Instead of sending out a Papyrus card this Father’s Day, invite dad into the city! If you live in New York, turn Sunday into more than an occasion to wrap up a new J.Crew tie and try out one (or more!) of these ideas that reinvent some of your favorite childhood activities spent with dad.
Take him for a walk on the High Line and check out the public art on display. Maybe he’ll be a fan of Nari Ward’s “Smart Tree,” a smart car sculpted from tires. Or, he might find humor in Kathryn Andrews’ “Sunbathers I & II,” a warning of the types of outfits (or lack of) one might find on the sunbathers ahead. And with temperatures in the mid-eighties this Sunday, cool off with a tasty treat, like a refreshing popsicle from the People’s Pops stand or an ice cream sandwich from the Melt Bakery cart.
The last time you played on the swings with dad, you probably weighed under sixty pounds. Relive your glory days on the playground and try this updated version of a favorite recess activity. Hop on one of the swings at Brookfield Place and listen to the music of piano, harp, guitar, and vibraphone play as you pump. In this interactive exhibition, you decide the sound of the instruments through your movement. And dad’s role will get an update too – no longer will he be mindlessly be pushing you, as this exhibition is cool enough that he’ll want to hop on a swing and discover the musical wonder for himself.
3. Citi Bike to see Paul Ramirez Jonas
Rent Citi Bikes and explore the outdoor art along the Hudson. Pick up your rides at the 12th Ave & W 40 St station and point your wheels South. While you’re not trying to avoid the other riders and runners, keep your eyes peeled for Paul Ramirez Jonas’ “Long Time,” a waterwheel sculpture alluding to the river’s shipping and milling history. And if the pedestrian traffic and heat gets the best of you, take a break under “Two Too Large Tables,” a functional sculpture with one of the oversized plateaus acting as an awning, creating the perfect shady spot for a rest.
And if dad can’t make it, save these ideas for his raincheck. Wishing a Happy Father’s Day to all the dads in the world!
top image // Courtesy of High Line Art, Timothy Schenck
