Create, Play, and Celebrate with Dad
Choose a Father’s Day Activity and Get Started
We’ve put together a fun, interactive way to celebrate Dad that combines hands-on crafting with the joy of a great story.
Ready to get started? Choose the arts and crafts project you’d like to try and click it for more information.
Chalk Path Surprise All About Dad Doodle Page “Dad Rocks” Painted KeepsakeChalk Path Surprise
The Idea: Transform your driveway or sidewalk into an interactive adventure map for Dad to follow, turning his special day into a fun outdoor experience.
How to do it:
- Grab a pack of colorful sidewalk chalk and head outside.
- Map out a custom trail using arrows, funky shapes, or traced footprints.
- Spice up the path by sketching little doodles or leaving fun clues for him to find.
- Wrap up the trail with a big, bright “Happy Father’s Day!” message right at the finish line.
All About Dad Doodle Page
The Idea: Put your artistic skills to work by creating a custom masterpiece loaded with all of Dad’s favorite things.
How to do it:
- Fill a blank page with drawings of the things Dad loves most, like his favorite foods, hobbies, or sports teams.
- Make it pop by adding vibrant colors, patterns, and geometric designs.
- Give it to Dad and explain why you chose each doodle.
“Dad Rocks” Painted Keepsake
The Idea: Turn a simple backyard rock into a sentimental paperweight or garden decoration that reminds Dad just how awesome he is.
How to do it:
- Find a cool rock outside, then give it a good scrub and let it dry completely.
- Paint the entire rock with a solid background color of your choice and let it dry.
- Use a fine brush, marker, and stickers to add symbols like stars, sports gear, or tools, then dress it up with polka dots or stripes.
- Write a bold message like “My Dad Rocks!” or “#1 Dad” on top, let it dry completely, and hand it over to your rockstar dad!
Share a Story with Dad
Once you’ve finished your masterpiece, pair your creation with a dad-themed read from Hoopla.
Choose a theme below to find your next favorite story to share:
Famous Father & Child Stories: Legendary Bonds and Classic Tales Silly Father & Child Stories: Do You Love Dad Jokes? Try This Collection Stories to Make Dad Smile: Heartwarming Reads to Melt His HeartFamous Father & Child Stories: Legendary Bonds and Classic Tales
Ramona and Her Father by Beverly Cleary
When seven-year-old Ramona’s dad suddenly loses his job, life at home gets stressful fast. Wanting to help, Ramona does her best, even cutting back her Christmas wish list. But as money worries grow, she starts wondering if things will ever feel normal again.
My Daddy (various authors)
Whether they’re snuggled up for a bedtime story or building sandcastles at the beach, Peppa and George always have fun with Daddy Pig. No matter where they go, spending time together is what they love most! These sweet stories are based on the Peppa Pig series.
Clifford’s Day with Dad written and illustrated by Norman Bridwell
When Clifford visits his dad in the countryside, the two enjoy a day full of fun! Join them on their day of playing, digging, fetching, and spending quality time together.
Batman’s Mystery Casebook by Sholly Fisch and illustrated by Christopher Uminga
Batman may be a brilliant detective, but he doesn’t do it all alone. Robin, Batgirl, Alfred, and the Gotham City police help him protect the city. Now it’s your turn! Hunt for clues, solve riddles, crack mysteries, and uncover history as you help Batman solve cases before they make it into his casebook.
Silly Father & Child Stories: Do You Love Dad Jokes? Try This Collection.
My Dad Is a Grizzly Bear by Swapna Haddow and illustrated by Dapo Adeola
Could Dad really be a grizzly bear? He’s big, furry, loves the outdoors, sleeps through movies, and is always hungry—especially for honey! But when things feel scary at night, there’s nothing better than one of his big, comforting bear hugs.
Dandy by Ame Dyckman and illustrated by Charles Santoso
When Dad finds a lone weed in the lawn, he’s not happy, and neither are the neighbors. But his daughter Sweetie loves it and names it Charlotte. Now Dad must figure out how to deal with the dandelion without hurting her feelings or her love for it.
When I’m a Monster Like You, Dad by David O’Connell and illustrated by Francesca Gambatesa
Every little monster wants to grow up big, strong, and scary like Dad. But being small has its own kind of fun too. This sweet story shows how family time and play can be just as exciting, no matter your size.
The Aquanaut: A Graphic Novel written and illustrated by Dan Santat
After her father disappears at sea, Sophia can’t shake the sadness. Things get weird when an aquanaut breaks into Aqualand’s lab, only to reveal four goofy sea creatures inside! Together, they uncover the park’s dark secrets and race to rescue its captive marine animals before it’s too late.
Stories to Make Dad Smile: Heartwarming Reads to Melt His Heart.
My Daddy Is a Cowboy by Stephanie Seales and illustrated by C.G. Esperanza
Before sunrise, a girl and her dad ride horses through quiet city streets, greeting the day together. As they go, he shares cowboy stories about friendship, pride, and adventure. Seeing her city in a new way, she realizes she’s a cowboy too: strong, confident, and proud of who she is.
Gator Dad written and illustrated by Brian Lies
From grocery runs to playing at the park and building forts, a playful dad alligator shows his kids that even everyday stuff can be a blast when you do it together. It’s all about turning simple moments into fun family adventures.
Always Carry Me with You by Hervé Éparvier
A father tells his daughter he wishes he could be a small pebble in her pocket. Then she could carry a reminder of his love wherever she goes. Using this sweet idea, he shows her that even ordinary things can be magical and that she’s never alone, no matter where life takes her.
Dear Dad: Growing Up With a Parent In Prison—and How We Stayed Connected by Jay Jay Patton, Antoine Patton, and Kiara Valdez and illustrated by Markia Jenai
Ever since she was little, Jay Jay Patton’s dad has been in and out of prison. Through letters, they built a strong father-daughter bond despite the distance. This heartfelt graphic memoir follows Jay Jay’s journey and how she and her dad created Photo Patch to help families stay connected.
Happy Father’s Day!
No matter which path you choose, you’ll make this Father’s Day weekend one for the books (see what we did there?). Grab your father, stepfather, grandfather, uncle, or any dad-like person in your life, and have fun together!
*Titles may vary by library
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