There are lots of great ways kids can have fun with their dads. But sometimes it can be difficult to come up with ideas on what to do with it. This article will give you ideas for having fun with your dad and for planning fun special activities with him. All these ideas are great for both boys and girls of all ages. However, the last section of this article provides a bit more ideas for older teens and grown-up kids. Find something from the list below that you can enjoy with your dad and start having fun together today!
Step
Part 1 of 3: Everyday Fun Activities With Your Dad
Step 1. Tell a joke to your father
Jokes are a great way to have fun in a short amount of time and laughter puts everyone in a happier and relaxed mood. Learn some suitable jokes for your dad and tell one at breakfast, when he comes home from work, or whenever he seems down. Then ask him to tell you one of his favorite jokes.
If you don't have a funny joke, there are lots of great joke books for kids in the library and there are lots of websites full of funny jokes. Look for “jokes for kids” and get ready to start laughing
Step 2. Invite your dad to play a video game with you
If your dad rarely plays video games or isn't familiar with the games you love to play, teach him! Invite your dad to play Minecraft or another video game you enjoy. Show him how the game controls work and explain the purpose of the game. Then give him a little time to get used to the game before you start beating him or crushing his score.
When a parent who is not used to playing games tries to play a video game for the first time it can be a very funny sight. Be kind to your dad and don't be upset if he doesn't enjoy the game as much as you OR if he turns out to be much better at it than you
Step 3. Invite your dad to play a board game
Board games are even better than computer games for spending quality time with someone, because you actually have to face each other and have a conversation! Get your favorite game out, plug it in and invite your dad to play. You two will be having fun in no time!
Step 4. Offer to help your dad with the housework
Doing housework may not sound like much fun, but you'll be surprised how much fun it can be to help your dad cook dinner or do some shopping, or help him with some work in the garden. If your dad is very busy or if you have lots of siblings, helping him might be your best chance to enjoy some alone time with your dad. He will be happy that you offered to help and will give you the opportunity to spend quality time together. What's more, if your dad can finish household chores more quickly, he may have more time to do other fun activities after that.
Make household chores fun by turning them into competitions. For example, if you're sweeping the lawn, challenge your dad to see who can finish cleaning half of each other's lawn the fastest. In addition to making tasks more enjoyable, you may end up finishing faster and have time to eat ice cream afterwards, for example
Step 5. Ask your dad to tell you a story about him when he was your age
This story will be fun for you to listen to and it will be fun for him to tell. This story will also remind your dad of what it was like to be a child your age, which can help both of you understand each other better. Better yet, ask him if he has any photos from his childhood that he can show you. The two of you can share a laugh with each other about how cute everyone's hairstyles were back then or how much you and your dad looked like.
Step 6. Be patient with your father
One of the best ways to have fun with your dad every day is to not get upset about his typical dad behavior. For example, if dad tells you to pick up socks, don't get angry and fight about it, just pick up your socks. If dad looks tired and gloomy in the afternoon, know that maybe he's had a tough day at work and let him rest. Remember that being a parent is a tough task and fathers are human too.
Part 2 of 3: Planning Special Activities with Your Dad
Step 1. Ask your father if there is anything special he would like to do?
Has it been quite a while since your father last fished? Does he like bowling but never get to go to the bowling alley? Is there a new movie he wants to see? Even if dad's choice isn't your favorite activity, just follow his lead. You'll be happier than you thought!
Step 2. Plan a fun nature activity with your dad
Plan a day and time then help your dad to get everything ready ahead of time. Don't forget to check the weather and make a backup plan in mind, in case the weather turns into a storm or it gets too cold to be able to go outside. Here are some ideas for nature activities you can do with dad:
- Go fishing. Make sure you have any necessary permits beforehand and heed your father's instructions about safety and be calm.
- Go climb the hill. Look for hiking trails near your home that are suitable for families to walk. Don't forget to bring snacks and water.
- Go play baseball/badminton/soccer.
- Fly a kite. You can have more fun if you make the kite with him first.
- Go to the zoo! It's probably been a long time since your father last went to the zoo. Don't forget to ask him what his favorite animal is. Ask him to tell about any animals he has seen in real life or visits to his favorite zoo as a child.
