3 of 13

Write now Article Tools

The most important way to have fun on Father's Day is to do what dad wants to do; consider his interests and go from there. As a mom of four who has been married for 20 years, I have organized Father's Day activities with my children for years. Here are 20 inexpensive, educational, easy, fun family activities to share with dad on Father's Day.

1. Cook Dad's favorite meal. The kitchen is the perfect place to learn science. Cooking together fosters cooperation. Planning the meal practices problem-solving, and shopping for ingredients teaches important math skills.

2. Pack a picnic. Take dad's favorite meal to a nearby park, beach or outdoors at your family picnic table. Food shared outside is a special treat. Wait on dad.

3. Go fishing. Dad and his little fisherfolks can enjoy the thrill for reeling in the big one. Even the baby can have her own little toy fishing pole!

4. Take a nature hike. Bring binoculars, a field guide, insect spray and a few snacks and wander around in a local woods or meadow.

5. Go to the zoo. The zoo is a hit with the entire family.

6. Play a family game of badminton, croquet, lawn darts, bocce ball or any other group game. Pick up a cheap game set that even the youngest can use.

7. Mini-golf. If it's too expensive to take the family, set up your own backyard set with toy clubs. Or make your own; glue pill bottles to the end of a dowel rod. Children will love inventing all sorts of creative themes and designs for the holes of the golf course.

8. Have a water war. Set out rinsed spray bottles, squirt bottles and water pistols.

9. Have silly contests with prizes. Watermelon seed spitting, homemade bucket bonanza, limbo contests, bubble blowing contests are great fun for all. Tweak the rules for the baby.

10. Invite grandpa to join the fun. Remember to include older dads.

11. Visit shut-in grandpas. Stop by the nursing home and say hello to grandpa. This teaches little ones to honor older relatives.

12. Make dad 'king for the day'. Serve him and make him sit and rest.

13. Make a banner for Father's Day. Everyone should draw a little picture for dad.

14. Help children make cards for daddy. If the children can write, they can write dad a letter

15. Clean the garage for dad. Make a game out of it and surprise dad.

16. Take a family bike ride.

17. Play softball, soccer or flag football.

18. Play 'Keep Away' with very little ones.( 'Take' as our eldest son called the game when he was three!)

19. Make dad a huge Father's Day card on your sidewalk with chalk.

20. Make dad a tee-shirt with permanent marker. Each child should draw him a picture and write their name. Make hand prints with fabric paint also. My husband treasures the one we made him about 16 years ago!

Use these activities to show daddy just how much you all love him this Father's Day! Have fun and make some memories!

Learn more about this author, Marilisa Sachteleben.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Fun Father's Day activities for kids?
We want to hear your view. Write now!