submitted by Judy Schmidt, 4-H Metro Youth Development Educator, Illinois Extension
Father’s Day in the United State is celebrated on the third Sunday in June. This year it will fall on June 20, 2021. It is a time to celebrate the fathers or father figures in your life, which could include dads, step-fathers, grandpas, uncles, brothers, and other role models.Taking time out to honor the father figures in your life can really mean a lot to them, so get started now thinking of ways you can celebrate together. Here are just a few ideas of ways you could celebrate this Father’s Day:
1. Share your favorite memories together. Gather photos or write down a list of your top ten favorite memories together. Reminiscing about those fun, silly, or memorable times can bring joy to both of you.
2. Offer to join him in his favorite hobby. Find out what he loves to spend his free time doing and join him in a round of golf, working in the garden, cooking up a meal or whatever his favorite hobby is. I bet you’ll find he enjoys that you are showing an interest in something he loves and you may find something new you like to do, too!
3. Have a family competition. Make a fun family competition, such as a scavenger hunt or obstacle course for the whole family to enjoy and make sure to select things you know he would enjoy!
4. Go on an adventure together. This doesn’t have to be an extravagant adventure –find a new trail to hike, explore a new town or city nearby, or have a picnic in a park you have never visited before.
5. Enjoy a movie night together. Find out his favorite movie and have a showing in your home or for extra fun – in the backyard! Make sure to include some snacks he enjoys. Our favorite way to enjoy movie snacks is to make a snack tray with a cupcake pan-filling all the holes with different treats!
6. Serve others together. If your dad is the kind of guy who doesn’t like a lot of attention on himself, then plan a way to spend some time serving others – clean up a neighbor’s yard, serve a meal together at a local shelter, or simply help him finish a project he hasn’t been able to do. Spending time together will be the best gift of all!