- Try playing disc golf (a game like golf that uses frisbee). Disc golf is an excellent sport that fathers can play with their children. This game does not require a lot of equipment, everyone can play it and there are various courses around the world. Find out if one of these is nearby!
Step 3. Plan fun indoor activities
There are also lots of great activities you and dad can do indoors when the weather is bad or if your dad isn't the nature-loving type. Here are some ideas:
- Go see a movie at the cinema.
- Take your dad bowling.
- Go to the ice skating rink.
- Look for an arcade game center. Find out if there's a coin game center in your area so you can both play all day.
- Batting cages can be a lot of fun, even if neither of you play baseball or softball.
Step 4. Plan special activities at home
You don't have to go out or spend a lot of money to spend fun time with your dad. Here are some ideas for special activities you can do at home:
- Cook something. Many fathers who cook often and even some who don't cook often may enjoy baking a portion of chocolate chip cookies with their children.
- Make a craft project. Some dads like to make arts and crafts. Ask your dad if he's interested in painting something or making homemade figurine dough.
- Listen to music. Ask your dad to play his favorite music album or take turns sharing the music you like with each other.
- Have a lego building match. Take out all your lego blocks, collect them in one pile and challenge the dad to find out who can build the best spaceship or house.
- Build a fort. Grab some blankets and pillows and sling them over some chairs and build a fort with your dad.
- Have a tickle race or a wrestling match. A little friendly rough play is a great way to bond with your dad. Just make sure you don't break any furniture or you both will be reprimanded by mom!
Step 5. Plan a camping vacation
Many dads love camping and camping with dad is a great way to bond and have fun. Help your father prepare everything needed for the trip, load the necessary equipment into the car. Don't forget the sausage and marshmallows!
Step 6. Ask your dad to teach you something
Think of something he is good at or really likes to do and ask him to teach you. Your dad will love teaching you something he loves and you'll have fun and learn new things at the same time! If you're not sure what your dad specializes in or what he enjoys doing in his free time, ask him!
- If your dad enjoys building things, have him teach you how to use tools and help you build things in the garage. Making a birdhouse is always a fun project for father and son to do together.
- If you are old enough to learn to drive, ask him to teach you to drive.
- If your dad is good at repairing cars, ask him to teach you how to change the oil or assemble the engine.
- If your father is a guitar player, ask him to teach you how to play the guitar.
Part 3 of 3: Having Fun with Your Dad as an Older Teen or Adult
Step 1. Remember that you are never too old to have fun
Many of the ideas mentioned above are as suitable for older teens or adults as they are for younger children. For example, everyone loves jokes, you might just need to choose a more natural example. It's the same with watching at the cinema, sporting events and so on.
Step 2. Begin to understand your father as an adult and choose appropriate fun activities
At some point, you will discover that you and your father are no longer "child" and "adult" but two adults. This can be an uncomfortable transition for both of you, but it means you and your dad can start enjoying fun activities together as friends.
- Treat your dad to a meal at a restaurant.
- If your friends come over to watch football together, don't forget to invite your dad too.
- Think of other activities you would like to do with friends and consider including your father in some of them. Or invite him to do similar activities but only alone with him.
- Pay attention to what your dad likes to do with his friends and ask if you can come along sometime.
- Plan a typical adult vacation with your dad. He took you to Fantasy World as a child, now it's your turn to take him to Singapore, Mecca or to the places he has always wanted to visit.
Step 3. Visit places that are memorable to both of you
Take your dad to the places you used to enjoy when you were little. If possible, ask him to show you where he grew up too.
Step 4. Include your father in your children's lives
Grandparents can have a very important and positive role in children's lives. Being a grandpa can be a lot of fun too! Invite your children to visit your father as often as possible. If distance is a barrier, help them get in touch with each other by Skype, email or phone, and help them get as close as possible.
Tips
- If you feel stuck, try something new! Something neither of you have tried before will be an interesting adventure.
- If you've just met your dad, act like he's always with you. Don't be afraid to say anything to him.
