Activities for Dads & 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:

• How does Salia explain what addiction is?
• How is Salia’s family the same as your family? How is it different?
• What does Salia do when she has big feelings?
• How does she meditate? Let’s watch again and try it together.
• Why is drawing and writing about her feelings important to Salia?
• What does her family like to do together? What do you like to do with your family?

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.

September 12 is National Grandparents Day! Check out these  10 ways to celebrate the special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren.

It’s Labor Day weekend! For many, this holiday marks the last chance to celebrate summer before kids go back to school. This year, consider honoring this day by learning about the history of American labor and recognizing the hard work of Americans with these 7 Labor Day Activities for Kids.

In honor of back-to-school month, check out these 23 Fun STEAM and STEM Activities for kids! Learning can be fun, messy, and exciting – and doesn’t only need to happen in a classroom. Interactive activities encourage child curiosity and take some of the formality out of learning.