Watching my son rolling around on the floor with my husband just brings a smile to my face as I see my husband let go of all the stress from work and spend time being a kid again. I think one of the joys of being a Dad is getting to relive your childhood all over again. For many fathers, their children are the light at the end of a busy, stressful and grinding tunnel. This is my husband’s first Father’s Day and I want to make it an unforgettable one--it’s time to celebrate Dad and all he does for the family. So if any of you are like me and aren’t sure what to do to for Dad, here are some suggestions that I hope you find helpful.
The weather is perfect now and before it gets too unbearably hot, round up the gang and head outside as much as you can. We’ve recently discovered the Gubei Park near Yili Nan Lu and Hongqiao Lu. When I wandered in, I was amazed when by the large open masses of green grass that you can actually throw a blanket down on and have a good old homestyle picnic. My son loves to crawl around on the grass and my husband loves walking around with him on his shoulders and also throwing the football around with our friends. You can also play badminton and take a stroll around the park’s big lake. Getting some fresh air is a popular idea among many families: Jeff Thompson, father to a 4 and 9-year old, loves to “stop by the new PAUL Bakery at [Gubei] Carrefour to pick up sandwiches and pack up the family for a picnic in the park.” Thompson enjoys the park because it’s “one place where everyone can have a good time regardless of age.” Having kids who have a larger age gap, it’s often difficult to find something that the whole family enjoys. Being together outside the whole family can enjoy the scenery, the weather (until it gets too muggy) and running off some energy with fun outdoor games.

Looking for a great place to take Dad out for dinner? Roosevelt Steak House receives raves from daddies around town. The steaks are almost as good as back home, you get a choice of great sides like creamed spinach and good wine. Roosevelt definitely lives up to the old adage you get what you pay for. An average steak dinner with one side and no wine could go for about 100 US dollars. So it’s definitely a place to go for special occasions like Father’s Day. If your husband has been craving some good red meat, Roosevelt is the place to go.
If you’d like to have a nice meal with Dad but Roosevelt isn’t your ideal restaurant, don’t overlook your own kitchen. Mike Wang, father of a 12 year old, recalls one of his fondest Father’s Day memories when his daughter was 4 years old and made him a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for breakfast. Furthermore, “lots of Dad’s love to grill and BBQ and Father’s Day is a day where they can spend putting out the flames over the grill rather than in the office,” states Wang. Villa Lifestyles sells propane gas grills for your home so you and your kids can whip up some great recipes for Dad to grill. Check here for great recipes and other gift ideas for dads.

For Dads, Father’s Day is all about spending time with their little (or big) ones. It’s a day where they can put their laptops away, turn their cell phones off and not have to fly off anywhere. They can spend the day out in a park, go out for a good meal, or just lounge around the house being a human trampoline or punching bag. Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads out there!