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What Should I Do On My Daddy Daughter Date?
In this blog post you will find 27 fun ideas for your next daddy daughter date with your toddler or preschooler, along with some great tips like talking points and more!
Did you know that children who receive regular one on one time with each of their parents tend to have better academic and social outcomes?
Yes! Communication is improved and the child has a greater sense of belonging, too!
In this blog post all about daddy daughter dates, maybe you’ll find something your daughter wants to do again and again, like a tradition!
Most likely you will find that no matter what you do, big or small, you both will have the chance to connect differently and bond, when it’s just the two of you!
Doing daddy daughter dates at this young age is a wonderful way to:
- strengthen your bond with your child
- give your partner a break
- experience your child’s personality in a different setting (outside of the daily to-dos/family group dynamic)
- get to know one another as unique, ever-changing people
- make awesome family memories
- overcome challenging behaviors (a child feeling more seen and supported can ease a lot of challenging toddler and preschooler behavior!)
We sometimes forget that part of being a great parent is building a solid relationship with each of our children because we are busy, tired, parents full of worry and responsibility, going through the daily motions and managing the ‘stages’.
But, making it a point to slow down and intentionally spend 1:1 time with our children can completely change our relationships with them!
Think of your bestie or a mentor, or your favorite aunt? What made that relationship special?
As parents, we can make the individual relationships we have with our children special, close, filled with great memories and fun times.
Doing daddy daughter dates will:
- make you and your child feel closer to one another
- give you two stories to share with other family members
- allow you to make special memories together
- be fun that you both can look forward to
- build trust, respect, and love
Such a win!
Now let’s dive into the 25 fun ideas for your next daddy daughter date!
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Your toddler or preschooler’s attention may be short, but I guarantee that they could run around this place for hours having a ball!
Whether it be collecting coins or tickets after playing, scanning the card to play, or truly sticking it out and trying different games, young kids love these places!
There is so much to do in one place, so it can be a perfect daddy daughter date idea for this age range.
You may end up having to finish games for them or not really playing them as intended, but seeing their joy, helpiong them try something new, and seeing their joy and excitement (then talking about it later!) will definitely bring you lots of smiles and laughs!
Don’t stress about doing the games right, since they are so young. Just let them take the lead, try things, get silly, laugh, and have fun!
Note: Redeeming the rewards can be hard for some young ones because they see all these cool things but can only get a few tiny things, depending on their points. So, maybe have a conversation about that beforehand and know you might have to deal with big feelings if they see something they love that they don’t have enough points for.
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2. Grab a drink and a pastry at a cafe
Such a simple daddy daughter date idea that most any toddler or preschooler will love!
I haven’t met one toddler or preschooler who was not excited to stop at a Starbucks for a cake pop and a ‘special drink’ for themselves.
With my own twins, they’d ask for a vanilla latte like mom. I’d get them decaf with less vanilla. They loved it.
With other toddlers or preschoolers I’d take, they’d either get a chocolate milk (in the cafe’s cup, not a pre-packed box, because it felt more special), or a water with berries in it (aka berry water, and they loved it!)
Let them choose where you two are going to sit in the cafe.
Sit and people watch and enjoy your drink and pastry or sandwich, or whatever food you choose to get.
Take it to go to a nearby park if they are wiggly.
Either way, they will feel special and happy!
Tip: I like to give the child a heads up about where we are going and the ground rules, or at least the ground rules. For example, I might say: “We get to go to a cafe today, just you and me! You can choose one drink and one yummy goodie you see, and where we sit! It’s going to be so nice.”
Doing this will help you keep them from grabbing at 10 things and asking for all the muffins. Calmer, more organized, and enjoyable!
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3. Go To The Pet Store To See Some Animals
This was one of the first date night things I did with one of my twins when she was 3.
It was a Friday night and she loved it!
Here’s the thing though, we had never been to a pet store before.
So, if you go to the pet store regularly for supplies. your child might not be so excited.
But if you have never taken your child to a pet store, they might just see it as a mini zoo situation!
We saw hamsters (bald ones, too!), bunnies, tons of fish, birds, guinea pigs, mice, lizards, turtles, and more!
Very exciting for a toddler or preschooler to see for the first time.
