Ask dads what they want to do on Father's Day and most will mutter, "Just give me some peace and quiet." That doesn't mean they want to spend the whole day in solitary meditation. Most dads want to feel appreciated as fathers and do something meaningful with their kids. They just don't know what. With a little imagination and some planning, both are easy to achieve.
Take dad someplace he will enjoy, whether it's a cabin in the woods, a blanket on the beach, or a hotel in the city. It'll draw you all closer together, and create lasting memories, too.
Want to stay closer to home? Then take dad to a movie he wants to see, whether it's action, adventure, or whatever he's into. Take the whole family along (keeping it child-appropriate, of course), and share the popcorn, candy, and soda. Alternatively, rent a bunch of movies and have a marathon at home. Try films from his earlier days that he might enjoy sharing with the kids. Try watching a version of a movie from his youth, followed by a more modern remake. You'd be surprised what kinds of conversations that can spark between the generations.
After the movie, of course, comes dinner, and almost everyone makes dad's favorite dish on Father's Day. Once you know what dad wants, it's easy to turn it into a family activity. Let dad have his quiet time while mom and the kids prepare the food. Then create a restaurant atmosphere, working together to serve dad his meal. This gets makes it a fun game for the kids, and makes dad feel like a king. You can even incorporate a father's day theme by naming his courses based on the traits the kids admire in him. For example, name his burger a "hero" sandwich for a hero-dad. Use your imagination.
Father's Day falls in baseball season, so consider major- and minor-league games in the area. There are often arena football, soccer, high school sports, and even some college athletics going on. If there aren't any to watch, take him out to the park and strike up some family football, softball, volleyball, or whatever.
Instead of having the kids make cards or pencil holders for dad, have them write essays or poems about him and read them to him at dinner. They don't have to be long, especially if the kids are young, but if they make dad feel appreciated, they're perfect. And they'll usually provide some giggles, too.
If you don't have any budding Frosts or Hemingways, try building a Father's Day photo album with dad and the kids. Each kid (and mom, too) can select pictures of dad and explain why they're special to them. If you prepare well, this can take as little as an hour. It creates a lasting keepsake, takes you all down memory lane, and makes dad feel special.
Father's Day should make dad feel loved, appreciated, and maybe even a little pampered. Activities that bring everyone together to honor dad provide important quality time and create Father's Day memories that will last forever.
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