Truth be told, I miss the days when a nicely wrapped tie did the trick for Father’s Day. But it's been years since my husband wore a tie to his job—a decade, in fact. (Just last weekend, my 4-year-old burst into tears when she saw my husband in his blue jeans; she thought he put on his "work suit" to head into the office!)

Well, dad can spend Father's Day wearing whatever he likes. He can don his board shorts for a day trip to one of CT's great beaches, or put on his workout clothes for a day of biking, hiking or climbing. But if he just wants to throw on those comfy old jeans, there are lots of casual but fun-filled ways to celebrate Father's Day in Fairfield County with the whole family:

One of the things I love most about living in upper Manhattan is the abundance of green spaces. But while we've got amphitheaters and ball fields galore, we've had a lack of renovated, state-of-the-art destination playgrounds. However, that's starting to change. I noticed a handful of local parks on the city's list for revitalization, but those projects are still in the works and I have three energetic kids to entertain, pronto. That's why I was thrilled when friends raved to me about the overhauled Nature Discovery Playground in Fort Washington Park. My kids and I checked it out, and it did not disappoint! From a cool tree house to an exciting zip line, there are lots of exceptional attractions for kids, along with the usual fun play stuff.

Father's Day is supposed to be all about dad, and yet, every year when I ask my husband how he wants to mark the occasion, he replies, "Whatever you want, honey." Agreeable, sure, but helpful? Nope. So this year I decided to turn to the experts for advice: all the other dads I know.

I gave them two rules for their Father's Day wish lists—keep it PG and include the whole family. The result was an eclectic list of fantastic (and many FREE) ways to celebrate Father's Day in New York City that both parents and kids can enjoy. Even better, many of these ideas aren't unique to this Sunday—you can try most of them anytime. So whether you're a partner left to plan the big day or a father looking for inspiration, here are 10 things real-life dads would love to do on Father's Day in NYC.

From North Fork trails that wind through wine country, to mountain walks in Montauk, the East End lets families explore nature’s diversity. Flowers bloom, rare birds soar and seals bond with curious onlookers, all in a mile-long stretch by the shore.

Parents hoping to foster a love of Mother Nature in their kids should check out some of these family-friendly hikes around the East End. Here you’ll find walks suitable for all ages, from young children through teens. Just remember: stay hydrated and be wary of ticks!

And for the best in family fun out East this summer, check out our Hamptons & North Fork Family Guide.

Hikers from all over the world flock to Mount Monadnock for a relatively easy climb that’s rewarded by breathtaking views and bragging rights. But you don’t have to be a mountain climber to enjoy the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire. Tucked in the southwestern corner of the state, the area offers activities for every age and interest—toddlers to great-grandparents, nature lovers to shopaholics—making it the perfect place for a multigenerational family getaway.

Even if trekking mountains is what draws your adventurous family to the Monadnock Region, you’ll want to take a break to explore the quaint towns that dot the magnificent landscape. Stroll the idyllic New England main streets of Peterborough and Keene, stop in a restaurant with a view for a bite to eat, and explore the arts, culture, and unique shops. Then you’ll be ready to scale another of the region's mountains.

As parents, we worry a lot about street safety when it comes to our children. Can you imagine how it must be in the animal kingdom? Temescal Gateway Park explores this topic with the program Crossing Los Angeles on Four Legs: Wildlife Commuting Strategies in a Complex Landscape. An afternoon hike, picnic dinner, and a nature lecture make this a perfect summer evening.

The Studio City Library Science Program has Little Bits, a newish toy that introduces kids to working with electronic components, and the no-legged grunion run again in the wee hours of a summer night. A Gene Kelly/Judy Garland classic rounds out the week at El Segundo’s Old Town Music Hall; introduce the kids to a good old-fashioned musical in a good-old fashioned setting, where every show begins with a comedy short and an audience sing-along accompanied by a live pipe organ. Of course, if a brand-new movie is more your speed, be sure to enter our contest for a chance to win free tickets to a sneak peek screening of Minions!

The countdown is on for summer break! Before all of our brains go on a collective vacation, take advantage of the many fun and educational events happening this week. Immerse yourself in cherry picking at Terhune Orchards' Read & Pick Program and be a nature lover at Tenafly Nature Center’s Afternoon Explorers. Check out free library programs like a Fit4Kids Healthy Sports Show. And keep those creative juices flowing at an After-School Art Class and a Messy Artist’s Drop In & Play session. Don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more options!

This week's picks include singing and dancing with PlayHooray, as well as indulging in some sweet treats—along with rides and music—at the annual Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival. And why should kids have all the fun? Drop them off at Bounce on Friday night and enjoy some adult time while they jump and climb.

For even more activities going on around LI, be sure to check out our Event Calendar. Spending some time on the East End? Take a look at our Hamptons & North Fork Guide.