Take time to be a dad today!
Here are some ideas for easy, free or low-cost ways to spend quality time with your kids. Use the filter on the left to find activities appropriate for your children's ages.
The Family Dinner Project recommends this fun game to make trips to the grocery store with your kids more fun. Their list is a great place to start, and soon you’ll be adding your own items to track down too!
Terribly Funny
Do you know what the loudest pet is?
A trumpet.
Ahh, Labor Day. A day dedicated to the American worker, as well as a last hurrah to the joys of summer. Labor Day is an excellent time to talk to your child about jobs and work – right in your own neighborhood. You can give your child a jump start on the school year by taking a walk through your neighborhood and talking about the different jobs that people do, then showing them how to make their very own “career book.”
August 2-8 is deemed National Exercise with your Child week. Summer is winding down. Carve out 15 minutes or less every day to complete these challenges together with your kids. Parents - the best way you can get your kids interested in moving more is by moving yourself. Even better, do something together. Get babies involved by just holding them while moving, or holding their hands as they are starting to walk. If you are not physically together, share a video of each of you exercising.
In the United States, Parents' Day is held on the fourth Sunday of July which this year is July 26. On this day each year, Americans recognize outstanding parents, celebrate the teamwork in raising children, and support the role of parental guidance in building a strong, stable society. So, celebrate with your kids and give yourself a pat on the back for being a great parent! #NationalParentsDay
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed July as National Ice Cream Month. He also established National Ice Cream Day as the third Sunday in the month which this year is July 19. So, go out with your kids and have some ice cream! If you live in the New York or San Francisco areas, visit the Museum of Ice Cream. Be adventurous and try a flavor you have never had before. If you can’t go get ice cream together in person, send a gift card, or find a time to talk about your favorite flavors, shops, and stories involving ice cream! #NationalIceCreamMonth
National Simplicity Day is celebrated every year on July 12. The unofficial holiday encourages people to embrace simple living and a simple outlook towards life and recognizes the life of author and philosopher Henry David Thoreau. It also promotes participants to do one thing to make the world a better place. So, plan something you can do with your child to make the world better. #NationalSimplicityDay
July 7 is Father Daughter take a Walk Day. Make this an annual tradition and take a walk together. Father Daughter Take a Walk Day celebrates the special relationship between fathers and daughters and reminds you to set aside time to spend together. If you are unable to be with your daughter on this day, take separate walks, and then have a phone conversation about what you saw, smelled, and felt on your walk. #FatherDaughterTakeAWalkDay
June 30 is Meteor Watch day. The best meteor watching occurs in the sky right before dawn. So, wake the kids up really early and go lay on a blanket to watch for meteors. Learn more about meteors from the American Meteor Society.
Happy Father’s Day! June 21 is the day we honor fatherhood and paternal bonds, as well as the influence of fathers in society. Did you know that the man who inspired Father’s Day was a single dad and a civil war vet? Take time today to thank those who have been fathers in your life, and we hope you enjoy your day as a father.
June 19 is Wear Blue day to raise awareness about the importance of male health and to encourage men to live longer and healthier lives. Encourage every male in your life to get their annual check-up and check out the Men’s Health Network newsletter on tips for self-care. Physical and mental health are both important to live a happy, healthy life.
On June 10, 1752, Benjamin Franklin flew a kite in a lightning storm and discovered electricity. What a great topic to discuss with your kids! A few activities would be to see how long you can spend together without using any electricity, or get outside and fly some kites (not in a storm of course!)
Terribly Funny
Do you know what the loudest pet is?
A trumpet.