Is there anything sweeter than your littles special bond with their Daddy? I think not. The big bear hugs, the tickle fights, getting dirty outdoors… At our house, those are the things that my boys can’t get enough of from their favorite guy. A couple times a month, my husband makes it a point to take the kids for an outing by himself and it never gets old watching how excited the boys get for a solo play-date just with their Daddy! When I was breastfeeding it was a challenge for the littles to be away from me for any stretch of time, but now that we’re knee deep into toddlerhood, these Daddy date days allow me to have a much needed break and some quality time to myself while they are together creating forever memories. Everyone benefits and we reunite with fun stories about how our day was spent. Need a day off, mama? I highly recommend that you suggest these simple outings to your partner in parenting and relish in relaxation (or a nap!) while the kids have a Daddy’s Day Out!
Playground + Picnic Plus
Upgrade the typical park and picnic play date by ditching the neighborhood playground and heading somewhere adventurous! A trampoline park, indoor rock climbing, a play gym, or that cool new downtown play structure you’ve been meaning to get to are the perfect substitutes for a play date with Dad. There are so many places to experience new things and make new memories. And don’t forget the picnic! So long boring PB & J! Have Dad grab some fun to-go foods from Whole Foods or your fave local grocer, throw a blanket down and have a healthy picnic perfect for fueling an adventure!
Wet + Wild
I don’t know about your tots, but it seems whenever mine spend a day in the water, they come back completely worn out and sleep incredibly well! Isn’t that every mamas favorite? For a fun change of pace, think outside the pool! A slip and slide in the front yard, the play fountain at the zoo, or any of your city’s free splash pads make the perfect venue for getting wet with Dad and having some fun in the sun! Don’t forget to stock Daddy’s bag with plenty of sunscreen! (Dads, remember to reapply sunscreen every hour on your little ones. Burnt babies are no fun.) For a post swim treat, a froyo run will be a huge hit! It’s a great way to cool off after a play date outside.
Take Me Out To The Ball Game
Is it a coincidence that Father’s Day falls in line with baseball season? I think not! There is nothing more nostalgic than dear old Dad taking his children to an all American baseball game. Dressed in team colors, munching on hot dogs and cracker jacks… These are what memories are made of regardless of how young or old your little one is! And a helpful hint, don’t discount the minor leagues. My husband raves about how family friendly (think playgrounds and splash pads at the ball park) a lot of the newer minor league parks are and how easy it makes it on him to have something else to do during that seventh inning stretch! Most of our littles can’t make it past a few innings. Bonus, tickets tend to be less expensive than the majors. Batter up!
So tell us, with all these Daddy’s Day Out plans… What are you going to do with your mommy time off? Mani – pedi anyone!?
