Taking the Kids: Let's hear it for Dad

Let's hear it for dad! Grandpa, too! Always willing to bait a fishing pole, read a story, play Marco Polo in the pool or patiently get buried up to his neck in sand. And he figures there's no better time than the vacation road trip for his teen to practice highway driving.

Gulp! So this year, as we celebrate dads and granddads, uncles and godfathers, let's think about things that will make this summer's vacation more fun -- for him. You don't need to spend a lot of money either.

The older kids can put together a playlist of music dad loves -- and listen to it with him in the car. The younger ones can make him a card telling him the five reasons they love going on vacation with him. I found one my daughter made when she was 10 or so, and all these years later it still makes me smile.

Maybe dad would never book a massage for himself, but I bet he'd enjoy one on vacation if it were a gift, and if you're flying, how about downloading a movie or two of his favorite genre?

For the sports-minded dad try a stylish, lightweight DOPP kit with sport-specific designs -- cyclist, skier, runner, surfer -- from Rule # Five.($70)

Maybe a new made-in-the-USA Belay Bag from Diamond Brand Gear with removable/interchangeable shoulder pads that let dad use the bag different ways. The padded and fitted back pad also allow for maximum ventilation and protection. Designed to take a load off the spine -- there's even room for a 32-ounce growler from dad's favorite craft brewery ($139). Stock it with what he'll need on his next hike -- a battery booster, reusable water bottle, favorite power bars and kid-made trail mix, even a new bandana in his favorite color.

For the adventurous dad who wants to share those high-adrenaline moments in real time, there is a new optical motion intelligence camera -- lightweight, splash-resistant and wearable that attaches to a backpack or jacket pocket. With a 240-degree fisheye lens, unprecedented image stabilization technology, 15-hour battery life and complete VR compatibility for long-duration sports, OmiCam can stream captured footage directly to a user's mobile device for instant viewing, editing and live streaming ($299).

For the dads in your life who feel better about a gift when it gives back, shop Change Co., an online marketplace that is focused on creating positive, lasting change. Every product purchased gives back to a worthy cause. For example, buy a pair of socks, made from 75 percent bamboo, and help fund the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International and aid gorilla conservation ($16).

Charity: water, a nonprofit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to more than 663 million people, offers a wide variety of gifts that are perfect for any father, and all of the profits go directly to fund clean water projects and to help the team grow!

For the dad who never seems to have enough pockets when he's traveling, check out SCOTTeVEST, a microfleece hoodie with 21 pockets ($100); the Boardwalk shirt has seven pockets ($80).

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