There’s only one special day for us to celebrate Dad’s efforts for the family every year. That occasion is Father’s Day, a fantastic opportunity to bond as a family and honor Dad’s impact on our lives. This celebration goes hand-in-hand with Mother’s Day in teaching little ones to appreciate everything their parents have done for them.
While it doesn’t have to be grand, it pays to do something special for this yearly occasion. We’ve rounded up a list of the best Father’s Day activities that will create memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Father’s Role in Child Development
In honor of our hardworking fathers, it’s crucial to remember their role in our children’s growth. How exactly do they impact your toddler’s life?
Many experts agree that fathers have a critical role in their child’s development. Spending quality time with your kid, in particular, is vital during their early years.
Listed below are some of the essential benefits of having active and involved fathers for growing children:
- Studies show that healthy father-child relations lead to social and cognitive development in young children.
- Fathers function as pillars for a child’s emotional well-being because they provide kids with a sense of emotional security.
- According to Psychology Today, children with supportive fathers tend to form better relationships with peers and other adults.
- Having a father figure also helps your child regulate their impulses better.
- Lastly, your child can gain self-confidence by receiving lots of love from their fathers.
12 Father’s Day Activities for Toddlers
Are you looking for exciting things to do with Dad on his special day? Here are 12 activities to fill Father’s Day with joyous moments to remember.
Create Crafts for Gifts
Tap into your child’s creative side by making Father’s Day-themed crafts for kids! It’s a great way to craft a touching Father’s Day present while exercising their imagination.
For example, your child can create a personalized greeting card filled with heartfelt messages from the whole family. It’s also a good idea to put together a collage of photos containing fun memories with Dad.
Arrange a Scavenger Hunt
Put a twist to the usual gift-giving activity this Father’s Day with a scavenger hunt!
Let Dad find his present using the clues scattered around and outside the house. Dad can team up with your child while looking for the gift to heighten the excitement. Surprise him with the present and a sumptuous meal at the end of their journey.
Enjoy A Family Picnic
A Father’s Day celebration isn’t complete without food! Fill a big basket with Dad’s favorite dishes, drinks, and treats, and enjoy a homemade feast in your backyard or a nearby park. You can also host a cookout outside and help him cook his favorite meats on the grill.
Play Games at the Backyard
Spice up your quaint backyard or park picnic by playing your Dad’s favorite outdoor games. They’re great for working up a sweat before digging into your meals. Make sure to include kid-friendly family games such as Croquette, Capture the Flag, and Three-Legged Races.
Visit the Arcade
Are you planning to go out? The arcade has a lot of terrific things to do with kids on Father’s Day. Choose from various fun-filled games that your kid will surely enjoy, no matter their age. There are also family-friendly attractions that’ll get everyone hooked. Make sure to take lots of photos for memories!
Organize a Family Game Night
If the outdoors aren’t for you, consider arranging an indoor family game night for Father’s Day. Bring out everyone’s competitive sides and raise the stakes with a nice prize for the winner. This activity will surely fill the air with laughter and cheer!
Watch Dad’s Favorite Movies
Organizing a movie night is one of the best things to do on Father’s Day if you prefer a more laidback activity. All you need to do is sit back and watch Dad’s favorite movies from the comfort of your living room or bedroom. You can take many pillows and blankets with you to create a pillow fort for extra relaxation. It’s no doubt an activity that your kids will enjoy.
Whip Up a Meal Together
Cooking is among the must-try things to do with your dad on this special occasion. It’s a great bonding activity for dads and kids that also teaches them this essential life skill early. Consider letting your child help out with small tasks like washing produce or stirring ingredients together.
Head Over Dad’s Favorite Diner
Why not bring the kids to Dad’s favorite diner or restaurant if you’re planning to eat out? Find a toddler-friendly place and order his favorite dishes to celebrate the occasion. You can also sneak in a surprise gift here without him knowing!
Stop by for Ice Cream
Round up your Father’s Day celebration with a sweet treat! Ice cream is the perfect delightful treat to celebrate any occasion, including Father’s Day.
Drop by your local ice cream shop for a scoop or two of your preferred flavor, or make your own at home with the kids!
Complete a DIY Project Together
Dads who love doing crafts and repairs around the house will delight in doing DIY projects with their little ones. It’s one of the best Father’s Day activities for toddlers because it engages their creative side and hones their fine motor skills.
Try looking for toddler-friendly DIY projects such as small birdhouses or bookshelves. Ask your child to help you carry out small tasks or, if they’re too young to handle power tools, let them decorate the final output.
Take a Hike with the Family
Hiking is among the perfect Father’s Day activities for dads who love the outdoors. Let your child connect with nature by walking up a nearby lake, mountain, or hill.
It’s an excellent exercise for the whole family as well as a nice change of pace from your usual surroundings. Make sure to bring light snacks that you can munch on along the trail.
Celebrate Father’s Day With Exciting Activities for Toddlers
Father’s Day only happens once a year, so making every moment count is essential. What matters most is spending quality time with him. Whether through playing games or hiking up a hill, these Father’s Day activities will undoubtedly strengthen the bond he has with your child.
For more fun-filled holiday-themed activities, head over to the Rayito de Sol blog.
