Leisure

Pop Culture

Extreme Father’s Day Experiences

We don’t know your dad. Still, we’re pretty confident that he’d like anything more than a tie this year for Father’s Day. Yes, even a brush with death. So we went out and found five. They’re extreme gift ideas. And they’re below. Just don’t forget the limited-liability waiver.

FOR THE RICHARD PETTY

Sticking Your Dad in a Race Car

The Experience: Dad’s going to get into a race car. Then, he’s going to get some personal instruction from a former driving pro. Then, he’s going to head out onto the Homestead-Miami Speedway, where he’ll hit speeds of 170 mph. And hopefully, not much else.
The Risk: Someone cuts him off.

FOR THE CROCKETT (OR TUBBS)

Recreating the <em>Miami Vice</em> Intro

The Experience: We’re sure the old man has a pastel-colored blazer somewhere. So tell him to find it. And put it on. And join you on this 35-foot, 1,200-horsepower catamaran charter. Top speed: 105 mph.
The Risk: He insists on getting to be Crockett.

FOR THE FLYING ACE

Operating a B-25 Bomber

The Experience: A pilot from History Flight will take Pops up over the Keys in a vintage warbird—his choice of a B-25, an AT-6 Texan or the Boeing-Stearman N2S. Once you hit cruising altitude, Dad gets the wheel. And a bag of peanuts. Maybe.
The Risk: Vertigo.

FOR THE BUZZ ALDRIN

Kissing Gravity Goodbye

The Experience: First, you’re both going to put on flight suits. Then, you’re both going to board a Boeing 727. It’s going to ramp up to 1.8 G’s and perform 15 parabolas. That’ll effectively make gravity nonexistent. And boom, you’re floating.
The Risk: A bathroom emergency.

FOR THE INIGO MONTOYA

Giving the Gift of Fencing

The Experience: Fencing. A gentleman’s sport. A natural fit for the old man. He’ll learn how to properly wield a foil while deftly parrying an opponent’s attack. Also, he’ll get to wear that ridiculous mask.
The Risk: He rolls an ankle. Or, you know, gets stabbed.