The Man! The Legend! The Greatest Ever!

This Sunday is the day that we dedicate to the man who has been our #1 since the beginning.  He helped us learn to crawl, walk, then run, and he was always there to help pick us up when we tripped or faltered.  Dads don’t always get the recognition they deserve and sometimes it’s hard to show him how much we really do care.

This Father’s Day I want to help you spend some quality time with Dad!  Here are some of my favorite activities to do with my Dad that are easy, perfect for any age, and won’t break the bank.

START A DIY PROJECT

Build something and Create something special!

Even if your dad isn’t a handyman or a tinkerer there are plenty of DIY projects that can bring you and your dad together.  My dad is always building something and some of my favorite memories are when he invited me to join him.  It didn’t matter what we were working on, what really stuck with me is the time we spent together.  Here are a few fun projects that you can do with your dad:

TAKE A HIKE

Go on a day hike or an overnighter!
Find a hike near you
Being outside is always a good decision and sharing an outdoor adventure with Dad can be very rewarding. If you’re not an avid outdoorsman try taking a day hike or look up landmarks in your area and take a day trip to discover new places you may have overlooked before. Look up parks and hiking in a map search to find close to home adventures.

If you are the rugged type, taking an overnight or weekend hike can help bring you and Dad closer than ever.  What better time, than the time spent on a trail, to tell your Dad how much he means to you and how happy you are to have him in your life. Find out your Dad’s favorite trails or destinations and surprise him!

COOK SOMETHING TOGETHER

Find your Dad’s favorite food and cook it with him

The archaic days of the kitchen being a woman’s domain are over! Dad’s today are quickly becoming culinary masters and creating a delicious concoction with your Dad is the perfect way to spend a few quality hours together. Even if Dad isn’t a Master Chef, there are still plenty of recipes online that are easy, accessible and fun. Here are a few of my favorites!

PLAY A GAME

Board games or sports, just do it with Dad!

Games can be the perfect fun activity for two or you can invite the whole family to join in! Tabletop games are my personal family favorite including board games like Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Monopoly, and card games like Cribbage and Gin Rummy.  Nothing brings a family together like the fun and often competitive nature of gaming.  For adults, try getting to know your dad a little better by introducing him to a rousing game of Cards Against Humanity. 😉

Or if you’re more of a dirt and pigskin type family, invite your dad out for a game of catch, a round of golf, or basketball.  Get sweaty and invigorated and only let dad win a few times (competition is a healthy part of any relationship)

VISIT A MUSEUM

Learn your Dad’s interests and find a museum for it!

My Dad’s a boat guy.  He’s always owned a boat, had books on boats, built model boats, and could tell you every little detail about every type of boat.  So naturally, one of my favorite places to visit with my dad is the maritime museum in our city.  I’ve learned so much from him so its fun to watch him learn a thing or two when we visit the museum.  He is like a kid again and its inspiring to watch.

So find out what your Dad likes; Boats, cars, trains, science, art, history….  Chances are, there’s an accompanying museum close by.

So, whatever you do this weekend and wherever you go, just remember to acknowledge and recognize your dad, your grandfather, and any other father figures in your life! Because without them, we wouldn’t be who we are today.

Thank you, Dad!