June is a month of barbecues, swimming pools, and lightning bugs. And, it’s also the dedicated month for celebrating fathers and father figures in our lives. Whether you’re celebrating dad, grandpa, a stepfather, uncle, or a special fatherly figure in your life, here are a few ideas for making Father’s Day memorable for your kids and the special guys they’re honoring.
1. Take a hike or stroll.
Find a natural space near your home where you can explore as a family. Pack some trail snacks, water, and bug spray, and head off on your adventure. For kids under 6, stick to a loop no longer than 3 miles. If your family includes a child under 3, stick to under the 2 mile mark. Many cities and communities have family-friendly trails and greenways that are a breeze to traverse. Dad will love serving as the path leader for his little trail blazers.
2. See how little ones measure up.
A fun yearly tradition is to measure the heights of your children each year. Little ones can track how tall they’re getting compared to Dad’s height. If you don’t want to mark up a door frame, consider a hangable height tracking chart or large decorative ruler that can be used as decor in a child’s room. Etsy or Amazon both have many possible options.
3. Rent his dream car.
Many guys love automobiles, and it can be a special treat to rent a dream vehicle on a special day. Whether he prefers sports cars, vintage, off-road, or luxury, encourage him to take a long drive with his favorite music playing on the stereo and his number one little sidekicks in tow.
4. Go fish!
Most cities and towns have a nearby fishing hole or local stocked pond where a family can head out for a fishing excursion. Even catching small guppies or sunfish can be a serious thrill for the under-6 crowd. If Dad prefers fly fishing, kids can catch minnows in the shallows with mom while he’s in his waders mid-stream. Make sure to photograph your prize-winning catches, big and small!
5. Try a D-I-Y for D-A-D.
Celebrating a man who’s handy around the house? This is your chance to have him guide you and your kiddos through an easy DIY project. Or, if he’s always the go-to fix-it guy, you can DIY something special for him. If you have a nearby IKEA, Lack tables are perfect for customizing with paint. Kids can add handprints or doodles to remind Dad of his favorite DIY assistant.
6. Get competitive.
A few rounds of a board game or video game is a surefire way to infuse a little excitement into your Father’s Day celebration. For kids under 6, try Chutes and Ladders, Guess Who, Sorry!, Candyland, Outfoxed, My First Stone Age, Cauldron Quest, Animal Upon Animal, or Monster Chase. These games are simple enough for little ones to comprehend but still fun for the adults.
7. Take him out to a ball game.
If the man you’re honoring is a sports fan, Father’s Day is a great opportunity to attend or watch the game of his choice. Whether it’s baseball, football favorites, or the Indy 500, spend some time together rooting for a win.
8. Eat his favorite foods.
Maybe what he loves is a perfectly ‘cued steak or burgers cooked just the way he likes them. If he wants to barbecue on his special day, make a gathering out of it. You can stock his favorite drinks and invite family to join in the celebration. Or, if he doesn’t want to cook on his day off, splurge for some of his favorite takeout in your town or city. Either way, you’ll have a feast to remember.
TGS Celebrates Dads!
The Gardner School understands all that parents do for their kids. We help families by offering a research-backed, caring community for kids to learn and grow. Find out why dads and moms choose The Gardner School over other preschools to help build resilient, compassionate, and engaged young learners. Contact us today to learn more!