Just as moms and daughters can bond by spending special time together, dads and daughters need quality time too. I have learned that making memories with her dad is just as important for my daughter as making memories with me or with the entire family.
So the next time your husband and daughter are due for some quality time together, pull up this list of delightful destinations, choose one or two and shoo them out the door. They’ll come home worn out, happy and more bonded, and these are gifts that last them both a lifetime.
1. Breakfasts out. Test-drive joints until they discover their faves.
2. Trips to the city. Take the bus or c-Train. Then walk everywhere else.
3. Visits to the zoo. Don’t forget coins for animal snacks and money for people snacks.
4. Bowling dates. Who can win the best of five?
5. Amusement park romps. Spin around first; eat cotton candy after.
6. Tourist traps. Is there a famous something-or-other shop or locale nearby that they’ll love? Succumb to the hype.
7. High-wire acts. Ziplines, air-trams and skyscrapers - anything with a view just for the thrill of it.
8. Arcade outings. Zing-bang-pop! Make those tokens last so you can play for hours and combine your prize tickets.
9. Miniature golfing. Try a new course within a 30-kilometre radius every time you go.
10. Historical landmarks. Take indoor or outdoor tours. Try to learn little-known facts.
11. Day hikes. Wear two pairs of socks and sturdy shoes or hiking boots. Bring band-aids, trail mix and water.
12. Bike rides. They can both ride. Or if dad runs, make it a run/ride combo.
13. Out to football games. She’ll love a game at the stadium.
14. Ride sleds or slides. Sledding in the cold months and alpine sliding in the warm months.
15. Hit concerts. Pack a picnic for the outdoors or earplugs for the rock-and-roll.
16. All-you-can-eat buffets. Go hungry and then pace yourselves once you get there.
17. Waterslides or waterparks. Bathing suit up and scream all the way down.
18. Picnic for two in the park. Daddy-daughter bonding time with delicious sandwiches and soda pop.
19. Short road trips. Pick nearby towns you’ve never been to, jump in the car and go!
20. Go fishin’. Dad can hook the worms if she doesn’t want to, but she just might surprise you.
21. Geocaching. Download the official Geocaching app at geocaching.com and off to hunt you go.
22. Grab a matinée. Ticket prices are cheaper so splurge for popcorn, candy and a drink.
23. Roller or ice skating. Check out open skate times and party themes like neon or disco skates.
24. Attend local festivals. Arts, collectibles, rocks, literary - whatever she’s into!
25. Go out for ice cream cones. Take walks along a local scenic path or visit a town park.
Souvenirs dads and daughters cherish:
Bumper stickers of their favorite destinations
Matching T-shirts or baseball caps
Anything they can win together
Postcards, stickers or magnets
Photos of them posing together
A concert or game program
A pocketful of pretty rocks
A $5 memento of her choice
Christina tries not to dance a jig after her husband and daughter leave for some together time, but she usually just can’t stop herself. Her latest book is The Art Of Making Time For Yourself, A Collection Of Advice For Moms.
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