Father’s Day is just around the corner ... can you believe it? If you don’t already have the holiday on your radar, no worries! It will be our little secret, and KC Parent is here to help you with plenty of ideas to celebrate the dads, grandpas, uncles or other important male figures in your life. Read on to find a fun new idea for 2021!
Auto Dad
If your dad is a car lover, visit the KC Auto Museum in Olathe or KC Classic Auto in Lenexa. Be sure to check their websites for current hours and pricing. You also can book an exotic driving experience at the Kansas Speedway at TheXtremeXperience.com. Other amazing driving experiences, including ones through our very own Kansas City, are available through KCExotic.com.
Game Dad
Does your dad have a little competitive side to him? Host a family game night with games you already have. You might even consider purchasing a new one. There are endless possibilities with card and board games and outdoor games—or let your kids make up a game.
Sporty Dad
Grab a couple tickets to the Royals’ 1:10 home game on Father’s Day, or let dad pick his favorite sports bar to watch the game with a few friends. You also could peruse Kansas Sampler for his favorite local team gear (boy, do they have a ton!) or see what Amazon offers for non-local team fans, like my husband, who roots for Manchester City soccer.
Handy Dad
You might find this dad always tinkering, building or fixing. Why not buy him a special tool he has been wanting or a fun “handy dad” sign for the garage? Check out Lowe’s for one of their Build and Grow kits Dad and the kids can do together or snag a similar kit from Home Depot the first Saturday of the month and save it for Father’s Day!
Foodie Dad
Do you have a foodie dad? Will he raid the pantry at night after everyone has gone to bed? Buy your dad a cooking class, a gift card to a new restaurant or a fun kitchen gadget. You could even simply stock the pantry with his favorite snacks. Get the kids involved by having them plan a menu, help cook and even serve up Dad’s favorite dish restaurant style one night!
Workout Dad
This dad loves a good sweat session, so why not sign him up (with his permission, of course) for the Father’s Day Quarter Marathon June 19 at the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport. Children can join in the fun at the kids run. If that’s not really his thing, buy him a new pair of tennis shoes or some workout clothes.
Soon-to-Be Dad
Expecting a new baby? Celebrate this dad with a matching dad t-shirt and baby onesie or a cool dad tee. And since he’ll be blowing up your phone with cute baby pics, why not invest in a digital photo frame you both can enjoy?
Music Dad
Have a family dance party or check out any of our local summer concert series happening around the metro. Buy Dad a new speaker for outside, or if you are tired of listening to his style of music, some wireless earbuds would be even better!
Movie Dad
For this dad, you can obviously go to a movie, but how about letting your kids help plan an indoor movie theater at your house? They can go all-out with decorations, concessions and tickets. Who needs to go out when you can stay in?
Outdoorsy Dad
The possibilities are nearly endless for this dad. Take your dad to one of the many amazing trails that can be found around the metro at places like Parkville Nature Sanctuary, Lakeside Nature Center, Overland Park Arboretum, Big Bull Creek Park or any others your family loves!
History Buff Dad
If you happen to visit the National WWI Museum and Memorial on a Saturday, the Hands-On History is free to the public and allows participants to actually touch war artifacts. Be sure to pack a family picnic to enjoy on the expansive front lawn … and don’t forget to snap a pic with downtown KC in the background!
Travel Dad
Does your dad have the bug to travel? Book a small weekend getaway as a family, or if you’d prefer to stick close to home, purchase a Wander Club keychain instead. With customizable options, you will be able to create something special for the dad in your life!
Animal Loving Dad
Visit a local animal shelter and pick out a new fur-ever pet as a family. If that feels a little too permanent, head out to Yaya’s Alpaca Farm, the zoo or Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary to hang out with their animals!
Beer Loving Dad
Is your dad a connoisseur of all things beer related? Head to Up-Down KC or Draftcade for fun, games and drinks. Our very own local Boulevard Beer offers tours, as does Tom’s Town Distillery if your dad prefers spirits instead. If you do a little digging, you can find some other cool little breweries sprinkled throughout the metro, like Limitless in Lenexa!
Artsy Dad
Frame a piece of kids art for Dad to display or have youngsters create something new together. You can also plan a family outing to one of KC’s galleries, like the Nelson-Atkins, Kemper or JCCC’s Nerman.
Barbecue Dad
How about some new grilling tools or accessories for this dad who loves barbecue? Spice up dinner plans with a Q39 gift card or let the kids help Dad grill!
No matter what the dad in your life is into, I’m sure anything you do will be well received because it is from the heart! So have fun deciding and celebrating that special guy this year! He deserves it!
Julie Collett writes from Overland Park and can’t wait to help her four kids plan something special for their dad this year!