King of the Grill… Mr. Fix-it… The Man, the Myth, the Legend… Mr. Cool… The Fun Parent… Protector… Superhero… Coach… Prince Charming… While they may all sound like silly nicknames or cliches, the reality is, these are just a few of the hats that dads wear over the years! Fathers play an important role in your life, teaching you how to be respectful, hard-working, resilient, confident, and kind through his own example. Although you may not depend on your dad in the same capacity as you grow older, a father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow. Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to express your gratitude for the man (or men) in your life. Whether you call him Dad, Papa, Pop, Daddio, Stepdad, or some other term of endearment, spending quality time with him is the best way to show your appreciation for all he means to you. Here are some fun ways to celebrate this special occasion together, either in the comfort of your own home or out and about on the town!
Getting Out
- If you don’t want the prep and cleanup, make reservations at your favorite restaurant, and let someone else do the work! Your one job is to sit back, relax, and enjoy a delicious meal and wonderful conversation together.
- PLAY BALL! Okay, maybe your Pops isn’t as quick and nimble as he used to be; if playing ball isn’t an option, buy tickets to a sporting event and watch a ballgame with your old man. It doesn’t matter if you’re watching a local or national team, as long as you’re in good company, you’re certain to have a great time!
- If your health does allow a little activity, then schedule a tee time and play a round of golf together. Not quite up to par? Skip the full 18 holes and opt for the front 9. If that still seems ambitious, try your luck at a round of mini-golf for a fun afternoon full of laughs.
- Gentleman, start your engines! What’s more classic than celebrating Father’s Day at a car show? If that doesn’t get you revved up, accelerate the adventure, and bring your dad to the racetrack for an exotic car driving experience.
- Check out a local gun and knife show for the outdoorsman in your life. Whether they’re an enthusiast, collector, or just interested in browsing, there’s plenty to see and explore. You can bring your own guns to trade, sell, repair, and appraise.
- Spend the day exploring a local museum, such as the National WWII Museum or Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World.
- Pampering isn’t just reserved for Mother’s Day! Book a massage at a local spa or treat your old man to an old-fashioned straight razor hot shave. Both options will leave you feeling renewed and relaxed!
- Strikes and spares are sure to set the stage for a successful outing! Strap on some shiny bowling shoes and try your luck at the local bowling alley.
- Bottoms up! Clink glasses and toast to spending another Father’s Day together with a visit to your local craft brewery. Enjoy a cold pint of beer or a flight to celebrate the occasion.
- Few things are more relaxing than spending time on the water. Catch an early morning sunrise as you drop a line in the water or watch the sunset on a relaxing evening cruise with drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
Staying in
- Enjoy a backyard BBQ in the comfort of your own home. Throw steaks on the grill and stir up some friendly competition with cornhole, horseshoes, bocce ball, and other yard games. As the sun goes down, set up a white sheet and a projector to create your own outdoor movie. Your dad will be feeling nostalgic, reminiscing on the days of drive-in movies.
- Invite your dad over for game night! Sit down together and enjoy a game of cards or a childhood favorite board game. For a quieter evening, keep it low key with just the two of you. If you want a bit more excitement, invite friends and family for poker night, complete with snacks and cigars!
- If your dad enjoys wine, consider planning a wine and cheese evening to celebrate Father’s Day. You can keep it simple with a homemade cheese board and a nice bottle of his favorite wine or you can take it up notch with an at-home wine tasting.
- Make memories that truly last a lifetime… and beyond. Have your dad tell stories of yesteryears including adventures from his childhood, the cost of common products from his younger years, first dates, memorable moments from his wedding, career moves, a description of his first home, notable inventions during his lifetime, monumental moments in history, words of wisdom, and more. Pose questions, as though you are interviewing him, and with his permission, record him as he shares his stories. Later, using iMovie or a similar platform, add pictures, video clips, and music to create a unique documentary of his life.