Colorado Dads like to eat and do stuff. So this year, plan a unique Father’s Day with some of both! Here are some ideas from a Denver Dad who thinks any of these options would be a whole lot better than another tie…

Urbane Dad – Take Dad downtown to the Commons Park area for a stroll and to eat at one of many hip “LoHi” restaurants with a great city view. Ale House has straightforward fare at reasonable prices. Zengo offers upscale brunch fare with chef’s mini-plates. After, take a B-Cycle ride exploring the area and the biking trails. Finish with an ice cream from Little Man.

Roughing It Dad – Buy Steven Raichlen’s BBQ University book and ask Dad to cook “Caveman Steaks”. This requires digging a shallow pit in the backyard (with the kids!), using good quality “clean wood,” and throwing big thick steaks right on the coals!

Mountain Lover Dad – Pack a light lunch and take a hike to the top of a 14’er (or an 8er, 9er, etc.), and eat at the top with a great view! Don’t want a long drive? Nearby metro “mountain-like” experiences await at Daniel’s Park, Castlewood Canyon or one of the many Jefferson County Open Space parks in the foothills. End the day with family-friendly dining at Tommyknocker’s in Idaho Springs, Woody’s Pizza in Golden or Rockyard Brewery in Castle Rock.

Granola Dad – Head to Boulder and stroll the Pearl St Mall to take in the sights and sounds of the street performers. Eat lunch at The Mountain Sun, a local brewpub with something for everyone. Finish with a hike in Chautauqua Park.

Classic Denver Dad – Lunch at The Brown Palace, Ship’s Tavern, followed by a stroll through Denver Botanic Gardens. Grab a soft serve cone at the Monet’s Garden café. (Pricey and best for older kids.) For something less expensive and better for  younger kids, substitute another Denver classic like Wazee Supper Club (pizza!) or Wynkoop Brewing Company (pub fare).

Classic Colorado Dad – Brunch at The Broadmoor, a stroll around the grounds then a drive through Garden of The Gods. Think ahead and pack a change of shoes to take an easy-going hike on one of the many trails. Pricey and not appropriate for younger children. Less expensive (but not cheap) is the Broadmoor’s newly renovated Golden Bee pub.

Beach Lover Dad – Take Dad to the family-friendly beaches of Aurora Reservoir where there are no motorized boats. Pack a picnic, or grills are available. Relax on the sand, try the waters, and just enjoy the bright blue sky! Don’t forget the sunscreen and beach umbrellas! (Beach options: Chatfield, Cherry Creek.)

Cycle Lover Dad – Hit the nearest bike trail (Cherry Creek, South Platte, Sand Creek, etc.) and eat lunch somewhere along the way. Off the South Platte trail at Mineral is the Aspen Grove shopping area with Panera’s and Ted’s. Or pack a lunch and eat at a park along the way. For upscale picnic lunch options, try Whole Foods or Marczyk’s. If Dad’s the only cyclist enthusiast, let him cycle, and drive everyone to meet him at a park with a picnic!