Celebrating Father Figures: 5 Fun Activities for Father’s Day

Father’s Day can stir up all sorts of feelings. It might bring a sense of pride, joy, nostalgia – or even a mix of everything. But above all, it’s a moment to slow down and recognise the people who show up with love, care, and silly voices at story time.

Whether it’s Dad, Grandad, Stepdad, Uncle, or someone special who’s been there through thick and thin, this day is about celebrating the bond your little one shares with them.

At Kids Planet, we know those early years are packed with these precious moments. So, we’ve put together 5 inclusive, heart-warming and toddler-friendly ideas to help you make Father’s Day feel special.

1. “I Love You Because…” Jar

This idea works beautifully for toddlers and pre-schoolers alike. All you need is a clean jar (a yoghurt pot will do for tiny hands), some coloured paper and crayons.

Help your child draw or decorate strips of paper with things they love about their father figure. For younger toddlers, you can write down their answers as they talk.

“He gives me cuddles.”
“We play cars.”
“He’s really silly.”

Pop them in the jar and decorate it together. It’s a keepsake full of love and toddler giggles.

2. Make a Father’s Day Breakfast Together (No Oven Needed!)

Baking can be a bit ambitious with a one-year-old. So here are some toddler-friendly breakfast ideas they can help make with a bit of guidance and a lot of enthusiasm:

• Yoghurt parfaits with fruit and cereal
• Toast faces using banana slices, raisins and peanut butter
• Smoothies they can help pour and shake

Put it all on a tray with a homemade card and you’ve got a memory that tastes as good as it feels.

Tiny Happy People has great ideas for cooking with little ones and making everyday moments magical.

3. Read a Story Together About Dads (or Grandads or Uncles)

Sometimes the simplest moments are the most meaningful. Snuggling up with a good story is a lovely way for little ones to connect with their dad or father figure – and there are some brilliant inclusive books to choose from.

Check out BookTrust’s Father’s Day booklist which includes everything from heart-warming picture books to gentle stories about all kinds of families.

You could even create a mini “reading den” with blankets, cushions and a few teddies to make it extra cosy.

4. Nature Treasure Hunt for Toddlers

This one is a big hit in our outdoor learning sessions. Take your little one for a walk in the garden, park or local green space and go on a mini treasure hunt.

Use a basket or bag and look for:

• A leaf bigger than their hand
• A flower they like the colour of
• A stick shaped like a letter
• Something soft (like moss or a feather)

It’s a brilliant way to explore the world together while building those all-important early connections. And if your little one is walking, even better. If not, pop them in a buggy or carrier and talk to them about what you both see.

You can read more about the way we use outdoor play at Kids Planet on our Outdoor Learning page.

5. Create a Simple Portrait or Footprint Art

It’s a little messy, but for younger children, handprint or footprint art is a lovely way to create a keepsake that their father figure can treasure.

You’ll need:

• Non-toxic paint
• Paper or card
• Wipes. Lots of wipes.
• Or you can purchase a handprint kit online.

Add a note like:
“Best Daddy Hands Down!”
“Stepdad, you leave a footprint on my heart.”

For slightly older children, a “My Dad & Me” drawing is perfect. You might be surprised by the details they include – hair sticking up, glasses, a favourite jumper. Let them describe what they’re drawing and why. It builds confidence, creativity, and a whole lot of joy.

It’s the Little Moments That Matter Most

At Kids Planet, we celebrate all families. Whether your child is making a card for their dad, baking muffins with Grandad or snuggling up with their stepdad for a story, what matters most is that they feel loved, secure and proud of the people in their universe.

So however, you mark the day – big adventure or quiet cuddle – we hope it’s packed with fun, laughter, and memories that mean the world💛

Looking for more ways to make magical memories this Father’s Day?

You might like our blog on 30 Fun & Free Outdoor Activities, packed with low-cost, high-fun inspiration for your next family day out.

Or chat to your nursery’s team about what we’ve got planned for Father’s Day. We’d love to hear how your little one celebrates their special someone!

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