15 Kid-Friendly Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day
From reading bedtime stories to building forts, let’s face it: Dads are pretty remarkable. Dad’s support during COVID-19 makes it even more important to make him feel special this year—even if you can’t celebrate him like past Father’s Days.
To honor them on their special day, here are 15 stay-at-home friendly activities for families with babies, toddlers and kids to celebrate their main man.
Oh, Baby! Father’s Day With a Baby
Take a hike (or at least a long walk). If your baby likes to be worn in a carrier, let dad do the honors and take a socially distanced stroll. Although you might have been taking a lot more walks than usual these past few months, you can still make it a Father’s Day treat! As more outdoor attractions open up, skip your neighborhood walk by tripping to your local forest preserve and bringing some mid-hike snacks.
Plan a weekend staycation: Road trips or beach vacations might be out of the question this Father’s Day, but you can make the most of it for dad with a staycation. Create an activities schedule and plan fun food that dad and the kids can enjoy together!
Set up a picnic. Pack a picnic basket with dad’s favorite snacks, roll up a blanket and enjoy the sun for the day in your backyard or at your favorite open park. Need snack inspiration? Check out our favorite healthy snack ideas.
Baby asleep? Take a coffee break. Once your little one is down for a nap, treat him to his favorite morning beverage. Presentation is everything, so break out the #1 Dad mug and toast his role in the family.
Toddler Time: Father’s Day With Little Ones
Make a masterpiece. Get out the paints, smocks and easel, and let dad and his little one create a work of art together.
Build a fort. Employ dad’s handy skills in the most fun way possible. Grab some cushions, blankets, bed sheets and pillows, and go to town building the perfect fort.
Get outside and get wet. Whether it’s a sprinkler, baby pool, watering plants or an at-home car wash, get outside and enjoy some family fun in the sun.
The Perfect Father’s Day for Preschoolers
Make your own “home” team. Does dad miss watching his favorite sport? Create your own summer olympics by playing a few of dad’s favorite games and handing out these homemade medals.
Serve him breakfast in bed. Have your preschooler help make dad’s favorite breakfast, then serve it to him in bed. Though little ones will probably need help with most of the prep, they’ll love knowing they had a hand in making a healthy breakfast for their special guy.
Go camping (or pretend). If your local campground is open, pack up the car with camping essentials and healthy snacks to enjoy a night in nature! If not, even your backyard will do! Set up a tent, stargaze and read books by flashlight.
Make a family band. You may not be able to hit dad’s favorite concert venue this summer, but if dad or your kids are musically inclined, bring out the instruments and jam with your family. Preschoolers make great tambourine players!
Help him grill dinner. If dad’s the master chef on the grill, make it a family activity and have your preschooler give him a hand. Give your little one an easy (and safe) task, such as unwrapping cheese and handing it to dad to put on the burgers or holding dad’s grill mitt until he’s ready for it.
Kick-Off Father’s Day With Your Kids
Turn your backyard into a golf course. If dad’s a golfer, set up your yard as a putting green. Place “pins” on the ground as targets and break out the clubs!
Let him cash in. Make coupons that dad can use when he wants—help cleaning the garage, for example, or a Saturday morning to sleep in.
Break out the board games. Pop some popcorn, clear the coffee table and get out dad’s favorite games. To make things more interesting, make it a family tournament or learn a new game together.
Even though Father’s Day looks different this year, time spent together is a great way to celebrate dads. Whether it’s a fun outdoor activity or a family game night, show the dads in your life just how much you appreciate them by planning a fun family activity. Happy Father’s Day!
