Father’s Day is fast approaching and if you haven’t already found the perfect gift or experience, here are 8 easy things to do with your dad in New York for the day:
1. Give him the gift of Kayaking. If he’s the adventuresome type, Hudson River kayaking is a real thing and is totally free. Plus, it’s kind of like doing a trust fall… you come out closer for having survived. Just remember to bring sunblock and a change of clothes. Info here.
2. Grab a bottle of wine, sit outside. Grab some wine, cheese, and crackers and set up a family picnic with backgammon or a friendly card game amongst siblings. Use the crackers as poker chips. Want to up the special ante? Try a bottle of personalized wine with a loving message like this one from from Josh Cellars.
3. Upgrade his scent. There’s something about fatherhood that often leaves men trapped in a fragrance time capsule. Upgrade him to something new, fresh, and youth-evoking. Try a scent like L’Occitane Cedrat that has bright citrus notes and a crisp earthiness that’s universally appealing. Available here.
4. Take him for a long walk through a neighborhood you’ve both never explored. A food tour of Jackson Heights, Queens or a pasta crawl through Arthur Avenue could have limitless potential, right? What dad doesn’t need a good meal? This is easily one of the best things to do with your dad in NYC! You can also take him on an adventure to the nearby Catskills. Here are some fun things to do in Woodstock, NY.
5. Give him some peace of mind. Celebrate the first International Day of Yoga and explore the deeper mysteries of this ancient path with world-renowned spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Join 5,500 New Yorkers and be a part of history at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center on June 21st, 7PM for Yoga: A New Dimension with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. More info here.
6. Take him for a 2-hour foot rub. Who really needs 2 hours of foot rubbing? Probably the guy who spent the better part of his life making sure you had food, shelter, and clothes on your back. West 8th Street has nearly endless options– some super clean, others not. All cost about $40/hour plus tip (be nice, 20%)!
7. Let him go wild at Sur La Table or any other culinary-freak’s dream world. “Hey Dad, I’m taking you here to pick out all the cool kitchen stuff you never pick out for yourself. Here’s the gift card, the only caveat is we have to do it together and you have to let me eat some of the food you cook with your new gear.” How fun is that?
8. The gift of quiet. One part noise-canceling headphones, one part soothing music, a dash of dimmed lights. Let simmer for 3-4 hours.
