Dads and daughters have a special bond. When dads take the time to spend quality time with their daughters, it creates memories that will last a lifetime. Daddy daughter dates are the perfect way to strengthen that bond and create some unforgettable memories. Here are some fun ideas for your next daddy daughter date!
Benefits of taking your daughter on daddy daughter dates
It might seem froofy. You may even feel a bit awkard. But there are so many amazing reasons to take your daughter on a daddy daughter date. Having regular dates with your daughter:
–Allows you and your daughter to spend quality time together. How often do you really get to sit down, one-on-one with your daughter? Carve out this time to be together!
-Encourages open communication. Funny thing about spending time with your daughter… the more you do it, the more she will trust you with the things on her heart.
-Helps your daughter feel loved and special. You know she’s special. But does she? Giving her your time will help her feel loved.
-Gives your daughter a chance to get to know her dad better. You are busy. Your daughter is busy. Unless you set aside time together, she will never really know you.
-Provides opportunities for dads to teach daughters life skills. My dad taught me to change a tire when I turned 16. He also taught me to drive, put up sheetrock, and shingle a house. I’m sure it would have been faster and easier to do those things himself. But he was determined to teach me. I learned so many life skills from him that have served me because he made an effort to be with me.
-Strengthens father/daughter bond. The best way to create strong bonds with anyone is the spend more time with them.
Daddy daughter date ideas
Now that you know all of the reasons why you should take your daughter on a daddy daughter date, it’s time to get planning! Here are some great ideas:
Attend a father/daughter dance
This is a classic for a reason! There is something special about sharing a dance with your dad. Look locally to see what kinds of dances are available in your area.
Mani-pedi date
Take her to the salon and get pampered together. This is a great way to catch up on each other’s lives. Don’t worry, they don’t need to paint your nails just because you go in together (although it won’t hurt you ;). They can file your nails, clean things up, and even leave you with a nice foot rub or exfoliation. Ask your salon what they have available for men.
Go for a walk in the park
Enjoy nature together and talk about anything and everything. This is a great way to get some exercise and spend quality time together.
Have a picnic lunch
Pack a basket with your favorite foods and drinks, find a spot in the park, and enjoy each other’s company. This is perfect for warmer weather.
Attend a sporting event or concert
Take her to see her favorite team play or buy tickets to the latest concert she’s been wanting to see. This will be an experience you’ll both remember forever.
Visit a children’s museum/zoo/aquarium
These places are perfect for kids of all ages and provide hours of fun! You can learn together, explore new things, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Volunteer together
There are so many opportunities to volunteer together. Help out at a local soup kitchen, homeless shelter, or animal shelter. This is a great way to teach your daughter about giving back to the community and helping others.
Plan a daddy/daughter weekend getaway
Pack your bags and head off for an adventure! There are so many fun places to visit that can be done on a budget. Check out some ideas online or talk with other dads to see where they have taken their daughters.
Finger painting with pudding
This is a messy but fun activity that you can do at home. Clear off the table or a countertop and get messy! This was the activity my husband suggested for our first date and we had so much fun. It translates well to any age and gives you a chance to get creative!
Do her favorite thing
If she loves going to the beach, take her to the ocean. If she enjoys playing video games, spend an afternoon in your home gaming together. It doesn’t matter what you do as long as it’s something she enjoys and you’re both doing it together.
Tea party
This is another activity that can be done at home. Set up a tea party for two with your daughter’s favorite dolls or stuffed animals. Serve pretend tea and treats, and have a great time together.
Clean the car
I know, I know! This may not sound like a lot of fun, but it can be! Plus, it’s a task that needs to be done anyways. Spend some time together while getting the car clean and decluttered. You can even blast your daughter’s favorite music while you work.
Trampoline park
This is another activity that can be a lot of fun, and it’s great exercise! Jumping on the trampoline together is a great way to get some energy out.
Scavenger hunt
You can make the list as simple or difficult as you want. Plan out a scavenger hunt for your daughter. Then go along with her as she figures out the clues. The key is to have fun together!
