Wild for family outings

Written by admin
06
Jun

By KYRA HOGGAN,
There was a time when work accessories like ties were a perfect gift for bread-winning dads, but in the new millennium families are looking for gifts that better reflect the father’s evolving role.​

Gus Sleiman, president of the Men’s Educational Support Association (M.E.S.A.), says modern-day fathers are looking for more, both from themselves and from their relationship with their children.​

“(Standard roles) have been changing for some time now,” he says. “Fathers are more involved in the lives of their children, and Father’s Day is a great time to bring fathers and children together.”​

Gifts like a Calaway Park pass, admission to the zoo, even a picnic lunch packed and ready to go for a father-child park excursion are perfect ways to give dad the gift of time.​

“I’m sure they’d rather get time with their kids than just things,” Sleiman says. “Every extra minute is the most valuable gift in the world.”
Trish Exton-Parder of the Calgary Zoo says there are always activities on the go to interest any demographic or age range.
“It’s a great family escape day, since it can be as relaxing or as adventurous as you want it to be,” she says.​

The zoo has been focusing on expanding and enhancing its adult programming to ensure the entire family will be engaged, with gardening programs, a river safari trip in July, safari sleepovers and behind-the-scenes animal visits.​

“It has the advantage of being educational as well as fun,” Exton-Parder says, adding that the elephants, bears and gorillas seem to have fun, too.​

Prices range from $30 to $80 for special programs or admission passes start from $6 for kids and $12 for adults.
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