Fun Father’s Day Activities to Try with Your Toddler
Coco | 13th,June
Father’s Day. It’s that one day we all pause—between diaper changes, snack runs, and bedtime stories—to say, “Hey Dad, thanks for everything.” But what exactly does everything mean? For a toddler dad, it’s the endless peekaboo games, early-morning cartoon marathons, and the heroic patience during a 30-minute car seat negotiation.
So how do we make Father’s Day more than just a card and socks? By making it memorable—especially if there’s a toddler in the mix.
He Deserves a Day… but What Kind?

Every dad is different. Some crave peace and quiet (like actual, full-volume silence). Others want family adventures, messy art projects, or belly laughs with their tiny humans. This list is a mix of both: ideas that celebrate the dads who just became dads, and the ones who’ve been doing the toddler tango for a while.
1. Let Him Sleep In—Yes, Really
Sometimes the best gift is the one where you do nothing. Literally. Give dad the morning off while you and the little one go for an early stroll. Let him sleep, sip coffee in bed, or scroll his phone in blissful solitude. No snack refills. No cartoons playing in the background. Just him and…nothing.
2. Toddler Balance Bike Adventure
Now here’s a winner: take your toddler and their balance bike out for a special Father’s Day ride. Whether it’s through a shady park trail or just laps around your cul-de-sac, there’s something magical about watching your child wobble along while Dad cheers them on.
These bikes aren’t just cute—they’re confidence boosters. Just pure, unfiltered childhood freedom. And watching Dad jog alongside, laughing and occasionally ducking under tree branches? That’s the stuff memories are made of.
Pair it with a picnic break, a few juice boxes, and maybe even a popsicle. Who says dads don’t get sticky fingers too?
3. Create a DIY Food Tour
Here’s the thing—Father’s Day doesn’t have to mean fancy. You can turn your own neighborhood into a five-star tasting tour. Start with his favorite coffee shop for a strong brew, hit up that one food truck he always talks about, and wrap it up with dessert from the corner bakery. Bonus points if you let the toddler wear a chef’s hat. If going out isn’t in the cards, bring the fun to your backyard: mini sliders, homemade lemonade, and a “restaurant” menu hand-drawn by your little one.
4. Build a Family Photo Collage (Tears Likely)
Remember that picture of your toddler trying to fit into Dad’s shoes? Print it. Add it to a collage. Mix in baby photos, messy birthday moments, and a few sleepy selfies from the newborn days. Then go big—frame it, hang it, or even turn it into a Father’s Day card.
For an extra-sentimental touch, try to track down a few photos from his childhood. Nothing says “you’re doing great” like seeing how far he’s come.
5. Comedy Night
If he’s a fan of dad jokes and stand-up routines, take him to a comedy show—just make sure it’s one that’s family-friendly if your toddler’s tagging along. Some local venues offer kid-appropriate sets during the day, or you can turn your living room into a mini theater with his favorite stand-up special queued up.
Pair it with takeout, dim the lights, and let the giggles roll. Your toddler may not get the punchlines, but they’ll laugh anyway—because Dad is.
6. Host a Backyard Bash with His Buddies
Let’s be honest: Dad probably hasn’t had a proper hangout with his crew since before the baby came. So bring the party to him. Fire up the grill, set out lawn chairs, and invite his friends over—kids included.
You can even have the toddlers paint homemade Father’s Day signs or “grill master” aprons. It’s messy. It’s noisy. But it’s full of heart.
7. Give Him Solo Time Without the Guilt
Here’s a plot twist: maybe what he wants is not to do something with the toddler. And that’s okay too.
Let him go to a movie alone, hit the driving range, or disappear into a bookshop for a few hours.That breather may be the most appreciated gift of all. And when he comes back? He’ll probably be recharged and ready for round two of Lego tower destruction.
8. Take a Chill Family Bike Ride (Yes, You Too)
Even if your toddler's still figuring out that balance bike, you can make it a family thing. You ride your bike. He runs (or glides) alongside your toddler. Maybe your toddler “rides” 30 feet before wandering off to chase a squirrel. That’s fine. The point isn’t speed—it’s the goofy pit stops and snack breaks and bugs in your teeth from smiling too much.
Father’s Day is about the ride, not the route.
Real Talk: Why It Matters

Fatherhood doesn’t come with a manual—or sick days. It’s messy and beautiful and frustrating and hilarious. That’s why Father’s Day exists. Not just to say thanks, but to show him, in the language of toddlers (and sticky crafts), that he matters. That he’s seen.
Whether you’re framing old photos, planning a balance bike parade, or giving him two hours of total silence, make it count. Your toddler might not remember it all—but he will.
So go ahead. Make a mess. Make a memory. And don’t forget to snap a photo.