Downtown/city date
Take your daughter on a date to explore her city. Head to the downtown area and check out the shops, restaurants, and parks. This is a great way to show her all that her city has to offer.
Ice cream sundae party
This one is definitely for warmer weather! Invite some of your daughter’s friends over for an ice cream sundae party. Let them make their own creations and enjoy everyone’s company.
Museum date
This is a great option for dads who want to learn more about their daughters. Take her to the museum of her choice and spend time together walking through the exhibits. Talk about what she’s interested in and what she learned from each stop.
Bike ride
Take your daughter for a bike ride around the neighborhood. This is a great way to get some exercise and spend time together. You can chat as you ride or take in the sights and sounds around you.
Bowling
This is another activity that’s perfect for all ages. Spend an afternoon bowling with your daughter and her friends. It’s a great way to have some fun and break out of the normal routine.
Board game night
Stay in for an evening and play some of your favorite board games together. This is a great way to relax after a long day and have some laughs with your daughter.
Cooking together
Cooking is a skill that everyone should know. Spend some time with your daughter in the kitchen and teach her how to cook. You can start off with simple recipes and work your way up. It’s a great way to spend time together and she’ll be able to make meals for herself in the future.
Paint night
This is another activity that can be done at home. Get creative together by painting on canvas or even rocks! You could also go to a pottery studio and paint your own pottery. This is a fun way to bond and see what your artistic skills are like.
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- Paint by Numbers Kits with Frame : Our kids paint by numbers comes with everything you need. The canvas painting kit for kids includes pre-printed textured art canvas with the wooden frame, 2 high-quality brushes, matching acrylic paints, and nail clips. No need to have any basic skill of painting to do this. Easy to create a beautiful and exquisite picture, even if you have zero artistic ability. Mark the areas that numbered and all you have to do is match the paint with the number
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Play ball
Take your daughter to the park and play some ball. This is a great way to get some exercise and spend time together. You can throw the ball, play catch, or have a game of HORSE. Whatever you choose, it’ll be fun!
Zoo/aquarium date
Take your daughter on a date to the zoo or aquarium. These are both great places to learn about animals and sea life. Plus, they’re both a lot of fun! Your daughter will love getting to see all the animals up close.
Camping trip
If you’re brave enough (or have an RV), take your daughter on a camping trip! This is a great way to enjoy nature and spend time together without distractions. She’ll love getting to sleep under the stars and explore the wilderness.
Fashion show
Have your daughter model her favorite outfits for you. You can either do this at home or take her downtown to some of the local boutiques. This is a great way for her to get some practice in front of an audience and show off her latest fashion finds.
Movie night
This is a classic date idea that never gets old. Spend an evening watching movies together on the couch. Snack on popcorn and candy, and relax with your daughter. Choose movies that you know she’ll enjoy or ones that you want to watch together.
Backyard sleepover
Not up for a full camping trip? That’s ok! Spend an evening sleeping in your backyard. Set up a few tents or just sleep under the stars. This is a great way to enjoy nature and have some fun without leaving home.
Do your favorite thing
This one is simple – just do your favorite thing with your daughter. Whether it’s going for a walk, playing a game, or watching TV, spending time with her doing what you love is sure to be enjoyable.
Cupcake decorating
This is a fun activity that can be done at home or at a bakery. Spend an afternoon decorating cupcakes together and enjoy the sweet treats you create. You could even bring them to a party or give them as a gift to someone special.
Pizza night
Make your favorite pizza recipe and spend time cooking it together. This is another easy meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a great way to spend some quality time with your daughter.
Ice skating/roller skating
Take your daughter skating! This is a great activity for all ages and it’s perfect for winter or summer. Roller skating can be done indoors or outdoors, so it’s a versatile option.
Sledding
If there’s snow on the ground, take your daughter sledding! Sledding is a classic winter activity that everyone loves. It’s simple, fun, and you can do it at home or in a nearby park.
