AdventureDad

My children like adventure and they enjoy the things I come up with very much.  Perhaps my kids are different, so far there's  little interest in the water park, circus, or movie theater.  Instead I try to come up with adventures which are simple, somewhat educational, and very exciting.  This week it was (again) time for daddy to arrange a visit to one of Daniel's favorite destinations, the fire station in Nacka!  Look at the clip and enjoy, maybe this simple but much appreciated activity would be something for your child?  When was the last time your child rode up 100 feet on a ladder standing next to fireman?

Wherever we are, I try to let my children see the unexpected.  On the boat we go and see the captain, we visit the garage at the police station,  and we go behind the scenes at the train station to mention a few activities. I do have three "rules". 

First, I  call ahead if possible to ask if we can stop by for an unofficial tour.  Second, I always bring gifts with me from the bakery as a thank you.  Third, I assure people we're there to just watch and don't expect a VIP tour. If people are busy and we only watch, that's fine. That way it's not seen as an intrusion.

But let me tell you, the feedback I get is outstanding. Everyone is constantly incredibly helpful, we're treated like royalty.  They're  so glad we're interested in what they do.  They are especially happy to see a dad spend time crating a special adventure.

A fire station or a  police station is my son's favorite place. And let me tell you, the firemen at this station are incredibly nice.  (Side note, according to my wife they are also apparently very cute). I call ahead and ask if we can stop by, we rarely stay less than a couple of hours and always have a blast.  This last time my wife wanted to go with Daniel to see what all the fuss was about. They both came back with a huge smile.

A little secret you might not know is all equipment at the station needs to be tested once a week (at least over here).  Every Saturday at 9 am. the trucks come out of the garage and we show up.  My son eagerly watch the firemen play with all their big toys.  He hangs out in the garage, tries on helmets, speaks into the radio, and see them crush something with the powerful water canon.  

Favorite moment is going for a ride in the firetruck, switch on the sirens, and check out the huge ladder ruck. When you imagine things can't possibly get any better, the kind firemen test the ladder truck and kindly ask my son to join.  Talk about an adventure.

Getting on the ladder and standing next to a real fireman is enough for my son.  Riding up 100 feet(!) into the air with nothing but a smile is almost unreal.  I also find it very brave.  I've done this ride previously with my son, reaching only about half this height, and I was scared. 

If would highly recommend visiting a place your child really admires.  It doesn't have to be a fire station.  It could be anything.  Theater, car mechanic, doll factory, car wash,  ferry, post office, or police station.  Ask to ge behind the obvious but keep it causal and don't expect anything. Most likely the people will be happy to see you and it will be a visit to remember.  Enjoy our fire station visit and thank you again to the superb firemen in Nacka!

Categories: Daniel, Parenting, Sandra, Video
Tags: favorite place, fire station, fireman, firemen, train station