With a wonderful six-year-old son at home and Father’s Day just behind us, I thought about the things my son and I like to do together in Lehigh Valley. I decided to add a twist to my list and add free. Sure there are the staples like Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs and the Crayola Experience™, but when you add free it takes a whole new look.

So here is where Noah and I like to go...

5.  Cedar Beach Playground – When I was growing up I wish we had a playground like this; from the traditional equipment such as slides, swings and monkey bars to the huge spider web of cables in the middle, this is the Taj Mahal of playgrounds. Not to mention it is supposed to be the largest handicap accessible playground in the region too.

4.  Fish Hatchery – Considered the oldest continuously operating trout hatchery in the United States, it’s quite the sight to see thousands of fish all in one place. If you happen to go on a day that their headquarter building is open, stop in side to see an array of stuffed animals on display.

3.  Upper Macungie Chip and Putt Golf Course at Independent Park – If you are looking for a challenging course, this might not be the place, but if you’re looking to teach your child how to swing a club and the rules of the game without 10 people glaring at you from the tee this might fit the bill.

2.  The Bob Rodale Cycling & Fitness Park – In particular we enjoy the bicycling path. It’s a nice paved course with a 1.3 mile outer loop and two shorter inner loops. We enjoy riding here as you don’t have to worry about cars or other neighborhood riding distractions. Don’t forget your helmet.

1.  America On Wheels – Before you go off and say you have to pay to get in; Sundays in the summer are free for children 6 - 16. So I guess technically you could drop your child off at the museum but for the nominal adult entrance fee it is a great place to take your child and learn about the history of the transportation industry. Currently their showcase exhibit is entitled "Cars That Were Stars" featuring cars that were in movies and on television.

We are always looking for new ideas so please don’t keep them a secret. To all the dad’s (and mom’s pulling double duty), I hope you had a great Sunday.