Honoring dad with outdoor fun, bonding time

Family love

Family fun is always a way to make memories that will last a lifetime. So, grab every chance to bring the family together to play, to eat and to laugh. Father’s Day is that kind of day for families to come together, the young, the old and the in-between, eating and playing and enjoying each other’s company.

Dad has worked hard all year to provide for his family. So take advantage of Father’s Day and the great opportunity to celebrate dads; enjoy playing a game, eating together and having fun with family. The same scenario could take place on any given Saturday during the warm Louisiana weather season of the year. Life in Louisiana brings many opportunities for getting outside in the sunshine and laughing and playing and having fun with family. So don’t miss the opportunity; take advantage of it.

All dads want to know they are special and loved by those that are the most important to him. So why not plan a fun-filled day of outdoor activities for Father’s Day?

Start with some of his favorite picnictype foods such as barbecue ribs, fried chicken or hamburgers, if dad is a hamburger-lover. Be sure to provide his favorite sides. And don’t forget his favorite dessert.

Make sure to plan some unique, fun outdoors activities that can be joined in by the whole family. Remember to plan according to ages and abilities. Some ideas that are bound to bring laughter and fond memories are the following outdoor activities:

Water Gun Fun – Draw a circle with a black marker (trace around a mediumsized glass) in the middle of a white poster board. Fill in the circle. Tack the poster board with the bullseye onto a tree or attach it to the fence. Purchase enough water guns for the entire family. Fill each one with a different color of water (use food coloring to tint). Let each person try to hit the center of the black circle. The players can be identified by the color of water in their water gun. The winner can be announced. Prizes are optional.

Sack a Snack Hunt – Make a list of snack sacks that are hidden around the back yard. Snacks can be small bags of snacks such as chips, fruits, nuts or favorite candies. Provide each person with a paper bag to collect the items. Hide these right before the party so animals won’t steal the snacks.

Backyard Olympics – Have a sharp pencil for every person. Lay a rope on the ground. Each person will try to throw their pencil as far as they can on the other side of the rope. The winner is the one that has thrown his or her pencil the longest distance on the other side of the rope. Using different colored pencils will make it easier to spot the winner.

Dodgeball – Dodgeball is always a favorite. Make sure the ball is on the soft side so as not to hurt anyone.

Throw in the Hat – Place a tall stick or rod in the ground (could be a metal yard decoration). Provide large brimmed hats. Give each participant three chances to throw the hats and try to get it to stay on the rod. The winner is the one with the most hats staying on the rod.

Blanket Races – Divide into two evennumbered teams. Provide one blanket per team. Each team races from one designated point to another while pulling one of their team members to another designated spot. The first team to finish is the winner. Smaller team members riding on the blanket make it easier to accomplish this race.

Ladder Bean Bag Toss – Borrow Dad’s ladder from the garage. Use the area between the rungs to throw bean bags through. Write points on paper and tape above each opening on each rung. Divide into two teams. The team with the most points is the winner.

Don’t forget table decorations. One idea to consider is pulling out a few of Dad’s caps. Place tin foil inside each and then put in a small pot of flowers in each cap or place a small bowl in each and put in his favorite snacks. Pick out the most colorful or his most favorite.

Get the kids involved. Let them help put out the paper plates, napkins, plastic cups and plastic ware. It gives them a chance to feel like they were part of helping to make the day special for their dad and all the family.

After all the good food, fun and games, be sure to provide a comfy lounge chair and a fluffy pillow for Dad to relax and get some zzzzzz’s. You might let him wake up to find a present for being such a great dad and husband.

Whatever you and your family choose to do for dad, remember to have fun and make memories that will last forever.

Dianne Glasgow is a family and child specialist at the LSU AgCenter in Caddo Parish.

She can be reached at [email protected], 226-6805 or 464-2552.