because they want to. I personally don't mind, though modern art (particularly the abstract or surreal stuff) is a struggle. In any case, it can be a rather painful experience taking children to art galleries or markets as the little cherubs love to touch things that they shouldn't and/or wander off on their own. For much the same reason, I would also steer clear of the theatre. Children and silence are mutually exclusive.
AFTER DARKAfter a full day out, I'm not sure whether your Dad will be keen to eat another big meal. You'll have to exercise a little discretion here. We tend to take the 'seafood' approach to eating, in that if we see food, we will eat it. And at the end of a long and tiring day, you may not want to listen to your Dad moaning and whining about over-eating (or worse). If you didn't do the big barbecue thing at lunch time, it doesn't go astray here for dinner. The same deal, lots of snacks, drinks, side dishes and, most importantly, meat. The advantage of a barbecue dinner is that a man's barbecue is his castle, meaning that he will cook and there is one less chore for other family members. It also means that Dad can have a few ales, or whatever his choice of poison, and not have to worry about driving home.
If you didn't go to the movies, watch his favorite movie family friendly movie. The kids can pop some popcorn and give the evening a cinematic flavour. Failing that, board or card games are good choices if you are staying at home, or hit the bowling alley if you want to get out and about. A strike or two is a good way to polish off the evening, followed by coffee and cake somewhere with views of the city lights, or simply just grab an ice-cream or gelato cone and enjoy it either there or out in the night air.
Follow these simple ideas and I have no doubt that your Dad will feel special and appreciated. While most Dads consider fatherhood a duty and don't ask for or seek thanks, I am sure that he will remember your efforts for a long time to come and won't be backward in coming forwards to brag about his memorable Father's Day to his work colleagues.
