Father’s Day is one of those special times of the year when I get to sit back, soak in the love, and enjoy the heartfelt creations my kids make. What I love most about it isn’t any store-bought gift but the time spent together making crafts that are bursting with their personalities and creativity. There’s something about the glue-covered fingers, messy paint, and occasional glitter explosion that makes it all so memorable.
If you’re looking for some fun and easy Father’s Day crafts to do with your kids, I’ve got you covered. These activities are perfect for all ages, from toddlers who love to scribble to older kids who want to flex their artistic skills. Plus, they’reall about spending quality time together. After all, isn’t that the best gift of all?
1. Handprint Art That Stands the Test of Time
There’s nothing quite like a keepsake that freezes a moment in time. Handprint crafts are simple yet so meaningful, and they’re easy to pull off no matter your child’s age.
Grab some colorful paints, a blank canvas, or even a sturdy piece of cardboard, and let those tiny hands work their magic. My kids and I once made a “family tree” using our handprints as the leaves, each of us picking a different color. It’s still hanging on the wall as a reminder of that fun afternoon. Trust me, those little handprints grow too fast, so capturing them in art feels extra special.
2. DIY "Best Dad Ever" Trophy
I’ll admit it—I love a little ego boost from my kids now and then. One year, they made me a “Best Dad Ever” trophy, and it remains one of my favorite Father’s Day crafts.
Here’s how you can do it: Take an empty paper towel roll and a few plastic or paper cups. Stack the cups on either side of the roll to create the trophy shape. Cover it with gold paint (or any color your kids choose—they call the shots here) and let it dry. Add glitter, stickers, or even some funny drawings. The best part? They can write a tiny note on the base of the trophy. Mine had “To the best tickle monster!” scrawled across it, and it made my whole day.
3. Customized “Dad Coupons”
I can never have too many “Dad Coupons.” You know—those little slips offering free hugs, an extra scoop of ice cream after a meal, or a movie night of my choice. It’s a super personal and thoughtful craft that doesn’t require much but packs a lot of heart.
To make these, grab some construction paper or old gift tags and cut them into small rectangles. Let your kids decorate each “coupon” with markers, crayons, or stickers. They can write whatever they think I’d love: “One car wash,” “10-minute back rub,” or even “We’ll clean up our toys without being asked!” It’s a gift that keeps on giving, and honestly, it’sjust as fun to redeem them as it is for the kids to make them.
4. Photo Frames with a Personal Touch
Homemade photo frames never go out of style. My kids and I spent one Father’s Day morning making frames out of popsicle sticks, and it was such a fun project.
Start with four popsicle sticks glued into a square. From there, let the kids decorate with buttons, beads, stickers, or even macaroni if they’re feeling adventurous. Once the frame is ready, print out a family photo or a goofy picture of you and your kids together and stick it inside. It’s an easy craft, but every time I see that frame on my desk, it reminds me of how much thought went into it.
5. A “Why I Love Dad” Poster
This one’s a tear-jerker. A couple of years ago, my kids made me a giant poster with all the reasons they love me. It was simple but so impactful.
All you need is a large sheet of paper or poster board. Have your kids write or draw things they love about their dad (that’s me!) in colorful markers. It can be silly stuff like “Dad makes the best pancakes” or heartfelt things like “He always listens to me.” You can add some hand-drawn illustrations or even glue on pictures from magazines to make it pop. It’s a keepsake I’ll treasure forever.
6. Rock Painting with a Dad Twist
If your kids love the outdoors, this craft is perfect. Head outside and collect some smooth, flat rocks. Once you have a few, bring them inside and set up a little painting station.
My kids once painted rocks with funny faces that looked like me, complete with a “dad mustache” and glasses. You can also paint rocks with words like “Dad rocks!” or just let the kids express themselves however they want. Once the paint dries, these make great paperweights or decorations for a garden.
7. Superhero Dad Cape
Deep down, every dad wants to be a superhero in his kids’ eyes. Making a superhero cape together is not only fun, but it’salso a chance to dress up and play pretend afterward.
Use an old bedsheet or a large piece of fabric as the base for the cape. Let the kids decorate it with fabric markers, paint, or even cut-out felt shapes. They can add “Super Dad” at the back or draw lightning bolts, stars, or anything that screams“hero.” Once it’s done, I guarantee you’ll feel like Superman wearing it—especially when the kids insist on calling you their hero all day long.
8. Cardboard Tool Kit for the Handy Dad
For dads who love DIY or fixing things, a cardboard tool kit is a creative way for kids to celebrate that handy streak. My kids made me one last year, and it was both hilarious and heartwarming.
Cut out “tools” like hammers, wrenches, and screwdrivers from cardboard, then let the kids paint or color them. They can even make a carrying case out of a shoebox. Label it “Dad’s Toolkit” and fill it with their creations. It’s a clever way to show appreciation for all those times you fixed their toys or assembled their playsets.
9. Wind Chimes with a Personal Touch
Wind chimes are a great outdoor craft, and they’re surprisingly easy to make. My kids and I put one together using a couple of sticks, some string, and random items we found around the house.
Tie old keys, bottle caps, or small metal items to the strings and attach them to a sturdy stick. The kids can paint the stick or decorate it with ribbons. Hang the finished wind chime in the backyard, and every time the wind blows, you’ll have a gentle reminder of your Father’s Day craft adventure.
10. Edible Gifts: DIY Snacks
Who doesn’t love a homemade treat? One year, my kids and I made chocolate-covered pretzels together, and it was both a craft and a feast.
Melt some chocolate in a bowl, dip pretzel rods into it, and let the kids sprinkle them with crushed nuts, candy pieces, or colorful sprinkles. Lay them on parchment paper to cool and harden. It’s a delicious way to bond, and the best part is getting to eat the results!
Father’s Day crafts don’t need to be complicated or time-consuming to be meaningful. At the end of the day, it’s all about spending quality time with your kids and letting their creativity shine. Whether it’s painting rocks, making handprint art, or decorating an old sheet into a superhero cape, these moments are what make Father’s Day special. And for me, there’snothing better than seeing the pride on their faces when they hand me their handmade creations.
