Been trying to think up an exciting Father’s Day activity for your class? It’s hard to be creative, I know. But it’s also every teacher’s goal to help their students create gifts their dads will actually want to keep or use. 😎

so here’s a list of my favourite innovative Father’s Day activities that will not only make dads feel special but also are low-cost and don’t take weeks of prep to make and create.

Bunnings

Here’s my top classroom activity idea for Father’s Day (and it’s always a winner). Book a FREE classroom workshop with the team at Bunnings. Yep, Bunnings will literally come to your class and help your students create super cute and practical gifts every dad will love. 🔨

Give your local Bunnings a call and see if they’ve got availability to come to your class and run a workshop (if not for this year write it in your diary for next year and book early, or even better, book now for Christmas this year!)

Here are some Toolboxes I’ve made with students in the past:

Bliss/Protein Balls

Oat and Raisin Protein Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup raisins/sultanas
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup powdered milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• A pinch of salt (optional)
• Desiccated coconut or cocoa powder for coating (optional)

Method:

1. Blend Raisins: Blend the raisins or sultanas in a food processor until they form a sticky paste-like consistency.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the blended raisins, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt (if using). Mix well to create a sticky sweet mixture.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, powdered milk, and cinnamon (if using) to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined, and the mixture becomes dough-like.
4. Shape into Balls: Roll small portions of the mixture between your palms to create bite-sized balls. If the mixture is too sticky, you can wet your hands slightly with water to make rolling easier.
5. Coat the Balls (Optional): Roll the protein balls in desiccated coconut or cocoa powder to add extra flavour and texture.
6. Chill and Set: Place the formed protein balls on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper. Allow them to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set.
7. Storage: Once the protein balls are set, transfer them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for freshness.

DIY Popcorn Kit

Materials Needed:

• Small containers or bags for the seasoning (I like these from Woolies) 
• Ingredients for chosen seasonings
• Popping kernels
• Coloured Card
• Ribbon or string
• Brown Paper Bags
• Pretzels (Optional)
• Gift bags (I like these from Kmart)

Seasonings:

Sweet:

1 Tbsp Sugar
1Tsp cinnamon

Sweet & Salty:

1 Tbsp Sugar
1 Tsp cinnamon
1 Tbsp salt

Gingerbread spice:
1 Tbsp sugar 
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp paprika
¼ tsp ground allspice

Spicy:
½ tsp chilli powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp cumin
¼ tsp cayenne powder

Herby:
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Make Seasonings: Give students the recipe for a variety of seasonings so they can pick one or the recipe for one specific seasoning to choose from, or let students mix and match to create their own unique blends. The seasonings go in small containers.
2. Decorate the brown paper bag with popcorn cooking instructions and illustrations. Place 1/4 cup (or more) of popping kernels into the bags and seal. If you are adding pretzels, add these to a separate paper bag.
3. Students can design their own gift tags or cards for their gift. They can write something ‘punny’ like ‘Just poppin’ by to say I love you/you’re an awesome Dad.’
4. Place the seasoning, message, and kernels in the gift bag. Seal it with curling ribbon, and voila!

Interview students about their dads

This is always a fun activity to do with your students, and parents love to see what their kids say about them! Here are some different questions you can add to your list to ask students about their dads:

• If Dad were a superhero, what would his superpower be?
• What’s the silliest thing Dad has ever done?
• What’s your favourite thing to do with Dad?
• If Dad were an animal, what animal would he be and why?
• What’s something Dad always says that makes you laugh?
• What’s Dad’s secret talent that not many people know about?

Make a Card

This simple and funny card is sure to put a smile on any Dad’s face. On the front, write the start of a Dad joke, then on the inside, write the answer. You can have your students illustrate the card, type and print their dad jokes and their message (hello, ICT skills) and then glue them to coloured card. Fast, simple and effective! Here are some ‘funny’ dad jokes:

• Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field
• Why don’t scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything!
• Did you hear about the dad who won the hide-and-seek championship? He’s still hiding!
• Why did the bicycle fall over? Because it was two-tired!
• Parallel lines have so much in common. It’s a shame they’ll never meet.
• Why can’t you give Elsa from Frozen a balloon? Because she will let it go!
• What kind of key opens a banana? A monkey!
• How did the hipster burn his mouth? He ate his food before it was cool!
• How do you find Will Smith in the snow? You look for the fresh prints!
• What do you call a dog that can do magic tricks? A labracadabror
• Why are pirates called pirates? Cos they arrrrrrrrr

Have some of your own Father’s Day activity hacks? Or maybe an activity that’s always proven a real winner for your class? Let us know in the comments!