If you've reached the age where a homemade gift constructed from egg boxes and glitter just won't cut it on Father's Day (Sunday 15 June), there is an alternative to socks. Why not spend the day exploring London with your dad?
ART: The Cartoon Museum in Holborn has a new exhibition, Never Again!, opening on 11 June. It looks at World War I in Cartoon and Comic Art. Over 300 images include political and joke cartoons from newspapers and magazines, and colourful comic postcards by the likes of Donald McGill and Douglas Tempest. Admission is £7, and there is no need to prebook.
CANAL BOAT: Take in London's sights by water — and we don't mean the Thames. Hidden Depths Canal Cruises has a special offer on its Father's Day cruise around King's Cross and Islington. The trips runs hourly from 11am-5pm, and dads go for £8 (other adults £10).
CHICKENS: This is quite an unusual one, but stick with us. Surrey Docks Farm has a day course on Looking After Chickens for anyone thinking of getting their own. So if your dad is in the market for a new hobby, this could be a gentle nudge in the right direction. The course is £25 and needs to be pre booked.
CLIMBING: Climbing is great for bonding, and London has many climbing walls for novices and experienced climbers. See our feature on climbing walls for more inspiration.
If you're feeling really bold, Up at The O2 has special Father's Day events taking place for dads who reach the summit of the iconic dome. He can take part in a cheese tasting, enjoy a massage or receive grooming treatments, all while enjoying the views of London from 52m above ground level.
FOOD AND DRINK: If you're just after a relaxing day in each other's company, take a look at our pubs database to find a boozer near you. Try out a new pub in your local area, or head to new territory entirely. If it's grub you're after, why not try one of London's best Sunday roasts, or pick your dad's favourite cuisine or food type and treat him to a slap up meal. If he stills insists on doing the cooking on his special day, head to one of these London parks for a barbecue.
HISTORY: If your dad's a bit of a history buff, treat him to an East End tour. Let him learn about the secrets of Jack the Ripper (£9), or go on this walk with little-known facts and sites of Spitalfields (£10) and the surrounding area. Both need to be prebooked.
SPORT: Chances are, if he's a fan of any of the big London sporting teams, he'll have visited the home ground before. London will be up to its eyeballs in the World Cup by Father's Day, so why not take a break from the football and head to Lord's to watch some cricket. Sunday is Day 4 of the England V Sri Lanka test match. Tickets start from £45 and are available here.
THEATRE: If he's interested in all things thespian, give him an early treat at Battersea Arts Centre. Our Fathers tells the real life stories of three fathers and their relationships with their children. It does finish the day before Father's Day, so you'll have to get in there quickly. Tickets are £12/£9 and need to be prebooked.
BE A TOURIST: Let him admire his kingdom and beyond from the top of the Shard. He may well end up regaling you with tales of his life in London, pointing out every place he's ever lived, worked, and played football. You'll get extra points if he can see the home turf of his favourite sports team from the top. He doesn't need to know that you didn't pay for his ticket — dads (and granddads) go free to the View From The Shard on Father's Day when accompanied by a full price adult or child.
And to prepare for the big day, why not head to Drink Shop Do on Monday for a Father's Day card making event? It's free to take part when you buy a drink.
