Kickin' It With Dad

OK, so Dad probably doesn’t want to go shopping or head out for a manicure. But there are some things you can do with him to tighten up (and lighten up!) your relationship. Here are our awesome ideas:

Build a Fort
Whether you have a big backyard or a secret spot in the woods where you and your friends hang out, enlist your dad’s help to construct an awesome fort. Lots of dads are handy with tools, and building something together could help you also build on your relationship!

Pick a Sport
Most dads love sports. Is your dad a football or baseball fanatic? You can bond by doing something as fun and simple as tossing a ball back and forth at the park. Or introduce your dad to your fave athletic activity. Think you can convince him to put on a pair of skates and head to the nearest indoor ice rink?

Plot a Garden
Does your dad break a sweat every weekend while mowing the lawn? Maybe you can get him to dig out a patch where you two can grow a vegetable garden. If you don’t have the yard space, plant cherry tomatoes in large containers or make a windowsill herb garden.

Cook a Meal
Dads love to eat, right? You don’t have to be a culinary genius to have a ton of fun making food (and chowing) together. Ask your dad to show you how to concoct his famous layered nacho dip. Or, make fresh pasta sauce using your own fresh herbs, and grill up some sliced zucchini from your veggie garden.

Create Some Art
Even if you don’t consider yourselves artists, everyone has some creative abilities. Break out the colored pencils or make a photo collage together. Or, hey, see if your dad will help you paint your bedroom a cool new color!

Listen to Music
You and your dad might not always agree when it comes to musical tastes, but open your minds -- and your ears. Pick something from your playlist that you think might appeal to your dad, and let him listen to it. Then, ask him to choose something you might like from his collection. Rock on!