Father-Son Activities that Rock

Most men would agree it is an awesome idea for fathers and sons to hang out. With full-time jobs, multiple children, hobbies, sports and adult relationships, getting alone with your son may have to be penciled in.

Once you have time with your son, be careful that it is "shared time" to relax and have fun. Everything you do (dad) does not have to revolve around you teaching, you winning, or you talking. Be sure to take turns with tasks, allows the child to learn hands-on and be a good sport through encouragement.

Now, let's take a look at great activities for boys 7 and up...things most all boys would love to do with dear old dad.

Bar-B-Q - Cooking isn't just for mothers and daughters. Most men take on the task of the bar-b-q willingly. Next time you plan a meal that involves the grill; make it a total man-fest by engaging your son! After all, if your son doesn't learn how to bar-b-q from you, where will they learn it?

Paintball - It goes without saying that most teenage boys love the idea of paintball. Honestly, fathers totally get into it once they are there. Research paintball opportunities near you, online. You usually don't have to have any of the equipment - everything can be rented. In addition, a good game could be played for the cost of a movie if you find the right spot!

Laser Tag -Boys and dads can roam the dark and shoot away. This game encourages strategies and teamwork. It is a perfect rainy day activity because it is inside and would be far more memorable, being active, than sitting in a movie.

Sky zone - This may not be assessable to every area, but one of the greatest experiences my son ever had was playing dodge ball with his dad at Sky Zone; Dads vs. Boys. Check to see if there is one near you!

Driving Range - Don't golf? No big deal. Don't have clubs? No worries, you can borrow them or rent a couple on the green. The simple act of doing something active is a bonding experience for both father and son - even if you both are horrible at it. Driving ranges are a great place to relax, talk and swing away!

Batting Cages - Even if boys, or dads, are not huge baseball fans, there is something really, really fun about whacking at a baseball in a batting cage. Take all that teenage testosterone on all that man-rage and let it work for both of you!

Classes and Certifications- Doing anything alone with Dad is big fun, but learning something new together can be a total bonding experience! Take a deep-sea divers certification, or something as simple as CPR at a local hospital. Learning together is a bonding experience. If you disagree...how many High School friends have you reconnected with since the invention of Facebook? (Point in Case!)

4-Wheeling - This is extreme but really very fun and perhaps something your son would not expect. Check around and you will probably find an opportunity to "off-road" close by. Do the unordinary to create an extra-ordinary memory! Imagine how fun it will be to brag about at the office on Monday!

Build - Skateboard Ramps, a platform (or small stage) for a drum set or something as simple as a birdhouse can be a total bonding experience. Construction is to learn and learning together is fun! (Be sure not to hog the accomplishment, guys. Little guys need glory, too!) Also, check out free construction kids time at your local Home Depot! All you have to do is show up with your little one - and they provide the rest!

A Man's Man Movie - In many homes, men would often like to go see a new release that their wife would not enjoy at all. This is a perfect time to engage your son and call it a man's night out. Check your local listings. Odds are, you will find a flick that appeals to guys...that the women in your life will be happy to skip.

A Hike - Nature trails, state parks and wooded areas can provide a total playground for fathers and sons. As simple as it seems, it is free and 10 minutes of skipping rocks on a lake or stream could burn a memory that lasts decades!

Plan a Camp Out or an Afternoon Outdoors - You may not have all the tools for an overnight in the rough, but who's to say a father and son can't plan a 3 hour trip to a state park, roast hot dogs and throw a football or Frisbee.

Tour the Stadium - A big city usually isn't too far neither is a college town. A small trip to visit a stadium near you is a good learning experience and would probably interest your son, if it is a sport or team they love! Get online and find tour times. A good burger after touring a stadium makes for a great day!

Whatever you do, men...do it with a soul of creating a friend for life. After all, that is what your boys will be if you remember playing with them is synonymous with "staying" with them...forever. You never know when you might need a man...and who better than the one that understands you best, your son.