We have gathered the best ways for dad’s to connect and spend time with their kids. While we originally compiled these as part of a Father’s Day series, these dad activities are great EVERY DAY! Here are activities fathers can do with kids of all ages. From toddlers to older kids, there is something for everyone to do with dad.
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Father & Child Activities
Life is so busy, and pulls you in a million directions, but it is really important to find family time within the busy-ness of life! Here are 25 Ways for Dads to Connect with Kids.
Related: Crafts for Fathers Day
Ways for Dads to Connect with Kids
We recently adopted a beautiful little guy! When we brought our son home we needed to learn how to connect with each other. We loved the book, The Connected Child.
After reading that book, we were inspired to create this list of activities to help us bond with our new son and also to reassure our other children that we love them, through play.
Play Together at Home With Dad
1. Tickle Party
Have a tickle party – your child will love to try and tickle you! What a great idea to instill giggles! The tickle monster game is so much fun.
2. Story Time With Dad
Read them a story! Only change the characters so that the story is about your child. This is a great time to spend time with each other and learn. Actually the whole family may enjoy this. These are some of our favorite books:
3. Play Airplane
Play airplane, acting like your child is the airplane, and fly them around the room. What a great idea for all father figures. Get some exercise, spend time together, and a great way to promote pretend play. Don’t forget to make the airplane sounds, “Nyyyrrrrrrrrrm.”
4. Play With Balloons
Blow a balloon and let it go. Try to catch it! Balloons make the best gifts, because they’re so much fun. Chase them, catch them, hit them with a racket. Perfect fun for dads and older kids.
5. Make Tasty Treats
Make delicious treats together! Spending quality time in the kitchen will make any day a special day! It is a fun way to spend time together and get to eat delicious treats. Be a Master Chef!
Fun And Active Games For Dad and Kids
6. Piggy Back Rides
Give your child a piggy back ride, or a ride on your shoulders. If my husband is any indicator, dad loves lifting up his kids. They’re always getting piggy back rides and shoulder rides.
7. Jump, Run, and Flip
Hold their hands and “jump” your child, or let them do somersaults by climbing up your legs. Be the best dad and try out these active father’s day activities. Just be sure to stretch out first!
8. I Love You
Look your child in the eyes and tell them that you love them, often. Don’t just tell your kids that you love them on a special occasion, tell them everyday. You should tell your entire family that you love them on a regular basis.
9. Blow Raspberries
Blow raspberries on their belly. Try to make different sounds with your mouth, and have your child mimic you.
10. Movie Night
This is one of the more fun father’s day activities. Great for little kids, younger children, and bigger kids. You can make popcorn, s’mores, and other snacks, to watch movies.
Ways for Dad to Connect with Kids
11. Let Your Kids Help
Let your child help with a chore! Making Daddy coffee is the highlight of my toddler’s morning.
12. Dance Party!
Dance with your child. Swing them in the air and twirl them around your legs.
13. Wrestling Games
Play “Tackle Daddy”. Your kids will love to push you over and climb on you.
14. Don’t Wake The Monster!
Pretend to be a sleeping monster. Catch your kids when they creep near you.
15. Tag
Chase your child around the house to give them hugs. Try crawling in the chase!
Best Ways For Dad To Spend Time With The Kiddos
16. Hide and Seek
Looking for more fun activities? Play hide-and-seek, only hide with your child, and have Mommy try to find you. Make it more fun with the added bonus, play hide and seek where mommy chases child and dad. Get to the safe spot! Perfect for family game night.
17. Long Walk
Hold your child’s hand and go for a long walk. Don’t want to walk? Go on a bike ride instead.
18. Singing Silly Songs
Sing silly songs together! Use different voices, try to sing it as fast as you can, etc. What better way to share lots of love than with silly dad’s favorite games and songs!
19. Talking With Dad
Ask your child questions, even if they are too young to answer them.
20. Bear Hugs
Give your child a bear hug!
Ways Dad Can Spend Time WIth His Children
21. Go On An Adventure
Take your child on an adventure. Play dress-up, and then go to the store together in your outfits. Go to a new park! Take a horse back ride. These adventures are why dad rocks!
22. Act Out Your Favorite TV Show
Turn off the sound to the TV and make up words for the characters as they act. There is no better way for silly pretend fun!
23. Photo Shoot
Collect props from around the house and take pictures of each other. Put on a silly bow tie, dress up like your favorite team, either way, it should make kid and dad smile alike! You can even make your own picture frame to put the photos in. This also would make a great homemade gift.
24. Puzzles
Try to solve an age-appropriate puzzle together, or a Rubik’s cube. Make a maze for younger kids! Or make your own! Take your favorite daddy and son/daughter photo and make a puzzle out of it.
25. Toss Around A Ball
Toss a ball around! Throwing balls back and forth between each other is fun, and great for hand-eye coordination.
MORE FATHERS DAY FUN FROM KIDS ACTIVITIES BLOG
How do you like to connect with your kids?