News Taffy

Father’s Day is this weekend and in case you haven’t got a single idea what to get dear old Dad, I’ve got a list of healthier options for the whole weekend that promise to make Dad feel special. Plus everyone will have a blast.

Start Friday night. If Dad’s old athletic shoes have seen better days, take him shopping for some new kicks. Make sure he gets a good fit and the shoes are designed for his particular sport. While you are shopping, get Dad some new swim trunks to replace the ones he wore out last summer.

When you are done sprucing up his wardrobe, take Dad to the new Hijinx Game Night Reinvented (the old Jonesboro Bowling Center) to try his skills on the SkyTrail indoor adventure course, a type of rope course with elements of varying difficulty. Then head over to the foam factory, a multilevel play area filled with some 5000 foam balls, ball guns and launchers to send balls soaring at each other. Finish up with a game of laser tag or bowling if Dad has anything left in his tank.

Let Dad sleep in Saturday morning but wake him early enough to make it out to the ASU Farmers’ Market to pick up some fresh produce for his Father’s Day dinner. Next, pack a picnic lunch and head to Craighead Forest Park, Lake Frierson State Park or Crowley’s Ridge State Park for some fishing, hiking, biking or swimming. A little nature along with exercise will do Dad a world of good and relieve his stress. While soaking up a little vitamin D is good, remember to pack some sunscreen so Dad doesn’t get a bad burn. If hiking or biking isn’t Dad’s thing, head to a local pool to cool off and show off those new trunks.

On Father’s Day morning, greet Dad with a healthy breakfast like a breakfast burrito filled with scrambled eggs, chopped fresh tomatoes, cilantro, green onions and a sprinkle of cheese. Add some fresh fruit on the side and be sure to have his favorite coffee waiting.

For some afternoon fun, try a game of mini golf or get a great workout with a round or two of family dodgeball. To cool off, wash Dad’s car so it looks good Monday morning on his drive to work. After all this activity, let Dad take a nap to catch up on his sleep and recharge his batteries while everyone else cooks dinner.

By Sunday evening, the weekend is nearly over but you still have time for one more activity. The full moon is a few days away but take Dad out for a walk after dark. The fireflies are out this time of year and the heat has died down. The Big Dipper is easy to spot and some of the brightest stars near the moon are actually planets. FYI, you can see better if you head out of town where the city lights aren’t so bright but it is still possible to get in some star gazing from your own lawn.

An active and fun filled weekend is sure to make any Dad feel loved and is so much better than another tie or sitting around watching movies.