5 Easy Activities for Daddies to Do With Their Kids

Moms are naturals at providing entertainment for their children. They can make the contents of their purse become hours of fun and distractions. Some dads seem to have more difficulty. They trouble finding fun things to do without spending money or turning on the TV. Here are some easy tips for dads when they are in charge of entertainment:

• Go to the park. Children of all ages love to go to play at the park. And the best thing is, most communities have at least one! Parks can provide hours of free entertainment, sometimes without much interaction from the adult. Dads may get a group of dads together and have a get together while the kids play (but don’t call it a playgroup!). That way the can socialize and have fun with the children.

• Go to a local sporting event. If your children are older than 4, they will probably enjoy going to a local sporting event with their father. Find out the schedule of the city ball leagues and make a plan. The admission is usually free or fairly inexpensive. Take some cash to buy some popcorn or hot dogs and make an event of it! Not only will it be fun, you are supporting local events. And, since it is cheap, if they get bored, you can leave.

• Play in the hose! What is better on a warm or hot day that playing the water? Get on those bathing suits and go play in the hose. Dads can even do some of the yard work while the child is playing. Or better yet, play in the hose while washing the car. Dads are determined to accomplish their work and sometimes do not have the time to play because they have things to get done. If you incorporate play with the jobs, everyone will have more fun. Just remember, it may take a little longer to get the task done, but the fun you will have will be worth it!

• Go to lunch at a restaurant with a playground. Another activity that does not require much interaction. Have a wonderful fast food lunch together, and then let the children play. As a rule, don’t let them play until they eat. This will allow for time to talk and bond. Then, find a comfortable seat and sit back to watch them play.

• Walk, bike, ride... Take your children on a walk, ride bikes together, or take them for a walk or a ride on a bike, stroller, or wagon. From birth, children love the outdoors. Babies are soothed by the outside sounds, preschoolers love to be active, and older children love the time on an "adventure." You can start right from your house or travel to a park or bike path. You can walk, ride, or use the stroller. Of course, make sure to bring helmets, water, and sunscreen along.

Using these tips, dads can take the children away to have an exciting adventure and leave mom for a few minutes of quiet time. The children will love it and the dads will too!