My dad is my everything. He made me the person I am today and taught me the value of integrity, kindness, and generosity. Which is why, every Father’s Day, I am at a total loss for how on earth to show my appreciation. Now that I’m in my twenties, a hand-painted mug that says “#1 Dad” just doesn’t hold the same weight it did when I was five (though, knowing my dad, he would still be just as grateful). This Father’s Day, I wanted to plan a celebration that would really warm his heart and show how thankful I am for all he’s done for me over the years. Inspired to help sons and daughters facing a similar dilemma, I drafted this list of five ways to celebrate Father’s Day this year.
1. Enjoy the summer sunshine together
For most of us, June is a month filled with sunshine. So, what better way to celebrate Father’s Day than to embrace that sunshine?? Go on a bike ride together, hike your local trails, have a picnic, visit the beach, or simply take a walk through town. Just spending some quality time (and filling up on vitamin D) can be a wonderful way to remind your father how much you love him.
2. Take him to a live show that’s right up his alley
Maybe your dad is the comedic type. Or perhaps he’s more inclined toward drama. Or maybe he likes to jam to live music. Whatever his preference, pick a show that has DAD written all over it. Take him to a local comedy club, buy tickets to a theater performance, or score great tickets to his favorite band. Live performances are always a blast and it’ll be a great opportunity for you and your dad to have fun together.
3. Show him your favorite hangout
When we grow up and move out, our lives split from our parents. More often then not, when we spend time with them it’s in our homes, their homes, or old restaurants that have been family favorites since the beginning. This Father’s Day take your dad to one of your spots. He’ll be thrilled to get a window into your day-to-day life and sharing what you love with your father is the perfect way to show him how much you love him! Make a reservation at your favorite Sunday brunch spot, hit up that awesome craft brewery, or take him to a speak-easy you love to visit on payday.
4. Plan a week away for father bonding time
Most of these options require being locally based, but what about those of us who live hundreds or thousands of miles from our fathers? All hope is not lost. Why not pull out the calendar and pick out a week to dedicate to the two of you? You could go on a vacation together, maybe head camping, go on a fishing trip, or invite him on one of our yoga/wellness/adventure retreats! What better way to celebrate Father’s Day than to turn it into Father’s Week?!
5. Make the day all about him
At the end of the day, the best way to celebrate Father’s Day is to truly celebrate your father. Whatever you choose to do, make it all about Dad. Eat his favorite foods, do his favorite things, or simply tell him why he is your favorite dad. If you want to make this Father’s Day special for your dad, then remind him why he is special to you. Trust me, that will be more than enough to put a smile on his face.
About the Author
Sarah Dittmore, the Director of Operations at True Nature Travels, is always seeking a new adventure. When she’s not barefoot hiking in the mountains of Peru, kayaking around an island off the coast of Italy, or camping in a rainforest in Costa Rica, Sarah writes about her adventures on her travel blog, Autobiography of an Adventurer. Join her as she travels the world and documents the wild and wonderful things she discovers along the way at www.autobiographyofanadvent