My little one enjoyed the fishes and bunnies most, especially the fish that ‘glowed in the dark’.
Another thing she really liked doing at the pet store for our daughter date night was going through the aisles, looking at and squeezing dog and cat toys. Haha.
So simple and lots of fun!
After the pet store, I took her to a regular store, TJ Maxx I think, and she got to try on boots and choose 1 thing to buy.
She chose lip gloss, oh and an Ariel mermaid doll (“ok, you can choose two things”).
You could easily choose to go to grab a bite of food your child loves after the pet store, or a hot chocolate at a nearby cafe, too.
Tip: Share facts about the animals and see what interests you child. Maybe play I spy to get them to identify different animals, or ask a store attendant if your child can pet or hold some animals.
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4. Explore the zoo
Often seen as a family outing, this can be a great 1:1 bonding opportunity for a daddy daughter date!
If you have a morning or afternoon, hit the zoo!
Grab some snacks together, talk about animals, be silly, hold hands, and enjoy!
Most toddlers and preschoolers are always eager and happy to be at the zoo, so it makes for an easy and guaranteed good time!
Tip: Pack a lunch, snacks, water, sunscreen, and binoculars, and maybe choose to print out some pictures from your daddy daughter date at the zoo!
5. Grab their Favorite Takeout & Head To the Park
Your child is sure to be in heaven when you mix: their favorite meal + their favorite park + your undivided attention.
The perfect daddy daughter date, sure to make them smile!
And so simple!
Note: I like to take time at the park to get some fresh air, think, clear my head, chat with other like-minded parents, play with my child, and observe them.
Tip: Setting rules before heading to the park can be very helpful for minimizing unwanted behaviors. For example, I might say: I will swing you for 2 minutes, then we will take a break and find something else fun to do for a bit so mommy’s arms can rest. I might also use a timer to enforce the rule. If they cry, I empathize and offer a hug by saying: “I know you love swinging. Mommy’s arms need a rest. You can do sand or slides. Go choose. Want a hug to feel better?”
Pro Tip: When leaving the park, give them something to look forward to at home so that leaving is easier with less tears. What my children and all the kiddos I’ve worked with have loved is getting a yogurt pop once we get home. I might say: “2 more minutes at the park, then we say bye bye and go get our yogurt pop! Choose what you want to do for 2 more minutes! Ok, yogurt pop time, bye bye park!” (a yogurt pop is just a yogurt tube, froze. Easy! And they all think it’s yummy and special!)
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6. Check out Your Local Science Museum
Have a science lover on your hands?
Love science yourself?
Doing a morning or afternoon outing at a science museum is sure to be an engaging, interesting, and exciting daddy daughter date!
Most science museums have a section just for young kids, with lots of hands-on options to engage them.
Check the website for the museum to see if they have any upcoming events you might be interested in!
Take their favorite snacks or meal, and go get your science on!
7. Take a Ride on Your Local Train Or bus
Another super simple daddy daughter date your toddler or preschooler is sure to love!
I don’t know many young children who don’t love trains and buses.
Let them ride one and they will be in awe!
Maybe set a destination, like a new park or favorite lunch spot, or just a cool nearby town to check out and make an afternoon of exploring!
Tip: Telling your child what to expect the day before going on a train or bus can be very helpful to make them feel safe, comfortable, and follow the rules. Things can be great fun and smooth sailing when we set rules and gain cooperation.
8. Look For a Local Kids Art Class
Got an art lover on your hands?
This could make for the perfect daddy daughter date!
Here, we have a kids art studio that offers ‘studio exploration’, where the toddlers and preschoolers get to wander to different stations and create art, unguided.
It’s a great set up for wiggly, curious youngsters.
A more formal class could be great too, so long as it is geared toward busy toddlers and preschoolers.
The two of you could create some cool art together and take it home as a keepsake!
Tip: Let them work freely with materials. Work together as a team and ask them what their ideas are for creating something cool are. Follow their lead and watch their smile light up big time!
9. Hit the Beach
If you have access to a beach, or even a nice lake, that alone is enough to get most toddlers and preschoolers excited!
Spending the day out in nature, relaxing by water while your little one plays, digs, builds, and splashes can be a really nice and simple daddy daughter date!