Go see a show
Take your daughter to see a show. There are always great concerts, plays, and other performances happening in town. This is a fun way to spend an evening and she’ll love getting dressed up for the occasion.
Visit a farm
Take your daughter to visit a nearby farm. This is a great opportunity for her to learn about agriculture and animal husbandry. Plus, farms are usually packed with fun activities like hayrides and petting zoos.
Brunch
Take your daughter out for a special brunch. This is a great way to celebrate an event or just spend some quality time together. Choose a fun restaurant with yummy food and relax over breakfast/lunch.
Build something
Another date idea that requires a bit of effort is building something together. This could be anything from a birdhouse to a bookshelf. Not only will you get to spend time with your daughter, but you’ll also have a finished project to show for it!
Swimming
Take your daughter swimming! This is a great way to cool off in the summer and have some fun. Swimming can be done at a pool or at the beach, so find a place near you.
Trip to an amusement park
If your daughter loves rides and excitement, take her to an amusement park! These parks are packed with thrilling roller coasters, cute kiddie rides, and everything in between. She’ll have a blast and you’ll get to spend the day together.
Take her to dinner
Take your daughter to dinner. This is a classic date idea that never gets old. You can choose a fancy restaurant or just go somewhere casual. Either way, you’ll get to spend some quality time with your daughter.
Arcade
If you’re looking for a fun and cheap date idea, take your daughter to the arcade. These places are filled with games of all kinds, so she’s sure to find something that appeals to her. You could also try out some new video games together.
Hiking
Take your daughter hiking! This is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy nature. There are plenty of hiking trails near most cities, so finding one shouldn’t be too difficult.
Mini golf
If you’re looking for an activity that’s both fun and relaxing, take your daughter mini golfing. These courses are typically found near amusement parks or in shopping malls. You could also try out a new course every time you go.
Shopping
Take your daughter shopping! This is a great way to spend some time together and she’s sure to find something she likes. You can go to the mall, an outlet store, or even a flea market. Set a budget ahead of time so both of you know how much you are willing to spend.
Geo-caching
Geo-caching is a fun, outdoor activity that both you and your daughter will love. It’s like a treasure hunt where you use GPS coordinates to find hidden containers. This is perfect for exploring new areas and it’s something you can do together anywhere in the world.
Donut date
Take your daughter to a donut shop for a special date. Donut shops are typically open early in the morning, so this is perfect for breakfast or brunch. Try out some new flavors and enjoy each other’s company.
Bike ride
Take your daughter on a bike ride! This is another great way to get some exercise and spend time together outdoors. You can go for a casual ride around town or try out a longer trail if you’re feeling adventurous.
Go for a drive
Some of my favorite memories of my dad include going for a drive. We would just put on some music and drive around town. It was a great way to catch up on each other’s lives and relax. You can do the same with your daughter!
Eat lunch with her at school
If your daughter is still in school, take her to lunch! This is a great way to show her that you support her and want to spend time with her. You can eat together at the school cafeteria or go out for some food afterwards.
Need more connection over lunch? Read: 24 Free Printable Lunchbox Notes for Kids
Attend a recital or game
If your daughter is involved in extracurricular activities, attend one of her events! This could be a recital, game, tournament, or any other performance. Showing up and supporting her means a lot to your daughter.
Take her fishing
Take your daughter fishing for one of your daddy daughter dates! This is a great way to spend some time outdoors and teach her a new skill. You can find lakes or rivers near you that are perfect for fishing.
Home depot kids workshop
Take your daughter to a Home Depot kids workshop. These workshops are designed for children ages five and up and they teach them how to do basic repairs and projects around the house. This is a great way for her to learn some practical skills and have some fun too.
Bedroom makeover
Give your daughter a bedroom makeover! This is a great way to show her how much you care about her. You can do everything from painting the walls to choosing new furniture. Let her help design the room and she’ll love it even more.
There are plenty of fun and affordable daddy daughter date ideas that will make memories she’ll never forget. These are just a few of my favorites, but you can come up with your own too. Just spend some time with her and have some fun!
