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Fun Father's Day activities for kids

by Madison West

Where there's a father, there's usually kids. Make your Father's Day celebration this year an interactive one. With so many fun activities for children to participate in, this Father's Day can be a real celebration of family.

You can begin getting the kids involved by having them create their own Father's Day gifts. Children love to create and they love to show off their work. Presenting Dad with a card or drawing made from his little boy's or girl's own hand is a priceless and irreplaceable gift. Something so simple, yet so precious.

Another great way to involve the kids is to let them go shopping and pick out their own gift. Dollar stores make great places for children to shop. By giving your children a small amount of spending money or their allowance, they can enjoy a sense of independence as they pick out something special just for Dad.

Now when the day itself actually arrives, there are many ways to honor Dad and keep the kids entertained.

Start Dad's day off right with breakfast in bed, lovingly prepared with the help of his children. Kids love to work in the kitchen and there are many ways they can help to prepare that special meal. Whether its stirring the pancake batter or choosing what special ingredients Dad might like added, such as blueberries, bananas, or chocolate chips, they will enjoy the satisfaction that comes from preparing a meal for someone they love.
They can also help to squeeze fresh juice or place some fresh cut flowers in a vase to add that special touch to his tray. And you can be sure that Daddy will get a kick out of his little ones bounding into the room with those proud smiles on their faces for a job well done.

As the day moves along, there will be several other ways for Dad and his kids to enjoy some real quality time. Depending upon the weather, there are great indoor and outdoor activities that will make this a Father's Day to remember.

If your area is blessed with good weather on Sunday, June 15, then get out and enjoy it. Does Dad love to golf? Miniature golf is a fun family activity that allows the kids to participate in a more light-hearted version of Dad's favorite game.

Horseback riding is also something to consider. Check out riding stables in your area and see which ones offer trail rides. Many stables offer packages for the inexperienced rider and have horses to accommodate riders of all ages and sizes.

A day at your state park is always a great way to enjoy the outdoors. State parks offer various activities that the entire family can enjoy together. You can incorporate a family BBQ or picnic with a family walk along a nature trail. Your park might also have a swimming pool or fishing lake you can enjoy.

If it's a little steamy outside, there are lots of other fun ways, besides swimming and fishing, for Dad and the kids to cool down. Some of my fondest childhood memories involve the family water fights that we used to have at the conclusion of our picnics. Dad always seemed to be the main culprit when it came to getting things started. Whether you use water balloons or "super soaker" water guns, you can bet that this activity will bring out the kid in everyone.

Another way to beat the heat is to spend Father's Day exploring a cave system. If you've ever been on a cave tour, then you know that it's a great way to enjoy nature's own air conditioning. Caves are a naturally cool refuge from the heat and provide a unique experience for the family to share.

Whether at home or at the park, don't forget the yard games. Kids of all ages enjoy a little healthy competition. Bring along the horseshoes, corn hole toss, croquet set, or ladder ball and watch the kids, Dad, Grandpa and uncles have a great time.

You say the weather forecast doesn't look so great? Not to worry-there are plenty of indoor activities that the kids can share with the father figure in their life.

Enjoy a great family game of bowling this Father's Day. If you have very young children, ask the bowling center employees for a lane that allows "bumper" bowling. These padded bumpers placed along the sides of the lanes prevent the balls from going in the gutters. This keeps a smile on the little ones' faces and may help Dad and the other adults to "save" face.

Maybe Dad just wants to kick back and enjoy a day at home. Pull out the board games and enjoy some old-fashion gaming with the family. Whether it's a game of Candy Land, Monopoly, or Clue, board games provide a chance for family interaction that often gets pushed aside in our electronic world.

How about a good family movie? Let the kids get involved by helping to pop the popcorn or preparing one of Dad's other favorite snacks. Then let the kids curl up on the couch and enjoy a good movie with their daddy.

Whatever activity you choose for your Father's Day celebration, just remember that most men are kids at heart. So you can be sure that a day of fun and games will be something that Dad and his children will enjoy.

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