Dad Crafts for Kids: Ideas to Make With Dad and For Dad

3 June 2010

Author: Karen Bulmahn

Let’s face it… most men aren’t big crafters, so the chances of them sitting down with the kids and spending “creative time” with them is probably pretty slim. Perhaps more dads would engage in craft time if they had some simple, yet fun ideas to try. Whether your purpose is involving men in the craft, or coming up with a project the kids can make for Dad for a special Father’s Day gift, here are a few Dad crafts to get you started.

CRAFTING WITH DAD:

Checkers:
A simple project for dads to work on with the kids is a checkers game. This project requires a short list of supplies and is very quick to create.



The construction includes punching squares for the board from two colors of cardstock, and punching circles for the checkers and applying decorative stickers to make two sets of playing pieces. After completion, it is a lasting activity for all family members. It’s as simple as that!

Another game that is easy, quick to create with this same basic process is Tic-Tac-Toe.

Puppets:

Paper bag puppets are also a great craft idea for dads and their kids. Together they can decide the theme of their puppets, whether it be family members, animals, famous sports players or other, and then create the story as they work to construct the puppets.

Supplies are readily available in most households, and it makes for a fun-filled afternoon, enjoying a special show after their work is complete!

CRAFTING FOR DAD:

Chipboard Journal:
All kids love to surprise their parents with unique artwork and projects! When Father’s Day rolls around, try putting together a one-of-a-kind journal book for your kids to fill with their favorite experiences with Dad.



The example of a shaped chipboard book spelling the word “Dad” is perfect for this project. A few sketching skills are required unless stencils are preferred, but once the construction of the book is done allow the kids to fill it with their thoughts, stories, quotes and photos about their relationship with their father.

Decorated Photo Album:

Take your family on a photo shoot and be sure to take lots of pictures of Dad and the kids! Help your kids decorate the outside of a small 4” x 6” photo album to give to him on Father’s Day. It can be something he puts in his office desk drawer to reflect on his family during a busy day of work.

Along this same thought process, have the kids pick out a favorite photo of them and dad and let them decorate a wooden frame. Allow them to use stickers, punched paper, and paint to add their own style to the gift. Any of these projects are sure to be something a dad would be honored to get and would cherish for many years.

Any time spent with parents is precious to a child, and in some very important years of growing, crafts can play a big part in the bonding process. Although men don’t seem to be the usual choice for putting together creative projects with the kids, there are ways to get dads involved. The time spent on these Dad crafts will surely leave a lasting memory – not only in a child’s mind, but in a dad’s heart as well.