A Day With Dad

The month of June not only marks the beginning of summer, it’s also when we set aside a day to honor our cherished fathers.

These role models — fathers, grandfathers, uncles, stepfathers and all paternal figures in our lives — are dedicated to making sure we are safe, happy and loved. It’s easy to overlook their efforts (let’s be honest, sometimes we forget just how hard they work), so on Father’s Day, June 16, let’s be sure to spoil the remarkable men in our lives.

Wondering how to do this?

Here are some engaging suggestions to make their day memorable. From bowling to camping, workouts to game night, any activity on this list will surely make Dad feel appreciated for all that he does.

Create A Scavenger Hunt

Giving a gift is always exciting, but why not make it a little more challenging by setting up a scavenger hunt for Dad to discover his present?

Children of any age can create their own scavenger hunt and the fun part is that it can be anywhere — in your home, your backyard, even at a mall or in a park.

Moms can help the little ones make a list of Dad-centric items to search for, such as an item that is his favorite color, he uses every day or reminds him of his favorite sports team.

Older children can be a little more creative and even use their cell phones as part of the scavenger hunt, including having Dad take selfies with a list created by you of things he loves. For example, he could be told to take a picture with his favorite T-shirt, food or something you bought him in years past.

There are plenty of fun scavenger hunt ideas on Pinterest. Explore the site for inspiration and show Dad that you took the time to create a tailored experience.

Have A “Dad-Approved” Workout

Working out with a buddy is a smart way to stay motivated, but working out with your father is even better because it can be a perfect way to bond.

You can plan a workout that focuses on Dad’s favorite form of exercise. Whether it’s lifting weights, mountain biking, shooting hoops or a run on the beach, whatever workout he chooses, join him!

Or maybe Dad wants to try something new. Try signing up for a class like pickleball or martial arts. Consider having Pops try a fitness video game like “Beat Saber” or “Fitness Boxing” to burn calories during a friendly competition or gather the clan and create an obstacle course in the backyard using pool noodles, old tires, hula hoops, jump ropes or any other items you may have on hand.

Host A Movie Marathon

Pop some popcorn, grab Dad’s favorite snacks and invite him to get comfy on the couch. Offer him a selection of his favorite films. If he’s a Marvel fan, you could watch the series from beginning to end. Does he like watching the underdog win? Get inspired by the iconic “Rocky” films or “Rudy,” a movie about a boy who wanted to play football for the University of Notre Dame. 

Would your dad rather watch action movies? Spend the afternoon binging hits like “Full Metal Jacket” or “The Terminator.” For guys preferring something on the lighter side, “Caddyshack,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” or “The Hangover” are movies that will fit the bill.

Of course, you can’t go wrong with hits like the “Star Wars” trilogy or the “Indiana Jones” series. And no one is too old for Disney classics like “The Jungle Book,” “Peter Pan” or “Hercules.”

Game Night 

From Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders to Battleship and Twister, there’s always a game that can be played no matter your age. 

Game night encourages families to put their electronics away and focus on good old-fashioned fun. Most families have board games stored in a closet. Father’s Day is the opportune time to pull them out and challenge Dad to a round of Connect Four, Monopoly or Hedbanz. Have that 1,000-piece puzzle waiting to be tackled? Now’s the time!

Chess, darts and poker are popular with fathers and older children. There are also board-free games like charades and hide-and-seek that the whole family can partake in. 

You could even wager a bet with the older kids on who wins the most games. Trade chores for wins or, better yet, money. 

Let’s Bowl

If you’re looking to get Dad out of the house, head to your local bowling alley and see how good — or how hilariously bad — he is at knocking down all the pins. You don’t have to be great at bowling to actually have fun playing the game. Though bowling involves some skill, it also has a lot to do with luck. Bumpers are available to put along the lanes so even the younger kids can join in on the fun. 

If you don’t have a bowling alley nearby or you’d rather stay at home, you could purchase a bowling set and bring the entertainment to Dad. Lawn bowling games and tabletop bowling sets can be found online or at Target or Walmart.

Bowling alleys also offer arcades, restaurants and sometimes even laser tag. After your game, grab a bite to eat and spend some time playing games such as air hockey or arcade games like Pac-Man (still a crowd-pleaser!) or car racing with Dad. Make an afternoon of it and allow your dad to act like a kid again because, every once in a while, adults need to do just that.

Explore The Outdoors

Living in the state of Florida definitely comes with perks like being able to take a beach day or go boating or kayaking in gorgeous waters. This Father’s Day, plan a day trip to do all of these things and even more.

Fishing with Dad is a popular bonding experience, but if he isn’t into hooking a big one, you could always take an airboat ride in the Everglades to spot alligators and other amazing wildlife. Or head to the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico for sailing, kayaking or riding a Jet Ski.

Florida is home to 175 state parks, most which include historic sites as well as beaches and natural springs. They’re perfect for biking or hiking, and more than 50 of these state parks offer campgrounds. 

If you’re fortunate enough to set aside a few days for fun, planning a camping trip with your father is one adventure you will both likely never forget. Book a site, rent a camper or pack a tent and supplies and spend time in nature together exploring Florida’s beautiful parks. Florida has plenty of amazing family campgrounds, including Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Walt Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and in the Keys,  John Pennekamp Coral Reef, Bahia Honda and Curry Hammock state parks.

Regardless of which activity you choose to celebrate your father, taking the time and effort to make the day extra special will make the experience not only memorable, but could also mark the start of an annual tradition of honoring the significant man, or men, in your life.