It’s time for some serious “Dad and Me” bonding time! Father’s Day is on its way. Are you tempted to order a pizza, crack a beer, and flip on a baseball game with Dad on June 18? While a good game and pizza is nice every once in a while, there are many ways to spend time with your pop that are a bit more creative, active, and don’t contribute to heart disease.
Give the gift of an exciting, intentional, and healthy father’s day by adventuring into one of these fun, wellness-themed Father’s Day activities for Dad:
Many fathers are natural green thumbs, so spend some time helping Dad in his herb or veggie garden. Growing up in Dunedin on the beautiful rugged coast on the South Island of New Zealand, ACHS President and Founder Dorene Petersen would help her dad gather seaweed from the beach for his garden. Gardening can create beautiful memories.
If your dad is a gardening novice, help him start a small garden of his own and teach him how to care for it. If you’re a student in one of our many herbal medicine programs, tell Dad about all the therapeutic wonders of common herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
Who says you need to go outside to have a great Father’s Day? Maybe your pop is more of the crafty type! Plus, everyone loves great self-care products.
Spend the day showing Dad how to make natural after-shave balm, aluminum-free deodorant, or a natural body spray with essential oils.
We love wildcrafting (foraging and hunting for herbs or mushrooms in the wild) at ACHS, and depending on the area you’re in, there could be numerous medicinal plants for the foraging! Just be sure to know exactly what you’re taking and never eat or use anything you’re unsure about.
Here’s a useful wildcrafting video from ACHS Herbal Medicine Department Chair Scott Stuart, and you can also brush up on your wildcrafting best practices here.
If you don’t feel confident to forage for herbs, you can always enjoy a good rock hunt. You’d be surprised what you can find in your own backyard! From agate to quartz, you might come home with a bag full of fascinating rocks and minerals. Here’s a quick guide to get you and Dad started.
Like we said earlier, there’s nothing wrong with a good ball game… especially when you’re playing. Organize a family football, baseball, tennis, or soccer match that brings you, Dad, and the loved ones together for healthy exercise and good ol’ fashion family competition.
For millennia, families have hunted together as a form of bonding and respect for nature. So why not enjoy this ancient tradition with your Dad on Father’s Day? Of course, this activity is not for everyone, but if it is, it’s a great way to bond with Dad.
We have a few hunters on staff here at ACHS. If you happen to eat meat, is there a better way to get organic, fresh food than straight from nature? For this section, we asked hunting expert and ACHS Digital Media Specialist Dominic Aiello why hunting is good for body, mind, and soul:
“Science has shown that the act of hunting, partaking in and sharing the bounty of a successful hunt, is mentally healthy. Of course, there’s also the science that supports the physical and mental health of being active in the outdoors.
However, the benefits of being a hunter go beyond fulfilling an instinctive drive. When I hunt, I become part of the environment, more aware of everything around me. I provide my friends and family with truly sustainable, free-range organic meat, and generate a lifetime of memories spent in the outdoors. I have gained more respect and appreciation of life and what animals provide. In fact, I honestly couldn't tell you the last time we bought red meat from the store. It has been years.”
It’s more than just a saying: the family that eats together, stays together. So why not take that a step further and cook together?
More and more research has shown the health benefits of cooking and eating together as a family. If you have little ones, it can actually help them do better in school and avoid getting into trouble.
Even if your Dad is the best grill master on the block or never learned to boil an egg, preparing a meal together is one of the best ways to connect and support your wellbeing. Plus, a homemade flatbread on wholewheat crust with fresh veggies is way better than Domino’s.
Water is therapeutic. Native cultures have long attributed healing properties to water. There’s a whole book on how being close to water is healing: Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do.
So slap on some board shorts and sunscreen and cast off with Dad on one of these water-themed adventures:
Nourish Dad’s mind and soul by taking in a local art exhibit, gallery, or museum. Viewing art has real, measurable health benefits. One study out of the University of Westminster observed self-reported drops in cortisol and stress levels of city workers after a brief lunchtime visit to an art gallery. Why not help Dad de-stress after a long workweek with some soothing Monet?
And no, it doesn't have to be Jimmy Buffet.
Music is a universal language, and almost always makes you feel good. With summer just getting started, many towns and cities host festivals and community events on the weekends. You might be able to snag a free concert in the park if you’re lucky! Check out your local listings on Eventbrite to see what’s happening near you on Father’s Day Weekend.
Instead of defaulting to your favorite six-pack or bottle of wine, treat Dad to an afternoon of brewing bonding!
You don’t need a full-blown brewery to brew your own beer. With craft brewing on the rise, you can find a home-brew kit at your local Target. Plus, when you brew it yourself, you know exactly what’s going into your beer.
Not into IPAs or lagers? Maybe fermenting is more your jam! Brew up some delicious and nutrient-rich kombucha.
Whatever you decide to do this June 18, all of us at ACHS wish you and your Dad a happy, safe, and love-filled Father’s Day!
What are your suggestions for a fabulous, wellness-themed Father’s Day? Tell us in the comments.
Disclosure of Material Connection: This blog may contain affiliate links. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. This article has not been reviewed by the FDA. Always consult with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine.