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5 Ways To Get Outdoors With Dad On Father's Day

Even if your dad is the quintessential couch potato, coaxing him outside for fresh air and fun on Father’s Day can set the stage for a good time and memories you make together. There’s something for everyone in the great outdoors, whether your preferred landscape is rural, urban or the highway to somewhere else.
Take To The Water
Boating
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Rent or borrow a boat, find a tranquil lake and go fishing. If beach bumming is more your style, dress for whatever the weather is in your neck of the woods and cozy up on a blanket with a barbecue. Lazing along the shoreline or participating in water sports always makes for a splendid day. Leaving your mobile phone at home is an added plus.

Find a Festival
Festival with Family
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If walking is more dad’s style, explore one of the many festivals taking place on Father’s Day. Street fairs, carnivals and extravaganzas featuring food, cool stuff to buy, beer, music and more pepper city blocks and Main Streets from sea to shining sea. Let dad pick out his own present while nibbling on a sausage and pepper sandwich.

Picnic in the Park or Eat Out Al Fresco
Family Picnic
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Every Father’s Day has to include some chill time, so pack a picnic basket full of dad’s favorite goodies, or find a restaurant known for delicious, outdoor dining and build in some relaxing time to talk, catch up and enjoy each other’s company. This is not a day to skip on dessert so make sure something decadent and delectable is part of the experience.

Enjoy the Sporting Life
Baseball Outing
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Even if your favorite team isn’t the one up at bat, nothing beats a sporting event at an outdoor stadium. Grab dad and spend the day enjoying dogs, brews and each other’s company. If you prefer playing to watching, spend the day together on the links or choose a new activity to try, like horseback riding, hiking, tennis or archery. You can also build pro lessons into dad’s day, particularly if he’s yearning to improve his swing or backhand.

Explore a New Locale
Family Hiking
Photo Credit Thinkstock

Whether it’s a unique museum exhibit in a distant city or a nature preserve in a pristine mountain range, choose a not-too-close, not-too-far-away location you’ve always wanted to explore together and get ready for a road trip. Gas up the car and make the ride to your special destination part of the party, but make sure you have lots of time to savor your destination of choice. Consider making an overnight stay at a charming bed and breakfast part of dad’s special celebration and build in a day-after Father’s Day brunch to complete the adventure, and the memories.

Corey Whelan is a freelance writer in New York. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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