Calling all dads: It’s not rare to want to spend more time with your kids one-on-one (or two, or three…) While many families spend time together regularly doing things like eating dinner, going grocery shopping, or attending family events, outings with just dad and the kids can seem few and far between. With busy schedules, contradicting interests, and a lack of ideas, it can feel nearly impossible to plan fun things to experience with your children. But, fear not! We’ve compiled a list of ten things all kids and dads should experience together to give you your next Saturday plans.

1. Daddy-daughter dance. Sure, this one is a no-brainer, but seriously! If you’re a dad who happens to have at least one daughter, the daddy-daughter dance is a must-experience for both parties. It’s a night to dress up with your little girl and take her out on the town, maybe even teaching her some cool moves. It’s an excellent way to bond with your daughter in an environment specifically set up just for the two of you – and you’ll leave with absolutely precious memories.

1. Shopping for school supplies. Not to stereotype, but more often than not, it’s moms taking their kids shopping for school supplies. Whether it’s because they had snatched the list out of the mailbox first or simply know where all the best discounts are, convincing Mom to sit this one out and allow you, as a dad, to take your kids shopping for school supplies, is an excellent way to start important conversations about school and (literally) invest in their next school year. They’ll leave knowing you care about their academic performance, and think of you every time they pull out their new favorite notebook.

1. Learning to ride a bike. Every kid has to do it – through tears, falls, cuts, and scrapes, learning a bike is total dad territory! It’s a symbolic experience because you – who have always tried to protect your kids from harm and do things for them – must literally push them off and let them try something new for themselves. Though it may be hard to let go of the handlebars at first, this experience will teach your kids that you believe in them – and help you realize just how capable your little babies are.

1. Carving a pumpkin. Pumpkin carving is a Halloween favorite, and for good reason! It’s messy, it’s spooky, and you can even get some yummy pumpkin seed snacks out of it. This is a great experience for dads and kids because you can encourage their creativity and help bring their vision to life. Once all is said and done, you will have a finished project that you both can take pride in having created together.
2. Camping. What better time would there be to teach your kids all your survival skills? Okay, maybe you’ll only be cooking s’mores, but camping is a great way to get away from distractions of the technical modern world and simply be with your kids. From sleeping under the stars to starting fires for dinner, it will be an experience neither you or your kids would trade for the world.

1. Learning a sport. Playing catch is an easy way to spend time bonding while learning an important skill and doesn’t require a lot of equipment. For instance, you can get all of your baseball hitting equipment delivered right to your house. But, whether it’s baseball, softball, volleyball, or golf, teaching your child a sport creates a bond by giving you two an activity you can enjoy together for years to come. The relaxed and casual outside atmosphere is perfect for teaching your kids the harder lessons of sports, like perseverance and confidence – and, of course, having lots of fun. Keeping positive is an essential during this activity, and free courses like this free positive parenting class can help you do just that, making for an excellent day at the park.

1. Reading a book (a long one!) Reading to your kids is an amazing way to bond with them, even after they can read for themselves. Starting a chapter book neither of you have read and reading a chapter aloud to your children every night before bedtime is a great way to establish routine and give you something in common to be excited about. What will happen next? They’ll be looking forward to your next late-night reading session to find out.

1. Going to dinner. There’s something to be said for taking your kids out to a special dinner, whether it’s somewhere homely or a fancy restaurant. Not only will you give Mom the night to herself, but you’ll be able to physically sit down with your kids over a good meal and really talk to them about their lives. As they grow older, these opportunities will dwindle, so take advantage of them while you can!

As you can see from our list, having amazing experiences with your kids does not have to be difficult, break the bank, or be intimidating. There are hundreds of activities you can do over the years that will create a strong bond between you – and give you both sweet and fun memories to cherish. 

Comment down below with your favorite memory with your kids or with your own dad – what made it so special?