Father's Day Crafts for Kids
Cards, keepsakes and activity ideas kids can make for Dad, Grandpa or any special grown-up.
June 4, 2026 · 4 min read
Father's Day is a chance for children to say thank you to the dads, grandads, uncles, stepdads and father figures in their lives. These crafts and activities are simple, personal and fun to make, with ideas for every age and a few that turn into lasting keepsakes.
When is Father's Day?
In the USA, the UK, Canada and many other countries, Father's Day is on the third Sunday in June. In Australia and New Zealand it's on the first Sunday in September. Other countries celebrate on different dates, so check your local calendar.
Cards
- Coloring card. Color one of our fold-in-half greeting cards and write a message inside. See homemade cards for more.
- Shirt and tie card. Fold the top corners of a card down to make a collar, then glue on a paper tie that children decorate with patterns.
- Handprint card. Press a painted hand on the front and write "Hands down, the best dad."
- "My dad" fill-in card. "My dad is good at…", "His favorite food is…", "He always says…"
- Superhero card. Draw dad as a superhero with a cape. What's his superpower?
Gifts
- Coupon book. "Car wash helper," "Breakfast in bed," "One game of your choice," "A big hug."
- Painted rock paperweight. Paint a smooth stone with a pattern or a message for his desk.
- Salt dough keepsake. Press a handprint or footprint into salt dough, bake and paint. Add the date.
- Framed picture. Color one of his favorite things: vehicles, animals, space or a detailed mandala, and frame it.
- Pencil pot. Decorate a clean tin or a toilet-roll tube with colored paper and stickers.
- Keyring. Laminate a tiny drawing and attach it to a keyring.
- Medal. Color a medal page or cut a circle from card and write "World's Best Dad." Add a ribbon.
Father's Day activities
- Breakfast in bed. Toast, fruit and a drawing on the tray.
- Dad's day out. Let children plan the day: a walk, a picnic, a bike ride or a favorite park.
- Interview dad. Children ask him questions and write down the answers. What did he like to do when he was little?
- Games tournament. Board games, cards or a backyard football match.
- Build something together. A den, a model, a birdhouse or a Lego creation.
- Cook together. Pancakes, pizza or his favorite dinner.
Ideas by age
Toddlers (2–3): handprint cards, footprint keepsakes and sticker cards. A grown-up writes the message.
Preschoolers (3–5): shirt-and-tie cards, coupon books with pictures and painted rocks.
School age (6–9): superhero cards, framed art, interviews and planning a day.
Tweens (10+): cook a meal, write a letter, make a photo collage or a video message.
What to write
Some children need ideas:
- "Thank you for…"
- "My favorite thing to do with you is…"
- "You're the best at…"
- "When I grow up, I want to be like you because…"
For children without a dad at home
Father's Day can bring up mixed feelings. Children can celebrate any special grown-up: a grandad, uncle, older brother, stepparent, family friend or teacher. Some may want to make something in memory of someone. Follow your child's lead and keep it gentle.
In the classroom
Teachers can offer a "special person" card so every child can choose who to make it for. Prepare a stack of greeting cards and let children decorate and write their own messages.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving it until Saturday night. Start a few days early.
- Making it perfect. Wonky handmade gifts are the most treasured.
- Forgetting to date it. Write the year and your child's age on the back.
Frequently asked questions
What's a good Father's Day craft for toddlers?
Handprint or footprint cards. They're quick, simple and make lovely keepsakes.
What can kids give their dad for free?
Coupon books, homemade cards, a planned day together, breakfast in bed and a framed drawing.
How can kids celebrate a dad who lives far away?
Post a card, record a video message, or schedule a video call to show him the gifts they made.
A Father's Day plan for kids
A week before: decide who to make something for and choose a craft. Gather supplies.
A few days before: make the gift and the card. Hide them somewhere safe.
The night before: wrap the gift and plan breakfast.
On the day: breakfast in bed, give the gift, then spend time doing his favorite activity together.
"All about my dad" questions
Children can fill these in on a card or poster:
- My dad's name is…
- He is … years old (or "very old!").
- His favorite food is…
- He is really good at…
- He always says…
- My favorite thing to do with him is…
- I love him because…
Keep the answers. They're wonderful to read back in years to come.
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