Things to Do with Your Dad on Father's Day

There are many things you can do to celebrate Father's Day with your Dad. Make it a day when you'll be able to show him your love and appreciation for all the fun experiences Dad gave you during your growing-up years. Think back and you'll come up with one or more of these great ideas:

1. Treat Dad to a favorite sports event. Get tickets and go along with him to watch his favorite local team play. This time you also pay for the hot dogs and Cokes. If golf is Dad's passion, pay for a day at the golf course. If you're good at the game, join him on the links. However, on his special day, make sure you lose by at least five strokes.

2. Treat Dad to a special dinner at a high-class restaurant. OK if Mom comes along, too. Then, theater passes you've bought for a concert, play or Broadway-style musical. Just make sure the music is from Dad's younger years, not yours.

3. Surprise Dad with a home-cooked dinner of his favorite foods. Will it be corned beef and cabbage, spaghetti and meatballs, arros con pollo or sushi? Get together with other family members to prepare a great meal, including a big cake for the after-dinner ceremony honoring Dad. Of course, you may prefer having it all delivered from a restaurant. That may be OK, but not as much fun.

4. If Dad is outdoorsy, take him on a family picnic to celebrate Father's Day. Include a hike or bike ride to work up an appetite. Then find a nice spot in the park for the picnic or backyard barbeque, spread a blanket and enjoy it all together.

5. If your budget allows, spend some significant money to make Father's Day a three- or four-day event. Spend some nights and days in New York or San Francisco, taking in the sights, attending theater performances and eating at the best places in town. If Dad would like the glitz and gambling of Las Vegas, make it a family weekend he'll remember with appreciation for many years to come, especially if you pay for it all.

There are many things you can do with Dad on this year's Father's Day. To plan them, all it requires is lots of memories about your great Dad has done for you through the years, and the loving intent to pay him back.