“We talk about God as Father all the time. Whether people find that credible or believable or not is frequently determined by their relationship with their own father.” –
Father Royce Gregerson
Father’s Day is Sunday, June 19! As this article highlights, we learn more every year about the powerful impact fathers have on the well-being of their children. So, let’s make Dad (and Grandpa, our priests, and fatherly figures) feel special and loved.
Here are a few ideas for putting together a dad-centered day of fun. My family and I played many of the games last Father’s Day! Give them a go! We gave my husband the coupons, too, and he keeps them on his work desk.
Dad-Centered Games
1. Dad Bingo Game
Here’s a free dad-themed Bingo game (courtesy of Children Ministry Deals)!
2. Father’s Day Minute to Win-It Games
I put together some family-friendly, dad-themed “minute to win it” games that are sure to get the giggles and the heart rates going! These can be adapted to families of any size and for kids of all ages.
3. What’s in Dad’s Wallet?
What in the world is in Dad’s wallet? I mean, really? Let’s find out!
Give each child a piece of paper and a pencil. Have them write down all the items they believe are in Dad’s wallet. Mom and older sibs can help younger sibs. Then Dad empties his wallet while the kids place a check mark next to correct items on their own lists. The player with the most matches gets a prize or a horsy-back ride from Dad.
Gifts for Dad from Kids
1. Father’s Day Tickets/Coupons
Your kids can give Dad these free “coupons” that he can redeem whenever he wants! Includes acts of unselfishness like letting Dad pick the movie on movie night, cleaning a room for Dad, and washing Dad’s car. You could cut out the coupons and insert them in a handmade card.
2. Handprint Tree
How cute is this handprint tree? To make it big enough to do handprints for several kids, you’ll need to have it professionally printed in poster-size at Walmart or an office store, but you can just do fingerprints on regular printer paper, too.
3. Building Memories with Dad (blocks in a jar)
From The Seasoned Mom, here’s a cute, inexpensive way to encourage father-kid time. Brainstorm with your kids their favorite ways to spend time with Dad. Then get a bunch of large building blocks and write one activity on each block. Put the blocks in a jar with a lid and label.
A Blessing for Dad
In our house, Dad will enjoy his favorite meal for dinner (lamb). I know many families do something similar. Whether you’re having a barbecue, burgers, or brisket, here is a beautiful blessing that families can extend to dads before the table blessing or after dinner.
All extend hands over Dad in gesture of blessing:
God our Father, in your wisdom and love you made all things. Bless our father. Let the example of his faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, his family, may honor him always with a spirit of profound respect. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.