How to Spend Father's Day with Your Dad

By Chopper Jun 15th 2012

Father's Day may come once a year, but not a moment goes by when I don't reflect on how much I love my papa. Don't get me wrong; I am a mama's boy, but most of my pawesome genes come from my dad. My good looks, athletic skills, intelligence: all these winning traits came from Chopper Sr. See the Polaroid below? That's my dad and me right after he taught me how to build my own dog house. I always look forward to this special holiday because it gives me yet another reason to spend some quality time with him.


Every year, my pals ask me what I plan on doing for Papa Chops. Naturally, I have the best ideas. This year, I've decided to share my plans for Father's Day. If you're still trying to figure out how to spend the day with your dad, here is my no-fail, go-to guide for making your pops proud on Father's Day.

Get Outdoors!
There's nothing more fit for a father and his kid than heading outside. Whether it's packing a picnic basket for the park or a Frisbee for the beach, getting your fill of fresh air and moving around is one of the best ways to spend time with one another. If you're looking for a place to go, check out these parks and beaches for some ideas.

Buy Him a Present
Sure, dads will always say they don't need anything when you ask, but who doesn't love a present? It doesn't have to be expensive or fancy; it just has to be thoughtful and sweet. No matter how tough your dad is, he'll appreciate the gesture. Maybe he needs a new tie for work or some tasty snacks (since Mom put him on a strict diet). Either way, don't walk into Father's Day empty-handed. Click here for some of my favorite gift ideas.

Make Him a Homemade Meal
Don't even think about letting your dad get close to the grill. This is his day to sit back, relax and have you do all the work. What's the quickest way to a man's heart? Through his stomach, duh. Don't be afraid to get behind the counter and whip something up in the kitchen. Not only will it be more meaningful since it's homemade, you'll be saving money too. Click here for some easy recipes that your dad will go crazy for. (Psst. Steal some food from your owners' refrigerator while they're away.)

Surprise Him with a Vacation
Traveling doesn't have to be stressful or expensive. It can be super fun and simple. There are tons of dog-friendly hotels across the country. One of the best vacations I've ever been on was to the Frenchie Winery up in Napa Valley, Calif. Boy, did Chopper Sr. and I have a blast. I've never felt more like a king than when I was sipping on some Cabarknet Sauvignon with my dad in the comfort of our wine-barrel dog beds. If you need some vacation inspiration, click here.

No matter what you plan on doing with your dad, just make sure he feels super special, and that you show him how much you appreciate him.