There are many great ways for kids to have fun with their parents, but sometimes coming up with ideas can be difficult. This article will give you suggestions on how to have fun every day with your dad and plan special and fun activities with him. These ideas are for girls and boys of all ages, but the last part offers a few more ideas for older teens and adult children. Look for a few things on this list that you and your dad can enjoy and start having fun together today!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Everyday Fun with Your Dad
Step 1. Tell a joke
Jokes are a great way to have fun in a short amount of time, and laughing makes everyone happier and more relaxed. Learn some funny and appropriate jokes and tell them at the breakfast table when he gets home or whenever he seems to need a laugh. Then ask him to count one in return.
If you don't know some good jokes, there are lots of great books for kids in the library, plus lots of websites full of funny jokes. Look for "jokes for kids" and get ready to start laughing
Step 2. Invite your father to play video games
If your dad doesn't play a lot or isn't familiar with the games you like to play, give him a lesson! Invite your dad to play “Minecraft” or another game you like. Show how the controls work and explain the goals. Afterwards, give him some time to get used to it before destroying him in the game.
It can be quite funny when a parent plays video games for the first time. Go easy on him and don't get too upset if your old man doesn't like your game as much as you do. Or - who knows, right? - if he ends up playing better than you
Step 3. Call your dad to play a board game
Board games are even better than computer games for spending quality time with someone else, because you really need to look at each other and talk! Pick up your favorite game and ask your dad if he would like to play. Soon, you two will be having fun!
Step 4. Offer help with household chores
Doing chores can sound tedious, but you may be surprised at how much fun it can be to help your dad cook dinner, shop at the grocery store, or do yard maintenance. If your dad is really busy or you have a lot of siblings, this might be your best chance to spend some time with your dad. He will be happy that you offered his help and you will have the chance to spend some quality time together. Also, if your dad finishes chores early, he might have time to participate in a more fun activity later.
Make tasks more fun by turning them into a competition. For example, if you're gathering leaves, challenge your dad to see who can finish their half of the yard first. In addition to making work more fun, you can finish early and have time to go for ice cream later
Step 5. Ask your father to tell you a story about when he was your age
You'll have fun listening and he'll have fun telling. It will also remind you of what it's like to be your age, which can strengthen the connection between the two of you. Better yet, ask if he has any pictures of his own childhood and if he can show you. You can share a laugh over the weird hair people wore at the time or end up discovering how much you and your dad look alike.
Step 6. Be patient with your father
One of the best ways to have fun with your dad every day is to not get too upset about the things he does. For example, if your dad asks you to put away your socks, don't be angry and don't argue; just do as you're told. If your dad looks tired and grumpy at night, understand that he's probably had a rough day at work and give him a break. Remember that parenting is hard work.
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 he not been fishing for a long time? Does he love bowling but never get to go? Is there a movie he would like to see? Even if your dad's choice isn't your favorite activity, go along with him; you will have a lot more fun than you think!
Step 2. Plan a fun outdoor activity with your dad
Set a day and time and help your dad get everything ready in advance. Remember to check the weather and have a backup plan in mind in case it's raining or cold to go out. Here are some ideas for outdoor activities you could do with your dad:
- Take a fishing trip. Pay attention to your parent's safety instructions and keep silent.
- Go for a walk. Find a trail near your home that is good for families. Don't forget to bring snacks and water.
- Go to a football game.
- Fly a kite. You can have even more fun if you build the kite together with your dad first.
- Go to the zoo! Your father has probably not been to the zoo in centuries. Ask him what his favorite animal is, which ones he's seen in real life, what was the most fun trip he took to the zoo as a kid, etc.
- Hit a ball with it. This is a great sport that parents and children can play together. All you need is a ball and a little space!
Step 3. Plan a fun indoor activity
There are also lots of activities you and your dad can do indoors or indoors when the weather is bad or if your dad doesn't like the outdoors. Here are some ideas:
- Go to the movies.
- Go bowling.
- Take a walk in the mall.
- Find an arcade. If there are any in your area, you can play all day long.
Step 4. Plan a special activity at home
You don't need to go out or spend a lot of money to have a good time with your dad. Here are some ideas for special activities to do at home:
- Bake something. Many parents cook, and even those who don't regularly can enjoy baking a batch of chocolate chip cookies with their kids.
- Make a craft project. Some parents like art and small projects. Ask your dad if he would be interested in doing some painting or some different craft.
- Listen to music. Ask your dad for their favorite album or take turns sharing the songs they like with each other.
- Run a Lego building competition. Gather all your building blocks, put them in a pile and challenge your dad to see who can build the best spaceship or house.
- Build a fort. Get blankets and pillows, tie them over chairs, and build a fort with your father.
- Play at tickling or fighting. A little friendly wrestling is a great way to bond with your dad. But be careful not to break the furniture so you don't get in trouble with your mother!
Step 5. Plan a camping trip
Many parents love camping, and as well as being a great way to strengthen bonds with yours, a camp is always a guarantee of fun. Help your dad get everything ready for the trip and pack the car. Don't forget the hot dogs and marshmallows!
Step 6. Ask your father to teach you something
Think of something he's good at or really enjoy doing and ask for tips. Your father will like to share with you something he likes. On the other hand, you have fun and, at the same time, learn something new! If you're not sure about your dad's ability or what he likes to do during his free time, ask!
- If your dad likes to build things, ask him to teach you how to use tools and help him build something in the garage. A birdhouse is always a fun project for parents and children to do together.
- If you are old enough to learn to drive, ask your father to teach you.
- If your dad is good at fixing cars, ask him to show you how to change the oil or how to rebuild an engine.
- If your dad is a guitar player, ask him to teach you how to play.
Part 3 of 3: Having fun with your dad if you're an older teenager or adult
Step 1. Remember that you are never too old to have fun
Many of the ideas listed above also work for teens and adults. Everyone loves jokes; you just need to choose more mature examples. The same goes for movies, sporting events and so on.
Step 2. Begin to bond with your parent as an adult and choose activities accordingly
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 also means that you and your dad can start enjoying fun activities together as friends.
- Invite your dad out for a beer (after reaching the legal drinking age where you live).
- If you've invited friends to watch a game, don't forget to invite your dad.
- Think of other activities you like to do with your friends and consider including your father in some of them, or invite him to do similar activities just the two of you.
- Notice what your dad likes to do with his friends and ask if you can go with him one of these days.
- Plan an adult vacation with your dad. He took him to Beto Carrero when you were a child, now you can take him to Campos do Jordão, Gramado, Fortaleza or any other place he wants to visit.
Step 3. Take a journey (literally) down the road of memory
Take your dad on a trip to the places you loved to go together when you were a kid. 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 an extremely important and positive influence in children's lives. Being a grandparent is also a lot of fun! Take your kids to visit their dad as often as possible. If distance is an obstacle, help them stay in touch via Skype, email or phone calls. Whenever possible, bring the family together.