I am so glad that I have wonderful men in my family and I want to make sure they feel loved and respected this year. Let’s honor those special men in our lives, shall we? I have a few ideas and activities that your child(ren) can do to honor Dad.

A coupon book of chores and activities is fun to make. It requires that some thought be put into this present, but it doesn’t have to cost extra money to fulfill the coupon ideas.  My boys made these coupons annually for Dad when they were young and they loved giving them to him. Remember to follow up on the coupon ideas and have Dad cash them in since the giver wants to see their coupons being redeemed. Here are some activities to consider: a car wash, free car vacuuming, movie night at home – your choice of movie, foot message, sports night, back rub, favorite home cooked meal, dessert of your choice, Sunday afternoon nap- uninterrupted!

Grillin’ Out My men love the taste of grilled food. What about making some dinner packets? They are easy to make and the children can help you! You can throw them on the grill and since they are in their own container, clean up is easy.

Dinner Packets

• Hamburger 1-2 pounds (depending upon the size of burgers and number of people)
• Baby carrots (choose thinner ones rather than the fatter ones)
• Potatoes
• Medium onion (optional)
• Salt, pepper
• Cooking spray
• Aluminum foil

How about giving Dad a certificate? Here is an example of one of the certificates that I found on about.com There are five different awards to choose from, so I think you will find something there you will like.

http://familycrafts.about.com/od/certificates/ig/Certificates-for-Dads

I also created a printable page that you can print for your child(ren) to write why they love Dad. Best Dad

Here is a graphic that can be downloaded for a Father’s Day card or a gift tag. click here to download

Making ice cream. This is a fun activity to do with Dad (and the family)  enjoy a sweet treat when it is all done. Here are a few recipes courtesy of www.dtkl-kids.com Before you start be sure to: read the directions carefully and collect all the supplies. Another tip: place bowls in freezer so the ice cream doesn’t melt as quickly.

Yummy Ice Cream

In a 1-gallon freezer bag, mix

• 5 cups cubed ice
• 3/4 cup rock salt
• 1/4 cup water

Directions: Place 1 quart sherbet bag inside 1 gallon bag. Duct tape the plastic bags shut to prevent leaking.  Wrap in terry towel to protect hands from cold. (I also suggest those who are going to be doing this activity to wear  gloves to protect little fingers as the bags get extremely cold.)

Agitate for approximately 8 – 10 minutes. When firm, remove sherbet bag from rock salt mixture.  Dry bag on towel.

Use scissors to cut hole open the bags. Scoop out ice cream and put in serving bowls or cups.

Makes 7-1/2 cup servings.

OR

In a 1 Quart freezer bag, mix

• 1 cup orange juice
• 2 cups skim milk
• 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
• 2/3 cups sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Orange Rind (optional)
• Optional drops of food color : 2 red and 4 yellow
• Follow directions above to make your delicious treat.

OR

Orange Shakin’ Sherbet 

For a 2-person treat combine in a 1-pint freezer bag:

• 1/2 cup Orange Juice
• 1 cup skim milk
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon orange rind (optional)
• Optional drops of food coloring: 1 red and 2 yellow

• Follow directions above to make your delicious treat.