Dads and daughters have a special connection. And while all little girls grow up eventually, there’s nothing that can replace that father-daughter bond.
Spending quality time together is a vital part of strengthening that important relationship. While the ball’s definitely in dad’s court on this, moms can come alongside to support and encourage those special moments.
And it’s never too early to start!
So, here’s 20 simple daddy-daughter date ideas to point you both in the right direction. These are quick, easy, and won’t break the bank.
Even better, they’re guaranteed to make your little girl smile!
Fun and simple daddy-daughter date ideas…
Get ice cream.
Whether it’s a simple ice cream cone or a huge banana split, this idea is always a crowd pleaser. In fact, it’s one of the most requested date destinations at our house.
And the best part-it’s budget friendly.
My husband has taken our girls to the local gas station for a fifty-cent cone when our budget was tight. He’s also visited a nearby ice cream shop when we’ve had a little more to spend. They splurge on several different flavors and take turns trying them all!
It doesn’t seem to matter which place they go. At the mention of ice cream, their eyes are already shining.
Go to the park.
Talk about budget friendly. You can’t get much lighter on the wallet than a trip to the park.
Spend some time together on the playground equipment. Take a walk on one of the paths. Or pack a snack and just find a bench to sit and talk.
These may be simple moments, but that doesn’t make them any less profound.
Visit a treat shop.
When flipping through a magazine recently, I found an ad for a dessert shop. Filled with bright colors and pictures of delicious goodies, I knew it would get my kids excited.
I showed it to my girls and asked if this would be good to add to the daddy-daughter date ideas list. Of course, they said yes!
I set it aside to show my husband. I was pretty sure his sweet tooth wouldn’t turn it down either.
And I was secretly hoping one of our own dates might include a stop at this new place!
Grab a donut.
Daddy dates can happen at any time of day. And it seems most dads love donuts!
So, head out first thing in the morning to your favorite donut shop. Pick out your favorites and start the day off right.
Go fishing.
Fishing isn’t for everyone. But if your husband and daughter love the outdoors, it might be a good fit.
And whether you live close to wide open spaces or right in the middle of the city, a good fishing pond can usually be found.
So, find that water hole, purchase some basic supplies, and be prepared to make the forever kind of memories.
Visit a local pet/outdoor store.
Another favorite daddy-daughter date idea in our house is a visit to The Bass Pro Shop. It’s a bit of a drive, but worth it for both parties.
My husband enjoys browsing and our girls love everything the huge store has to offer.
They spend time looking at the fish and checking out any new displays. And they always manage to come home with a little treat or trinket.
Take a walk/bike ride.
It might seem too simple to make the list. But one of the great things about young children is they can make even a walk around the block an adventure.
So, take a page out of their playbook. Jazz it up a little bit by finding a new place to walk or ride. Pick up your favorite drink on the way.
You might be surprised at the heartfelt conversations that spring up during a simple stroll.
Go to lunch.
Suggest that your husband take your daughter out to lunch. If this becomes a regular tradition, they can take turns choosing the place.
And if it’s possible, try it on a day when daddy is at work. You can drop her off for a lunch date. And pick her up when the lunch hour is over.
It’s guaranteed to make her feel special.
Take them shopping.
Most men will probably find this the least appealing of the daddy-daughter date ideas. But that’s part of what makes it so great!
Your daughter will know that her dad prioritizes time with her. So much that he’s willing to do something that he doesn’t enjoy.
Just to make her smile.
Read more about the importance of quality father-daughter time in “The Value of Daddy-Daughter Dates.”
Take a class.
On the other hand, it’s also important that BOTH parties enjoy their time together. So, choose activities that are fun for your husband too.
There are many venues that offer interesting classes. Hardware stores, craft shops, and the local library are good places to start looking.
They can pick out the activity together and enjoy learning something new.
Go to the library.
Speaking of libraries…they’re such an incredible resource. And many branches offer excellent free programs and activities.
Do your research, see what piques their interest, and make plans to visit.
Play a game/sport together.
Not all girls love sports. But many do. If your little one falls into that category, this is a win-win daddy-daughter date idea.
They’ll have fun together, burn off some energy, and do something healthy all at the same time!
Go on a nature hike.
Getting out in nature is refreshing. And pulling away from the normal hustle and bustle is a good way to bond.
Find a lake trail, a conservation center, or a big park. Then enjoy exploring the outdoors and the beauty of God’s creation.
Visit a new place.
This could be as simple as a new shop down the street or a trek halfway across town. But look for places you’ve never visited.
They can even start a list of places they’d like to return. And maybe the whole family can plan a follow-up trip!
Complete a special project.
My husband is an amazing handy-man. And our girls are always begging to help with his latest project.
Think about something special your husband and little girl could complete together. It can be simple or elaborate-whatever works for your family.
The perk to this idea is that it can be revisited until the project is finished. And when it’s complete, you have a reminder of all that special time together.
Find out why the father-daughter relationship is so important in “The Influence of a Father.”
Take in a matinee movie.
An evening at the movies is expensive! For that reason, our family doesn’t frequent the movie theater very often.
Needless to say, when we surprised our daughters with an afternoon at the movies not too long ago, they were thrilled.
Whether you’re a movie regular or just go every once in awhile, this daddy-daughter date idea is sure to be a hit.
Visit a kid’s museum/exhibit.
Is dad a history buff? Or enjoys a hobby that’s on display somewhere nearby? Then this might be a perfect choice from the list of daddy-daughter date ideas.
My husband loves cars. So, our family has enjoyed visiting different car shows together.
On the other hand, my own dad loves trains. So, I’ve taken my daughters to browse a traveling model train exhibit with him.
But both of these would also be excellent opportunities for a special date.
Go miniature golfing.
Mini golfing is fun and fairly inexpensive. While it might not be ideal for the youngest kiddos, it’s a great option once they’re old enough to handle a club.
And it always manages to bring big smiles and quite a few laughs.
Find a local farmer’s market.
Local farmer’s markets are hidden gems. And if you find a really great one, you’ve hit the jackpot.
So, check them out together. Meet new people and try a few new things. Chances are, the whole family will come back to visit again.
Surprise her.
Most young children love surprises. Pair a surprise with special daddy time and it’ll be a date for the record books.
Think about what’s close to her heart. Or make something happen that she would never expect.
Kids aren’t complicated. They can get excited over pretty much anything.
Take advantage of these young years when wonder comes easy and delight is abundant. Deliver a surprise that she won’t forget.
A precious opportunity…
Childhood flies by quickly. Much too soon that little girl will be well on her way to growing up. Going on dates with someone outside the walls of your own home.
And eventually choosing that one guy who will be her happily ever after.
As her parents, you can’t make that choice for her. But you do play a huge role in helping her make a wise decision.
And daddy-daughter dates are an important piece of that process. You’re instilling worth, value, and strength of character that will follow her the rest of her life.
Teaching her what it looks like to be treated with respect. Showing her what it means to be cherished.
And the best part-you get to make a whole lot of precious memories along the way. So take advantage of these daddy-daughter date ideas and plan your own special outing.
Yes, someday her prince will come. But for now…he goes by the name of daddy.
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