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.
Visit the Smithsonian National Zoo any day of the week with Animal Cams! See your children's favorites through these live web cams, which feature some of the Zoo's most beloved animals.
Terribly Funny
Do you know what the loudest pet is?
A trumpet.
Navigating flu season and COVID-19 precautions? Check out UNICEF’s list of family bonding activities that you can play with your kids from the safety and comfort of your home.
Autumn is here, and your outside world is likely changing! Explore and embrace the changes with kids through these outdoor activity ideas.
Looking for ideas for everyday fun with kids? PBS offers free online games for kids!
Since 1994, November has been recognized as National Native American Heritage Month. One idea for acknowledging Native American culture and teaching children about the origins of Thanksgiving is exploring PBS’s resource “Talking to Kids About Thanksgiving: Center Truth, Connection and Being Grateful.” This web page offers tips and videos to help educators and parents unpack historical myths about thanksgiving and empower children skills in cultural competency.
Have you ever wondered about the lives of your ancestors? Find out by celebrating Family History Month! Learn more about your ancestors by creating a reverse time capsule. Have your kids choose an ancestor and try to create a snapshot of his or her life. Try to consider what types of clothes they wore and historical events of the time!
October is Domestic Violence awareness month. Talking with children who have witnessed domestic violence is heartbreaking and challenging. It can be tough for kids coping with trauma to express how they’re feeling inside. Watch this video to help kids understand their big feelings and the importance of sharing their feelings with others. After, walk through the “Breathe, Think, Do” strategy that can help kids deal with their anger, frustration, and sadness.
October 11 is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Check-out these 8 ways kids can observe Indigenous People’s day to help children understand the vast history of Indigenous People in the United States.
September is National Recovery Month. When a family member struggles with addiction, children feel shame, embarrassment, guilt, and loneliness. Watch this video to help children understand that with love and support families can cope with addiction. After watching, consider discussing the following questions:
For more resources on parental addiction, check out this website.
September 21 is International Day of Peace. Peace day provides an opportunity for children to learn how they can be a peacebuilder in the world. Create a “Pinwheel for Peace” to help kids express their visions for peace. On one side, children will write their wishes for peace in the world. On the other side, they will use art to visually express their feelings. Learn more about the Pinwheel for Peace Project here.
National Hispanic Heritage Month traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries. During this month and throughout the year, the National Park Service and our partners, share history, heritage, and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans of past and present. Take a look at the resources.
Terribly Funny
Do you know what the loudest pet is?
A trumpet.