Father’s Day in San Diego is June 21st, the third Sunday in June, after the County Fair starts but before Independence Day. Get it on your calendar and involve siblings.
When people call for ideas, we like to suggest:
- San Diego County (Del Mar) Fair Senior Days: This year, the fair runs from Friday, June 5 to Sunday, July 5. Father’s Day falls on June 21, during the second week. Every day is senior day with admission is $8 for all over 65 (regular adult admission is $15.) While dad may stay off the roller coasters and catapult, he will enjoy roaming the sheep, craft and gem aisles with you. Displays are all wheelchair accessible.
Even better, the San Diego County Fair is offering discount prices for the best entertainers of the 50s and 60s. Roll up and park in the handicapped parking if you have the placard. If you don’t, the trolley will get you and your senior loved one from the outer parking to the heart of the fair for free. This year’s line up includes: Tony Orlando and Dawn right before Father’s Day at 1:00 on Thursday, June 18. The following Thursday, June 25 is a tribute to the Rat Pack, amazing imitators of Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Frank Sinatra. And imagine the discussion afterward! How close did each imitator get? A sure hit for your dad or granddad for the perfect Father’s Day.
If you want to push your Father’s Day celebration out a week or two, tell dad or grandpa that Judy Collins will be headlining in the Solid Gold series on Thursday July 2. Now 76 years old, Judy Blue Eyes is still touring! Baby boomer aged children surely heard Judy Collins on parents’ record players growing up. Take this unique chance to get dad to this concert. Demonstrate that you were actually listening.
Most important, parking and the crowds on Thursday afternoons are reasonable. The stage is close to the entrance and trolleys are always available.
- La Jolla Festival of the Arts: Is your father a culture vulture? An arts and music lover? Falling right on Father’s Day weekend, the La Jolla Festival of the Arts features not only 200 artists but an ever-changing venue of musicians including jazz, steel drums and classical. Delicious food, wine and craft beer keep everyone hydrated and happy. Tickets tend to sell out, so get them early. Hosted on Warren Field at UC San Diego, parking is free and completely accessible for wheelchairs.
- Fishing Adventures with Dad: Point Loma Sportfishing and H&M Landing get you and dad out on a boat after the tuna, marlin and more, but you can always just rent poles at one of the 7 piers along the San Diego shoreline. Most of San Diego’s freshwater lakes rent boats and poles, including Miramar, Poway, Wolford and Murray.
- Brewery Tour: This is not your grandfather’s beer. With the craft beer movement gaining steam, any number of a San Diego’s microbreweries will be open for tours on Father’s Day. More, it’s about time you got dad away from his old mainstream beer.
Father’s Day Activities When Dad Has Alzheimer’s or Dementia
Increase the chances for a wonderful Father’s Day when you seriously consider what dad can handle as far as conversation, energy expenditure and movement. Emphasize the opportunity to spend time together over a big production with lavish gifts and activities that may be beyond him.
You keep Father’s Day 2015 in San Diego simple when you:
- propose an activity you used to do together: hiking, watching sports, listening to music, playing cards or visiting friends.
- arrange and go through photos together, discussing the people and places shown
- ask his companion or caregiver what time of day he has the most energy. Schedule your activity or visit for that time.
- keep it positive; if dad walks away or loses focus, resist the urge to bark at him. Instead, ask, “Dad? Can you walk here with me?” or “I just mentioned your cousin, Frank. What sports did you play?”
- read from a favorite book. Consider humor or historical essays, too.
- put your hand on his arm or shoulder as you interact. We all crave touch and seniors get less of it than other age groups.
Love 2 Live Helps You Enrich Dad’s Life
If you need any more help planning Father’s Day 2015 in San Diego, don’t hesitate to call us at 619-291-4663. We’re experts in the perfect Father’s Day! We’re happy to share what’s worked and what activities we’ve learned can be more of a challenge than a joy.
Special days like Father’s Day help us get perspective on the importance of the loved ones in our lives. We all know well the need for meal planning, after surgery care and even daily companionship. Our caregivers benefit from the backup of our office staff and our extensive senior care educational database. If your mom or another loved one could use some household help, transportation or other services, do not hesitate to call 619-291-4663 with any questions. Follow us on Facebook and sign up for our email newsletter to stay current on senior care options and ideas in San Diego. You can even schedule a free, no-obligation in-home assessment.