Father’s Day is Sunday, June 16. Millions of families around the country will be celebrating a holiday that originated in 1910. Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, is credited with the idea. Her father raised her and her five siblings after their mother died in childbirth. Sonora came up with the idea while listening to a sermon on Mother’s Day. The first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, her father’s birthday month.

Just as Sonora sought a meaningful way to honor her father, you and your child can do the same. The following three unique ideas can help Dad feel extra special on Father’s Day!

1) Make Dad some homemade barbecue sauce. They say dads and grills go hand-in-hand. Why not enliven his barbecue experience with some tasty sauce that you make with ingredients from your pantry? Your child can even decorate a label to tape to the jar or squeeze bottle.

Below is a simple, kid-friendly barbecue sauce that doesn’t require cooking:

Ingredients
1 cup ketchup
¼ cup molasses (or brown sugar or honey)
¼ cup vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions
Place all ingredients in a bowl. Whisk to combine. Store in a jar or squeeze bottle.

2) Coupons for Dad. Who doesn’t love coupons, especially ones that come from the heart? Your child can present Dad with this extra-special gift of personalized coupons. The coupons can be made using construction paper and crayons or markers. Your child can select ideas from the following list to write on the construction paper. Then cut the coupons out and share with Dad so he can redeem them!

Coupon Ideas

• A big hug for Dad!
• Sing Dad’s favorite song
• Let Dad sleep in today
• Do my chores
• Shine Dad’s shoes/Or clean Dad’s sneakers
• Spend the day together!

3) Discover something new with Dad. Sometimes your schedule can get so busy, it’s hard to find time to try new things. This Father’s Day is the perfect time for you and your family to discover new places. Give Dad the gift of exploration! Discover a new hike, museum, park or frozen treat and more. Visit Philadelphia is a great resource for free events and activities the whole family can enjoy.