10 Father’s Day Games and Activities Every Kid Will Love
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Father’s Day doesn’t need to be all about gifts. Sometimes, the best way to show love is by having fun together.
If you’re looking for easy and fun ways to make Dad smile, these 10 games and activities are perfect. They’re kid-friendly, low-stress, and full of laughs. Whether you’ve got toddlers, preschoolers, or bigger kids—there’s something here for everyone.
10 Father’s Day Games and Activities Ideas
1. Backyard Olympics
Transform your backyard into an Olympic stadium just for Dad. Create a series of fun and silly challenges like sack races, three-legged races, water balloon tosses, and even a frisbee throw.
This is a fantastic way to encourage family bonding, get everyone moving, and appeal to Dad’s competitive side. You can even make DIY medals to award the winners and host a closing ceremony.
Making Process
Gather items from around the house such as pillowcases (for sack races), string or rope (for tug-of-war), balloons (for water toss), and paper plates or cardboard (for medals). Set up stations and keep a scoreboard for added fun.
Price: Under $20
2. DIY Trivia Night
Celebrate Dad by turning his life and interests into a fun-filled trivia night. Prepare a quiz with questions about his favorite movies, sports teams, music, and family memories.
It’s a touching and humorous way to reflect on shared experiences and learn even more about what makes Dad unique. Make it a team game or play individually for some friendly competition.
Making Process
Use free online tools like Kahoot or create a slideshow with PowerPoint or Canva. Ask family members to submit fun or little-known facts about Dad, then organize them into rounds like “Dad’s Favorites,” “Throwback Time,” and “Who Remembers This?”
Price: Free to $10 for printing trivia sheets or small prizes
3. Father’s Day Scavenger Hunt
Plan an adventurous and sentimental scavenger hunt tailored to Dad. Design clues that lead him to spots around the house or yard with small gifts or heartfelt notes at each stop.
It’s a playful and thoughtful way to present his Father’s Day surprises, keeping him engaged and smiling from start to finish.
Making Process
Write out clever and meaningful clues on index cards, each pointing to a different location tied to a memory or hobby. Hide small gifts like snacks, gadgets, or handmade crafts along the way. Finish the hunt with a big reveal or family surprise.
Price: Around $15–$25 depending on the gifts you include
4. Dad’s Favorite Movie Night with a Twist
Host a Father’s Day movie marathon featuring all of Dad’s favorite films—but with an interactive twist. Turn the night into a themed experience by dressing up like characters, making snacks inspired by the movies, or pausing for fun trivia during intermissions. It’s a laid-back, creative way to celebrate that adds extra fun to just watching movies.
Making Process
Choose 2–3 of Dad’s top films and plan themed snacks (like spaghetti for The Godfather or space popcorn for Star Wars). Write down fun facts or trivia to share between movies. Create simple costume pieces or props for added flair.
Price: $10–$30 depending on snacks and any props you create
5. Father’s Day Mini Golf at Home
Bring the mini-golf course to your backyard or even your living room with a DIY setup. Craft silly, creative holes using household items like cups, books, toys, and cardboard tunnels. It’s an exciting challenge for all ages and especially fun if Dad enjoys golf or quirky games.
Making Process
Use cups as holes, books for ramps, and toys or boxes for obstacles. Create 6–9 mini holes throughout the space. Use a plastic golf set or improvise with a stick and ping pong ball. Add scorecards for a competitive touch.
Price: $10–$20 if buying golf balls or a small plastic club set
6. Cook-Off Challenge with Dad
Turn the kitchen into a friendly battleground with a Father’s Day cook-off. Choose a fun theme like “Best Burger,” “Ultimate Pancake,” or “Creative Grilled Cheese,” and have each family member (including Dad) make their version. Then hold a taste test to judge creativity, presentation, and flavor.
Making Process
Pick a dish category and set a timer. Provide ingredients and cooking tools for everyone. Create scorecards and have each participant present their dish. You can also pair up in teams if younger kids want to join.
Price: $20–$40 depending on ingredients and number of participants
7. Father’s Day Puzzle Challenge
If Dad enjoys a good mental workout, spend the day solving puzzles together as a team or in friendly competition. Choose a large jigsaw puzzle, or mix in brain teasers, crossword races, or Sudoku challenges. You can even personalize the fun by creating a custom photo puzzle featuring a cherished family memory.
Where to Get It
Order a custom photo puzzle from websites like Shutterfly or Zazzle. For a variety of puzzles and brain games, try Amazon or your local bookstore.
Price: $15–$35 depending on the type and size of the puzzle
8. Backyard Movie Night
Set up a DIY outdoor movie theater for a relaxing Father’s Day evening. Hang a white sheet or use a portable screen, connect a projector, and bring out lawn chairs, bean bags, and cozy blankets. Play one of Dad’s favorite films under the stars with popcorn and his favorite snacks on hand.
Making Process
Use a projector connected to a laptop or streaming device. Hang a white sheet between trees or on a wall. Add fairy lights or lanterns for ambiance. Provide drinks and snacks in a picnic-style spread.
Price: $0–$50 depending on what equipment and snacks you already have
9. Build Something Together Day
Spend Father’s Day building something meaningful as a team—like a birdhouse, a simple shelf, or even a LEGO masterpiece. It’s a hands-on way to bond while creating something lasting that Dad can proudly display or use. This is especially great for dads who enjoy DIY projects or tinkering.
Making Process
Choose a simple woodworking kit, LEGO set, or gather materials for a birdhouse. Plan the steps together, assign roles, and take breaks with snacks. You can paint or personalize the finished product as a final touch.
Price: $15–$40 depending on the project and materials
10. Family Sports Tournament
Host a mini sports tournament with Dad’s favorite games—like basketball, cornhole, badminton, or even video game sports. Set up a bracket, assign teams, and let the games begin! It’s a high-energy way to celebrate and lets Dad show off his competitive (or coaching) side.
Making Process
Use whatever sports gear you have at home. Print out a bracket or scoreboard, make team names, and offer a small prize or trophy for the winners. Mix in silly challenges like playing in slow-motion or with the “wrong” hand for added laughs.
Price: Free to $20 depending on equipment needs or prizes
