Contributors: Melanie Dostis and Nancy Ryerson
It’s time to celebrate the special man in your child’s life–Dad! With Father’s Day just around the corner, we’ve prepared the perfect mash up of everything you need to make this Sunday truly extraordinary. —
Dads We Love
In celebration of fantastic fathers, our June issue includes our annual “Dads We Love” feature. As an exploration of modern fatherhood, the list of Dads We Love includes: Big Mike, the American Idol contestant who heard the joyous news of his newborn along with the rest of America; local dad Eric Ruhalter who enjoys the art of making up new words for his KidDictionary books; Gramercy Tavern Chef Michael Anthony who helps youngsters discover a healthy culinary world; and many more!
Daddy-And-Me Time
Father’s Day gives kids the chance to show their appreciation, and no matter what kind of dad they have–sporty, cultural, musical, outdoorsy–we have a special Dad’s Day activity to match! Plus, crafty events let kids go the extra mile and make something special for their number one dude. No “Best Dad in the World” mugs from the big box store this year! So tell Daddy to put down his hammer or his Blackberry or even the TV remote and treat him to a day of family fun made just for him.
Giving ties for Father’s Day may seem a little passé. But kids can take that easy gift to the next level by making the “world’s largest tie” at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Or, little ones can hand decorate a tie to the tunes of cool jazz at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum.
For a gift that’s even more of a work of art, tots can also make a collage at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Kids can get creative at the Jewish Museum, too. Fathers get in free while their kiddos make cellphone holders, photo albums, portraits and more.
If Daddy is a “Mr. Fix It” kind of guy, tots can make him a “Lil Toolbox” at any Home Depot on Saturday–and Mom can pick up a gift card to go with it while she’s there!
For the sporty dad, take him out to a ball game — he might just win a new electronic device! The Long Island Ducks are celebrating Father’s Day with raffles, a chance to meet the players before the game and time for the kids to run the bases after the game. If hoops are more his style, head to South Street Seaport on Saturday for the 2011 NBA Nation, a free basketball bonanza featuring games, a b-ball clinic and even appearances from NBA players. Or enjoy games and competitions on the top deck of the Intrepid Museum, where dads can get in for the same price as kids.
Take Poppa on the Secrets of Central Park Family Scavenger Hunt only if he has a strong sense of adventure! Dad can help kids (or vice versa) find Stuart Little, stick out your tongue at a rude animal and unscramble a message in the sky. Or take action loving dads to see Robinson Crusoe: One-Man Outdoor Play in Central Park. Learn how Crusoe survived in the wilderness in this interactive performance–maybe it will inspire Dad to share his own rugged tales!
For a more low key day outdoors, head to Prospect Park’s Father’s Day celebration, where kids can make cards for dad out of recycled material, then munch on strawberries and fresh whipped cream (yum!). If strawberries sound tasty, then hungry daddies would also enjoy the chance to make a Taste Buds Kitchen pizza with their kids for their special Father’s Day Pizza Party. Cold lemonade completes the meal, perfect for a warm weekend.
While we’re on the subject of food, our resident brunching expert, Carla Sullivan from Yummy Delicious, rounded up some of the top culinary locales offering special daddy days. Check them out here.
Finally, help out others while celebrating Dad…with the Nanny, no less! Join Fran Drescher in celebrating Cancer Schmancer’s WE THE FUTURE healthy youth program with food, live music, viewing of the US Open, video games, crafts and more.
The Perfect Gift For The Perfect Dad
Every dad is different. Not all fathers fit into the tie-wearing, tool-loving, golf-playing mold. So when choosing the perfect gift for Father’s Day, it’s important to keep the unique recipient in mind. Whatever dad-type you’re dealing with, we have the perfect gift ideas that will show him how much you care.
For the dad who just can’t get enough of the great outdoors, our June issue features Toys For Dad like a portable barbecue and sporty sunglasses.
A more permanent piece for the outdoors is the Hammy Hammock by Plywood Office. With a built-in cup holder and flower bed, it’s perfect for celebrating Father’s Day in the backyard.
If you’re dealing with a dad who can always be found with the newest gadget then give him the wallet-sized USB AA Foldable Solar Panel Charger which charges faster than any other portable product in the market.
Patriarchs notoriously avoid asking for directions, so if your dad is the on-the-go type consider giving him the Garmin Nuvi with EcoRoute which helps locate fuel efficient routes.
More eco-friendly gift ideas include the WeWood watches which are completely free of toxic chemicals and Wood’s Thumb ties made from reclaimed lumber!
The Professional-Grade Barbecue Beeper from Weber notifies dad via his handheld receiver as to when the perfect cooking temperature has been reached. If dad enjoys eating more than cooking then you can’t go wrong with Bacon Freak membership–what’s better than home-delivered bacon?
For the sports loving man, win his heart with “Ebbets Field Flannels” vintage baseball gear and watch his surprised face as he opens authentic threads from bygone teams.
If Dad spends all day at the office, gift him a little fun with Desktop Bowling which will keep him busy between board meetings.
And if the big guy is new to fatherhood, Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads is perfect for some humorous, light reading.
When all else fails, a heartfelt homemade gift is always the way to go. Little ones will love to write and illustrate their own “Daddy And Me” stories with Romp’s Blank Board Books.
For Dads Only
Hey urban daddies! Do you want parenting advice and tips as well as a place to talk about the kids AND sports? Look no further. The web is packed with smart daddy bloggers who are just like you.
NYC Dad’s Group is a blog and network for stay-at-home dads, work-at-home dads, or just about any kind of dad who wants to interact with other fathers during the week. Meet up during the day at the local park and let kids enjoy playgroup while chatting about fatherhood… or to “talk sports.”
For product reviews and events in the city, check out Dada Rocks. It also has great giveaways, so check back often!
On New York Dad’s Blog, it’s okay to talk about your feelings. Check out the site for personal stories and reflections on all things fatherhood.
If you prefer metropolitan musings with a bit more snark, try Daddy Types. Blogger stories of living in New York as a new dad will have you laughing your cares away.
And gadget loving pops nationwide can enjoy Wired.com’s Geekdad blog. The site features product reviews as well as advice for dads of “geeky” kids. Is archery safe for wannabe warriors? What’s the best graphic novel for aspiring astronauts? Geekdad has the answers.
Father On Film
Premiering this Father’s Day on HBO, The Kids Grow Up is poignant glimpse at one father’s relationship with his only daughter, Lucy. In this highly personal documentary, director Doug Block records his small family’s raw and emotional year before Lucy leaves home for college. For an honest look at one family’s love for one another through growing up and letting go, you don’t want to miss this at-home screening.
Father’s Famous Words
And don’t forget to check out The Last Word in our June issue. In Amazing Gracie, author and New York Times writer Keith Dixon sheds light upon the never-ending process of learning how to be a father through the prism of cooking for his daughter her first year of life.
GIVEAWAY ALERT!
In the introduction to her new cookbook, Academy Award-winner Gwyneth Paltrow discusses the close relationship she had with her father, Bruce Paltrow, especially in the kitchen. To share her family’s love of cooking, Paltrow brings us My Father’s Daughter. With tried and true recipes like Fried Zucchini Spaghetti, this celebrity cookbook is sure to please the most sophisticated of palates, alongside the pickiest of eaters.
And with Father’s Day just around the corner, we have five copies of My Father’s Daughter on giveaway! Visit our Facebook Page and tell us why you want to win. Deadline to enter is Friday, June 24.
