Janis P.
Looking for some last minute Father’s Day ideas? Take a look at our list for some inspiration and see what you and the kids would most like to do on your special day.
Pub lunch
Why not take the family down to your local child friendly pub for a spot of lunch? You could have a traditional Sunday lunch dinner (it saves yourself and partner the bother of cooking!) or anything you like. If it’s sunny, you could sit outside with a beer in your hand whilst your children play in the playground, or, you could join in the fun and catch them at the bottom of the slide or give them a little push on the swings. It’s a win-win situation.
Weald and Downland Open Air Museum (Singleton, Chichester)
If you come to the countryside on Father’s Day, you can be guaranteed lots of family fun and challenges to partake in across the whole day. This leading historic museum is offering a bundle of unusual and traditional rural activities for both Dad and the rest of the family to discover and enjoy. Kids will love playing the Tudor and Victorian games, and the woodland walks where they can feed the ducks at the lake. Meanwhile, Dad will have a great time joining in on welly boot throwing, golf, archery and he can also try his aim at field target air rifles. There’s a chance to see farm animals: cattle, sheep and pigs, have a ride in a traditional horse drawn wagon around the grounds, where the family can take in the beauty of the countryside, and trailor tractor rides will also be taking place. As well as that, circus performers will be around to teach you how to juggle, and WW2 weapons and memorabilia are on display, so bring Granddad with you!
To learn more, visit http://www.wealddown.co.uk/News/Fathers-day-2012.
Take a tour of top sporting venues (London)
This might seem like more of a father and son day out but it can also be a family event. In London are four sports venue tours that no sports mad fan would ever pass up so if you have any sporty kids, then this is the day for you! Take your pick from Twickenham Rugby Stadium, Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, Chelsea FC Stadium Tour and Museum, and Lord’s Cricket Ground tour. (Although, my dad says that the rugby stadium tour in Wales is much better!) At each tour, you have the chance to visit changing rooms where you can feel the tension and smell the sweat of nervous players, learn about the history of the event, walk around the grounds, view Championship Trophies and walk through the Player’s Tunnel. The experience will be one the kids can boast about at school and one you can remember for the rest of your life.
For more information, click here.
Get sporty in the park
Should you all share a passion for football or rugby, take your boys down to the nearest park for a kick about. It keeps the kids fit and gives them practice from the man who has seen it all and knows it all. However, for some real family fun, buy a cricket set (you can purchase these from Argos, or, if you want to spend online, try Amazon) and get the girls involved too – I promise you, it’s a lot of fun. Remember, be a good sport if you lose!
British Music Experience (O2 London)
Now, we had to give you a mix of things to do and we couldn’t make it all sporty, so here’s something musical for you to experience. Highlights of the tour include Geri Halliwell’s Union Jack dress, the artwork for the Rolling Stones’ lips logo, Dusty Springfield’s Blue grosgrain silk dress, Official Beatles Fan Club National Newsletter Magazine, and vintage dress and belt worn by Amy Winehouse. While your children may not remember the Spice Girls as they were in the 90s, they will enjoy the Gibson Interactive Studio, where they can record tracks of their own by Coldplay, Girls Aloud, Leona Lewis and Ms Dynamite. Dads might like to go for Oasis, The Beatles, Queen and Rod Stewart. (Tuition is provided.) To learn about Britain’s fantastic musical history, go to The Core and learn dance moves such as the rave and the twist, the Loca-motion and disco dancing, and discover more about your favourite artists. At The Edge Zones, you will find many showcases, from punk to R & B, rock ‘n’ roll, David Bowie, glam rock, Brit Awards and girl and boy bands.
To find out about ticket prices, go to the website at www.britishmusicexperience.com.
If it’s going to rain on Father’s Day (but let’s hope not!) an idea would be to take the board games out of the cupboard or play on the Wii, challenging Dad to some activities he hasn’t been part of for a while. Make sure there are bags of Haribo around for everyone to dip into during breaks because even dads can’t resist them!
Happy Father’s Day!
