Father’s Day Planning: Get Green!

Father’s Day is fast approaching–do you know what you’re doing for the father-figure in your life?  Fathers can be very difficult to shop and plan for.  They seem to be famous for the “just your love is enough” gig—which, while very sweet, is useless in helping you plan and buy.  But Father’s Day does have its advantages over Mother’s Day in that it’s one month later and you can be more sure of a nice weather weekend.

If your dad is of the green sort, or you are and want to celebrate with him in an eco-friendly way, here are some activity ideas to consider on the big day:

•    Plan a picnic. Take your dad on a favorite hike of yours and feast at the summit.  Or, if your dad isn’t the run-up-a-mountain type, you could take him to a ski area that runs their chairlifts in the summer and treat him with a sweat-free view.  Or, to save on gas, go to the local park or the local grass in your backyard and munch away.  After all, everything tastes better outside, right?

If your dad is a chef or enjoys cooking, let him be a part of the cooking process.  Hit up the local farmer’s market in the morning and let the season dictate your lunch!

•    Volunteer together. Pick your favorite organization to help.  Call ahead to see what help they may need on a Sunday.  Hit up the animal shelter and walk dogs, play with the animals, clean cages or whatever else they may need.  You might have another friend coming home with you!  Or check out a soup kitchen or Meals on Wheels program and step in for a shift.  Workers and volunteers in these places will appreciate being relieved to spend time with their own fathers and family.

Don’t see an organization that catches your eye?  Pick an urban trail and beautify it, picking up trash and clearing debris along the way.  Many rivers collect an abundance of trash, so if you have a river curving through your town, hit it up with a trash bag and some gloves.  You’ll spend quality time together and the ducks will appreciate it!

•    Play ball! . . or whatever. What’s your father’s favorite sport?  Is he a golfer?  Play 9 holes with him or treat him to a bucket of balls at the driving range.  If he’s a football nut, toss one around together.  If biking or running are his thing, join him!  If he’s more low-key and indoorsy, hit the bowling alley or pool hall.  Or, if he’s up for something new, teach him something or arrange for lessons in sailing or skydiving or whatever floats your boat.  Maybe you’ll end up starting a new lifelong hobby together.

Whatever you choose this Father’s Day, focus on the time with your father-figure.  Don’t get too caught up or stressed with the details.  If everything falls through, don’t sweat it, grab dinner and rent the Planet Earth series.  Whatever you decide, take a camera and document the fun you have together.  You can put the pictures in an album for him to remember how much you love him.