Get your beach toys, some snacks or their favorite meal, towels and sunscreen and go spend some quality time together in nature!
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10. Explore a local wildlife Center
There are so many creatures and facts for your toddler or preschooler to see and learn about at wildlife centers that are sure to amaze and interest them!
It’s such a special thing to see them learn and discover and be in awe. Sometimes in the busyness of parenting we miss these moments.
Check the calendar of your local wildlife center to see if they have any times or days dedicated to little ones.
Your child is sure to come home with some cool stories from their daddy daughter date at the wildlife center!
11. Stay Home & Do Movie Night In a Fort
Keep it so simple with a at home movie night!
This kind of daddy daughter date can still be so special and exciting for your child so long as you have that quality 1:1 time being present with one another.
Build the best fort ever and let them choose their favorite movie, snacks, and drinks, and cozy up for the show!
Some toddlers who don’t yet really sit for movies, may sit for shows. So, don’t hesitate to turn on a few shows instead!
Tip: If others are going to be home, try and find a room that won’t be disturbed by others. Sometimes toddlers and preschoolers like to make a sign for the door, like “Movie night in progress. No entry.” or “Maddy & Daddy’s Movie Night”. This can make it feel special and official!
12. Take Her For a Kids Manicure/Pedicure
All the girls I know love their nails to have some color on them!
You may choose to get yours done alongside your child for this daddy daughter date, or you may just choose to sit next to her and compliment her. Either way, I’m pretty sure she will be thrilled!
Plus, she will be so excited to show her mom, siblings, and friends!
Tip: Give her a heads up that she will need to be patient and sit still until they tell her her nails are dry. You can ask her what will help her sit comfortable while she waits. Let her choose the colors she wants and chat with her while she’s getting her nails done. You might ask, “what do you think mom will say when she sees your nails?” “what was your favorite part of the day so far?” “what food do you think we should get after this?”
13. Go Shopping for 2 Special things
Shopping can be fun for a daddy daughter date if you set the ground rules, first.
This is why I say – ‘go shopping for 2 special things’.
You could tell your child: “I was thinking we go shopping for our daddy daughter date, what do you think!? Ok, let’s look for 2 really cool things. We can get 2 things. What are you going to look for?!”
Tip: If they grab more than 2, you can simply remind them – “we can each get 2 things, so let’s look through and decide which 2 we want.” Then compare 2 at a time and decide.
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14. Hook her up to your bike & Go for a ride
If you already have a kid’s bike seat or a bike trailer, going for a bike ride could be a great daddy daughter date idea!
Maybe you go to a nearby park or cafe.
Maybe you just get on a local bike path.
Either way, most toddlers and preschoolers enjoy getting out and going fast!
Tip: Stopping at a park or cafe will allow for more time to chat and connect. Otherwise, you most likely aren’t talking or interacting much which on certain days can be great but is not ideal for building that bond and connecting deeper with your child.
15. Go Grab Some Ice Cream With Sprinkles & Toppings
Make an ice cream run for your next daddy daughter date!
Get them that extra scoop or sprinkles and toppings!
I don’t know a child who doesn’t love ice cream, so this is sure to be a hit!
Pro Tip: Plan something that will get them moving after the ice cream to let them get their wiggles out! Otherwise, they might be all hyped up and harder for you to handle.
16. Explore Your Local Aquarium
Often seen as a family outing, the aquarium can make for a really great 1:1 daddy daughter date!
You two can explore at your own pace, check out whatever you are interested in, take pictures and laugh and bond!
Check with your local aquarium and see if they have any upcoming events or times in the day that are geared toward the younger children.
Even without a specific event, you can easily have a nice time just exploring everything on your own!
Tip: Put your child on your shoulders, ask them what their favorite things are and take pictures of them with those things. Ask them to pretend they are a fish when you take some pictures. Ask them to take a beautiful photo and then a silly photo!
17. Play at A local amusement park
This daddy daughter date is sure to excite and tire out your toddler or preschooler!
And you! Haha.
Riding rides together can be so much fun – seeing their little faces, laughing together, talking about their fears and helping them be brave – all such bonding things!
Take some snacks, water, sunscreen, and get ready to have some fun!
Note: Depending on your child’s height there might be rides they really want to go on but won’t be able to yet.
