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.
See amazing in all children with Sesame Street's new character, Julia. Julia has autism, just like one in 68 children in the United States. Sesame Street's See Amazing in All Children Initiative aims to foster…
Terribly Funny
Do you know what the loudest pet is?
A trumpet.
February 25 is National Chili Day and there’s nothing better than enjoying this fiery fare during one of winter’s coldest months. Also, Chowhound reminds us that cooking is a great activity to do with your kids as it teaches math and science skills! Maybe plan a chili cook-off with your children and see who comes up with the tastiest recipe!
February 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day. So, take this day, or this week, to find some kind thing to do for someone and help your children learn that being kind is a great trait to have. And we highly recommend you perform kind acts on as many people as you can. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation has many ideas and free content that promotes kindness toward others & teaches important social emotional learning skills to kids.
The first full week in February is Children's Authors and Illustrators Week. What a great time to read some great books as a family! Reading together is fun and helps create enthusiastic, strong readers. Even older children enjoy being read to, and they may want to take turns reading to younger siblings. So, turn off the TV, gather the family, and spend some time enjoying children's books together! Celebrate Black History Month by taking part in the National African American Read-In. Take a look at the African American Read-In Toolkit to help plan your Read In!
January 29 is National Puzzle Day! Did you know that puzzles are a great math and spatial awareness building activity at any age? Puzzles also develop your child's problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Find the appropriate puzzle size for your child’s age and spend some time this week putting some puzzles together.
Monday, January 18 is the observance of the life, work, and teachings of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This is also observed as a day of service. What a great opportunity to show your children the value of service by finding an opportunity to help others.
January is a great time to get lost in a good book! Children who read from a young age tend to do better in school, and reading also helps to boost creativity and imagination. Reading together is also a great way to bond. So pick a great children’s book to read to your children or cuddle up together and read your own books. Then spend time discussing what you read.
January 7-10 is celebrated in Memphis as Elvis Presley’s birthday, which is January 8. So, put on some great classic Elvis Presley music and dance like a dad with your kids! #dancelikeadad
Card Playing Day is celebrated on December 28 and is a great reminder to spend time playing cards with your kids. Once the holiday hustle and bustle are over, it's may be time to turn to card games for a calmer, relaxing, and slower-paced form of fun and entertainment. Teach them some of the classic games like Go Fish for the younger kids and maybe Hearts for the older kids. Or teach them your favorite card game. There’s so many to play. Get playing and show us your hand using #CardPlayingDay and #fatherhoodgov to post on social media.
Regardless of what holidays you celebrate, cookies are a popular way to mark festivities in many cultures. This year try baking cookies from around the world! What a great way to explore other parts of the world and expand the variety of cookies in your home or that you give to others.
Chocolate lovers rejoice! December 16 is Chocolate Covered Anything Day and what a great way for kids to experiment with dipping and eating things in chocolate! Try healthy snacks like carrots or cauliflower. Try different chocolate flavors! Pour, spread, or drizzle chocolate over fruit, nuts, cakes, or pretzels. Experiment with all types of food! Show us your creations using #ChocolateCoveredAnythingDay and #fatherhoodgov on social media.
Terribly Funny
Do you know what the loudest pet is?
A trumpet.