By: Linda Vongkhamchanh

Jun 17, 2009

Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 21, and instead of running around town trying to find the right gift for Pops, why not get the old guy out and about… with you. It’s a different type of gift and probably unexpected. You are the favorite in the family, anyway, aren’t you? If there’s anything we need in life, it’s to move around more and spend more time with our loved ones—no one needs another book that will never be read or another shirt from the bargain bin. Do something unique, fun and interesting with the best man in your life this weekend… and if you weren’t his favorite before, you might just be after you try out our active gift ideas for daddy’s day.
 

 
 
If he’s outdoorsy:
Stop buying him golf balls and Polos—he’s had enough. Instead, take your dad to the driving range, hike a scenic route at a local park, or rent bikes and ride around town. Or, is it possible to rent rowboats or paddleboats in your area? Treat dad to a peaceful day near the water. Top off your day with a tailgate cookout of delicious and healthy foods. Just make sure you don’t make dad do the grunt work. 

Approximate calories burned* (1 hour):
Driving range: 204 calories
Hiking: 476 calories
Biking: 544 calories
Rowing: 476 calories

Easy outdoor grilling ideas >>

If he’s a sports fanatic:
Get a basketball, baseball or football from a local sports shop. Wrap it up with a note about the day’s plans and have your dad open up your gift in the morning. It’s practical and affordable, and most importantly, meaningful. Later, take him and the family out to the field or court at a local school and throw the ball around. It’s memories like these that make the greatest gift. Don’t forget to take pictures!

Approximate calories burned (1 hour):
Catch: 170 calories

10 ways to make Father's Day special for a stay-at-home dad >>

If he’s a techie:
Purchase an iTunes or MP3 gift card with a list of tunes that you know dad will love. Then, get your friends and family together for a dance party or a Wii Fit competition (if his dance moves are rusty) and move to the music. Your old man might not be too keen on dancing at first, but if you choose the right tunes, he may not object to some Beatles boogie. 

Approximate calories burned (1 hour):
Dance: 408 calories

Check out our favorite Wii Fit games >>

If he’s a historian or pop culture buff:
What’s your dad’s favorite book? Is there a place in your city or his that resembles the setting of the book? Take your dad back in time and bring him on a walking tour of an interesting place in your area. Outer space, the deep seas, or Africa could be right around the corner if thought about it creatively. Try a natural history museum, a zoo, an aquarium or go on a walking tour of historical markers in your town. Life imitates art and you can help him live out one of his wildest stories. At the end of the day, relax together with a glass of wine and soak in all that you’ve learned.

Approximate calories burned (1 hour):
Walking: 217 calories

We know that some of you may not live close enough to your dads to spend the day with them, so why not tweak our ideas a little to give him a fun, active day on his own or make a trip out there to see him and do it one random weekend. For love and health, just keep on moving. 

*Approximate calories burned shown here are calculated for a 150-pound person. Calorie counts will vary depending on your weight. Check out our calories burned calculator.