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18. Set up a tent In the backyard & Make Some no-Campfire S’mores
Staying in can be just as fun as going out, so long as you are present with one another.
This daddy daughter date idea is all about working together, spending time together, and eating yummy treats.
Maybe you work together to set up the tent.
Maybe you let them help prep the no-campfire s’mores.
Doing tasks together can be amazing for bonding and connecting!
After getting all set up and having your treats, maybe you read some of their favorite books, do shadow puppets, or watch a movie together under the stars!
19. Try a Simple, Yummy recipe together
Working together on a recipe can be wonderful for bonding, teaching, learning from, and connecting with your child.
You will notice if they enjoy leading or following.
You will get to teach them new skills.
You will see their pride in making something.
You will notice how they smile and appreciate you for letting them help.
All such great ways to connect with your child!
Pro Tip: Go for a super simple recipe, like chicken quesadillas, when you do this for this first time. This way, you can guarantee they will like it, it won’t be too overwhelming for you. Maybe let them pull the tortilla out of the bag, sprinkle the cheese, and press the start button on the air fryer or microwave. Voila! Super simple! Have them make a chocolate milk too, stirring in the chocolate, so fun!
Tip: Maybe watch a movie or take your meal to a park!
20. Check out a kids Movie In The Theater
Is there a new kids movie in the theaters that looks good?? Try taking your child to see it on your next daddy daughter date!
Usually great for preschoolers, but can be great if you’ve seen your toddler sit through movies.
Go grab some of your favorite movie snacks, some buttery popcorn, and check out a movie with your little one!
Will they laugh? Will they love it? Will they want to go again?
21. Have a Pool Party
If you don’t have a pool, you could ask a friend to borrow theirs for a couple of hours or there is this cool service called Swimply, where you can rent someone’s pool! Think Airbnb for pools!
Grab a big, fun pool inflatable like this unicorn, and go splash and play!
Take a wireless speaker, play their favorite music, have their favorite snacks or meals, and make it a party!
22. Get Some Craft Kits & do Them Together
Creating something special together will absolutely be a hit for your next daddy daughter date!
Something like bedazzling their own water bottle with this kit or decorating these cute animal cutouts with the provided pom poms, can make for a great, simple craft!
Young children love to make things with their parents. They will be so proud and it will be a great memory they will talk about with siblings and friends!
Tip: Don’t worry too much about making the craft perfect or ‘doing it right’. Instead, show them a quick example of how it’s done and then let them take the lead and let their independence and creativity soar! Compliment them by saying, “Ohh, I like those colors!” “That is looking so shiny!” “You are so focused, look at you creating!” Saying things like this encourages them to do and try, rather than focusing on getting it done or being perfect.
23. Explore Your Local Botanical Gardens
Get out in nature together for this daddy daughter date!
Share some facts about the insects and animals you see.
I bet your little one will be fascinated by some things they don’t yet know about nature!
Maybe take some binoculars.
Take pictures!
Take a picnic!
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24. Go paint some pottery & Take Your Piece home
Yes, pottery for young kids! Who would have thought!
If your child enjoys art and can be gentle, then painting some pottery to take home might just be a very special daddy daughter date they love!
Maybe they choose a cup or a bowl they can put up as decor in the kitchen or their room.
Maybe they choose a vase to put some flowers in.
Tip: Talk to them about how things will go before you go. You might practice being gentle and tell them pottery can break. Show them how to handle the item they choose and how to ask for help if they need it. With some ground rules, painting pottery together can be a great time!
25. Find a Splash Pad to play at
Pack a picnic and head to a splash pad!
Let your child run and splash in the water and then have a snack or lunch afterward.
I don’t know many toddlers or preschoolers who don’t love some time at an awesome splash pad!
So simple, but sure to be a hit for your next daddy daughter date!
Tip: Listen to their favorite music and sing along with them on the ride over to the splash park. Maybe chase them around a little bit when they are splashing. On the drive home, ask them what their favorite thing was and what they want to do next time.
26. Take her to a salon to get Braids Or a pretty hairdo
Does your little girl love to do updos and look beautiful?
Then, you have to try this one for your next daddy daughter date!
Look around in your area to for a children’s salon that will do braids or updos.
