fathers day activities for kids

25 Father's Day Activities For Kids To Celebrate Dads

August 24, 20247 min read

Father's Day is a day to celebrate the wonderful men who have devoted their lives to their families. As parents, we want our kids to grow up feeling loved, appreciated, and bonded with their dads. As a parent of two, I still cherish the memories of the fun-filled St Patrick's Day activities my kids and I did together.

Father's Day Activities For Kids

Fe to express love in creative, meaningful ways. Whether you choose one or mix and match a few, you’re building memories that Dad will carry with him long after the day ends.

ather’s Day is the perfect time for kids to show Dad how much he means to them—not just with gifts, but with shared experiences. Whether your child is into crafts, cooking, sports, or storytelling, these activities offer something for every kind of dad and every kind of kid.

1. Create a Custom Father’s Day Card

Let your child design a card that reflects Dad’s personality—funny, heartfelt, or artistic. Include inside jokes, favorite memories, or a mini comic strip. Handmade cards always feel more personal. It’s a simple way to kick off the celebration with love.

2. Cook a Special Father’s Day Meal

Get your child involved in planning and preparing a meal just for Dad. Whether it’s breakfast in bed, a backyard BBQ, or his favorite dinner, let them take the lead. Add a homemade menu or place cards for flair. It’s a delicious way to show appreciation.

3. Build Something Together

Choose a DIY project like a birdhouse, toolbox, or mini shelf and work side-by-side to build it. This activity encourages teamwork, patience, and hands-on learning. Plus, the finished product becomes a keepsake. It’s bonding through sawdust and smiles.

4. Plan a Backyard Game Tournament

Set up games like cornhole, frisbee, or ladder toss and keep score throughout the day. Let your child create a bracket or scoreboard. Add snacks and music for a festive vibe. It’s active, competitive fun that brings everyone together.

5. Write a “Top 10 Things I Love About Dad” List

Encourage your child to reflect on what makes Dad awesome. They can write it out, decorate it, and present it as a gift. It’s a meaningful keepsake that Dad will treasure. Bonus: turn it into a mini speech or video message.

6. Host a Family Movie Night Featuring Dad’s Favorites

Let Dad pick the lineup or surprise him with his favorite classics. Set up a cozy viewing space with popcorn, drinks, and themed decorations. Your child can design movie tickets or a “Now Showing” sign. It’s a relaxing way to end the day.

7. Go on a Nature Walk or Hike

Choose a local trail or park and spend time exploring together. Encourage your child to bring a camera or sketchbook to document the adventure. Talk about wildlife, plants, or just enjoy the quiet. It’s a peaceful way to connect outdoors.

8. Create a “Dad and Me” Photo Frame

Decorate a frame with paint, stickers, or natural elements and add a favorite photo of Dad and child. Include a date or message on the back. It’s a sentimental gift that’s perfect for his desk or workshop. Handmade frames always carry extra meaning.

9. Play a Round of Mini Golf

Head to a local course or set up a DIY version in the backyard. Let your child design obstacles or keep score. It’s lighthearted competition with plenty of laughs. Don’t forget to celebrate with a “Dad Champion” certificate.

10. Make a Father’s Day Playlist

Have your child curate a playlist of songs that remind them of Dad—funny, nostalgic, or meaningful. Include a mix of Dad’s favorites and surprise picks. Play it during dinner or gift it as a digital mixtape. Music makes memories stick.

11. Host a Backyard Campout

Set up tents, sleeping bags, and a fire pit (or indoor fort if needed). Roast marshmallows, tell stories, and stargaze together. Your child can plan the “camp schedule” and activities. It’s a mini adventure without leaving home.

12. Design a Father’s Day Coupon Book

Fill a booklet with coupons for chores, hugs, game nights, or quiet time. Let your child decorate each page and present it with flair. It’s thoughtful, practical, and full of love. Dad can redeem them all year long.

13. Bake Dad’s Favorite Dessert

Let your child take charge of baking something sweet—brownies, pie, cookies, or cake. Add a personalized message with icing or a handmade dessert label. It’s a tasty way to show love through effort. Bonus: share the recipe with Dad for future baking days.

14. Create a Comic Strip About Dad

Encourage your child to draw a short comic featuring Dad as the hero. Include funny moments, superpowers, or family adventures. Frame it or turn it into a mini book. It’s a creative way to celebrate his personality.

15. Plan a Family Game Night

Choose board games, card games, or trivia that Dad loves. Let your child be the game master and keep score or explain rules. Add themed snacks or prizes for extra fun. It’s a great way to bond and share laughs.

16. Record a Video Tribute

Help your child record a short video sharing what they love most about Dad. Include favorite memories, jokes, or even a song. You can edit it together or keep it simple and heartfelt. It’s a keepsake Dad can watch again and again.

17. Build a LEGO Challenge Together

Set a timer and challenge each other to build something cool—cars, castles, or creatures. Let your child be the judge or co-builder. It’s a fun way to spark creativity and teamwork. Plus, it’s screen-free entertainment.

18. Go Fishing or Try a New Outdoor Hobby

Spend the day learning something new together—fishing, archery, biking, or geocaching. Let your child help plan the outing and pack supplies. It’s about the experience, not the skill level. Shared hobbies build lasting bonds.

19. Create a Father’s Day Trivia Game

Write questions about Dad’s life, interests, and funny habits. Let your child quiz the family and award points for correct answers. It’s a playful way to celebrate his story. Include a “Dad Genius” trophy for the winner.

20. Paint or Draw a Portrait of Dad

Set up an art station and let your child create a portrait—realistic or cartoon-style. Frame it or turn it into a card. It’s a creative way to express admiration. Even silly portraits become cherished keepsakes.

21. Plan a DIY Car Wash for Dad’s Vehicle

Turn a chore into a gift by washing and detailing Dad’s car. Let your child help with soap, sponges, and vacuuming. Add a handmade “Cleaned with Love” sign. It’s practical, helpful, and surprisingly fun.

22. Write a Letter to Future Dad

Encourage your child to write a letter to Dad to be opened in the future—next year, in five years, or on a milestone birthday. Include predictions, hopes, and gratitude. Seal it in an envelope and mark the date. It’s a time capsule of love.

23. Create a “Dad’s Favorites” Scrapbook

Compile photos, quotes, and drawings of Dad’s favorite things—foods, hobbies, places, and sayings. Let your child design each page with flair. It’s a personalized gift that celebrates who he is. Add blank pages for future memories.

24. Go on a Photo Walk Together

Grab a camera or phone and explore your neighborhood or a local park. Challenge each other to capture interesting angles, textures, or moments. Let your child curate a mini gallery of their best shots. It’s a creative way to see the world together.

25. Host a Father’s Day Roast (The Kind He’ll Love!)

Let your child prepare a lighthearted roast with funny stories, impressions, and playful jokes about Dad. Keep it kind, silly, and celebratory. You can film it or perform it live. It’s laughter, love, and a whole lot of personality.


👨 Final Thoughts

Father’s Day is about connection, appreciation, and celebrating the everyday hero in your family. These 25 activities give kids ages 10 to 16 the chanc

Want help turning this into a printable challenge chart or themed activity pack? I’d love to help you build it out!

These 25 Father's Day activities for kids are sure to make Dad feel special and loved on his special day. Wishing all the amazing dads out there a Happy Father's Day filled with love, joy, and lots of hugs from your little ones!

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