In our line of work we meet a lot of families and it is our belief that the significance of the role of FATHER in our society often goes unnoticed or is under appreciated. But here at Doulas of Orange County the yearly celebration and recognition of Fathers is one of our favorite days of the year! It is a day to honor the uniqueness, strength, and dedication of each dad, granddad, step-dad, and dad-to-be... and really, what could be better than that?!
There are so many fun and meaningful ways to celebrate Dads but this year we want to encourage you to think beyond the BBQs, the tools and the ties. Here are a few of our favorite ways to show your love & appreciation to the amazing dad in your life...
Guys Night Out
Staying connected with friends after a baby arrives can be tough, especially if said friends don't have kids of their own. Dynamics change, schedules change and loyalties change. Saturday nights used to bring a night out with the guys... now it's Netflix and lights out by 10pm. Sometimes a guy just needs a night out with his man friends. A night to relax, drink some beers and let the worries of being a dad fade into the background for a few hours.
What guy wouldn't love opening a card with a coupon for Guys Night Out?! Tuesday Trivia Night at Kitsch Bar is always a blast or have him check out one of the many OC breweries.
Outdoor Adventures
It's no secret that most men enjoy activities that involve the outdoors! Here are a few options if the guy in your life is always on the move and in search of adventure.
Plan a family outing that includes a hike to Holy Jim Falls, complete with a packed picnic. This Trabuca Canyon favorite is kid-friendly and a great way to get the whole family's hearts pumping! Hearty sandwiches and an ice cold beer near a waterfall? Yes please!
Gift your man with a deep sea fishing excursion! There is no shortage of incredible oceanic options here in Orange County. We recommend a half or full day trip with Davey's Locker out of Newport Beach! Make it a family affair or send him along with 1 or 2 of the guys... either way, it's bound to be a blast!
If he's a sports enthusiast, the Friends & Family Fun Pack is a must for any Angels fan!
Dads of OC
Give Dad a special dose of bonding time at our Dads of OC park hangs! Here he'll meet other Orange County dads, get some Vitamin D and enjoy some interactive play time with the kiddos. Kids aged 0-10 are welcome to come along and there will be a play mat with interactive toys for the little ones. Held at 9:30am on the third Saturday of the month at Mariners Park in Newport Beach. Dads, you bring the kids, we'll bring the coffee and donuts! Registration is required and available on our website.
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Kid-Free Date Night
The challenges of parenthood are bound to put a strain on even the strongest of marriages. There is so much change in such a short period of time and while as individuals we learn and grow, sometimes as a couple, we drift apart. We know a lot of men (and women) who just crave some alone time with their partner to laugh and reconnect without distractions.
Plan a sexy date night just for the two of you. Arrange a sitter or send the kids to the grandparents house and treat your man (and yourself!) to a kid-free night on the town. Take him to his favorite restaurant, go wine tasting, enjoy a Duffy ride around Balboa Island, or book a room and a couples massage at the Ritz!
The day of the date send him sexy, flirty texts to remind him how excited you are for some quality time with your boo.
Something from the Littles
Include the kids in spreading the love and appreciation of their dad by having them complete a craft or an art project. Whether their version of a family portrait, a finger painting, or clay handprints, memorialize it in a frame for him to cherish forever.