Let your child choose what they want to do and watch her excitement grow!
This is sure to be a very special date and memory for her!
Tip: Take it up a notch and maybe take her to buy a princess dress and get ice cream after. A true princess fairytale!
27. Feed some animals at a Farm or petting zoo
This is one of those things that toddlers and preschoolers want to do again and again!
Look around in your area for a little farm or petting zoo where your child can take lettuce or celery to feed the animals.
Watching the chickens, bunnies, sheep, goats, and seeing the pigs, cows, and ducks is sure to make them happy and keep them busy!
As long as you don’t mind the smell of a farm, this can make for a great daddy daughter date!
Tip: Share facts about the different animals, teach them how to safely feed the animals, compliment them, and maybe share stories about when you were young like them!
Grab some compartment snack containers for easy, healthy snacks!
Are Daddy Daughter Dates A Good Idea?
100%, yes!
Daddy daughter dates are an excellent way to connect and bond with your child, which can lead to better communication between the two of you and a greater sense of security for the child.
Daddy daughter dates allow you to step away from the family dynamic and the daily to-dos and be more present, learning more about one another, teaching your child, and getting to know them 1:1, as a person.
It’s a special thing!
And,
Additionally, it provides an opportunity for parents to better understand their child’s unique needs and interests, which can aid in their overall development and well-being.
Moreover, one on one time can help to reduce feelings of jealousy or competition among siblings, as each child feels valued and appreciated individually.
And lastly (but not least!), research has shown that children who receive regular one on one time with their parents tend to have better academic and social outcomes as they grow and mature.
What Do You Talk About On A Daddy Daughter Date?
Here are some ideas to get the conversations flowing on your daddy daughter dates:
- Point out your surroundings – “Look at that birds nest up in the sign above the cafe”, “That dog is so fluffy and big!” “Their car looks just like ours!”
- Ask them what they are most excited to do today
- Make a silly game out of your snacks – maybe place some raisins on the back of your hand and lick them off like a little lizard or hide some crackers in one hand and ask your child to guess which hand they are in.
- Compliment your child and ask what they love about you – “I love how silly and kind you are. It always makes me smile when you say hi to others when we are out. What do you love about daddy?”
- Share some ‘did you know’ facts – “did you know that there are more than 7 billion people in the world!?”, “did you know that avocado is a fruit!?”, “did you know that mom and dad used to be little kids just like you!?”
- Ask some questions about feelings – “what makes you the happiest ever?”, “what makes you so frustrated?”, “what makes you feel scared?”, “what makes you really mad?”, “what helps you feel better when you are feeling upset?”
Talking about these things will help open your child up to you, get the conversation going, and help you learn more about your child!
You both will feel closer than ever through daddy daughter dates and great chats!
What Is A Father Daughter Relationship Supposed To Be Like?
Just like any type of healthy relationship, the father daughter relationship will be complex and multi-faceted.
At its core, it should be based on loving and appreciating parts of one another, respecting each other’s ideas and points of view, and supporting one another.
A good father-daughter relationship involves spending quality time together, communicating openly and honestly, supporting each other’s goals and dreams, and providing emotional and physical support and security.
Fathers can also play an important role in helping their daughters build self-esteem and confidence, as well as teaching them important life skills and values by complimenting them, uplifiting them, teaching them a growth mindset , how to be resilient, and how to handle their emotions in a healthy way.
Ultimately, a healthy father-daughter relationship should be a source of comfort, strength, and joy for both parties involved.
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Is there a new kids movie in the theaters that looks good?? Try taking your child to see it on your next daddy daughter date!
Usually great for preschoolers, but can be great if you’ve seen your toddler sit through movies.
Go grab some of your favorite movie snacks, some buttery popcorn, and check out a movie with your little one!
Will they laugh? Will they love it? Will they want to go again?
Pack a picnic and head to a splash pad!
Let your child run and splash in the water and then have a snack or lunch afterward.
I don’t know many toddlers or preschoolers who don’t love some time at an awesome splash pad!
So simple, but sure to be a hit for your next daddy daughter date!
Tip: Listen to their favorite music and sing along with them on the ride over to the splash park. Maybe chase them around a little bit when they are splashing. On the drive home, ask them what their favorite thing was and what they want to do next time.