The third Sunday in June is a special day that is set aside to honor our fathers and the other special men (stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, etc.) in our lives. You have probably heard the saying “The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.” This Father's Day you can make that saying come true. Plan a barbecue and make and bottle some homemade barbecue sauce for dad. Invite family as well as friends who are close to your dad or just let it be you and your dad. For dessert, set up an ice cream sundae bar. No dessert could be simpler than the ice cream sundae—a scoop of ice cream, a sweet topping, a dollop of whipped cream, and a cherry at the top. Provide a variety of flavors of ice cream (make sure that Dad's favorite flavor is there) and toppings (crushed cookies, small candies, sprinkles, nuts, crumbled candy bars fruit toppings, hot fudge, caramel topping, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and maraschino cherries).

Things to Do with Dad

With children, make a list of things that they can do with their dads or other special men in their lives (fly a kite, plant a vegetable garden, lie underneath the stars, build a birdhouse, play catch, make popcorn and watch a favorite video, pack a picnic, go for a bike ride, read a book or spend time on the computer together, etc.).

Treasure Hunt

Take a walk and pick up as many neat treasures as you can find while you are walking (like bottle caps and bits of wire). Make a picture with your findings and add some glue. Place it inside a frame with no glass.

Father's Day Cards

If you're having some trouble choosing a card, why not make one yourself? A handmade card or note from the heart speaks more of your feelings than the store bought variety. We have several card patterns from which to choose on our site.

Father's Day Coupons

Make a book of tickets that Dad can redeem for things like “One board game with me” or “One free hug.” For a special presentation, wrap them up in a small box and tie with ribbon or yarn.

Games Day

Have a Games Day. Get together with a few other people and play games. Each person brings a favorite board game to share or picks an outdoor game everyone can have fun with like soccer or croquet.

Crown Dad King for the Day

Have children make Dad a crown. Get a big sheet of paper and draw a crown shape. Decorate it with glitter, yarn, ribbon, pom-poms, fancy buttons, sequins, or whatever you have on hand and staple it together.