Father's Day Activities for Kids

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Parents and children are invited to dive into our Virtual Library and enjoy ebooks, videos, music, crafts,
recommended reads, and more! Check back each week for a new set of themed activities.
Click on the title/image to go to the listed activity, or watch our pathfinder videos if you need help.
To access these activities, you'll need a Thousand Oaks library card and PIN.
Don't have a library card? Sign up for a card now! 
If you have questions, call us at 805-449-2660 (M-F 10am-5pm) or email us.

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WATCH & LISTEN

Book_Cover-Crow_Call
Crow Call

In this animated story based on Lois Lowry's book, a father returns from WWII to a daughter who doesn't know him. Liz and her father find a way to reconnect through a hunting shirt, cherry pie, tender conversation, and the crow call.
Kanopy-Banner_FranklinFranklin and Friends - It's Father's Day Franklin
Franklin wants to make the perfect Father's Day gift, so he spends the whole day creating one without paying any attention to Dad! This episode also contains Franklin and the Bumpy Buggy.
Book_Cover-Grandfather's_Journey
Grandfather's Journey

In this animated story, author Allen Say describes his family's journey to America and his grandfather's life in Japan and the United States. To watch the story, click "Watch Now" to create a new Kanopy account with your library card, or click "Log In" if you already have a Kanopy account.
Bagels Jacob Two-Two and the Big Bagel Bungle
Welcome to the world of Jacob Two-Two, the youngest of five children who has to say things twice just to be heard! In this episode, Jacob's grandpa, Zadie Saul, is coming to visit. That means it's time for one of Dad's special Sunday brunches! Zadie Saul returns in Jacob Two-Two and the Fantastic Fountain.
Beach_CartoonJoe and Jack - Holiday
Preschoolers will love the imaginative adventures of Joe and his cat Jack! When Joe and Jack overhear Mum say that Dad really needs a holiday, they transform their garden into the perfect sun, sea, and sand vacation. Back in the real world, will a watering can mishap mean their ideas are all wet?
Kanopy-Little_BearLittle Bear - Fishing With Father Bear
Little Bear can't wait to spend the day fishing on a boat with Father Bear! This episode also contains Father Bear Comes Home and Little Bear's Bath. The father-and-son fun continues with Pudding Hill and Father's Flying Flapjacks. To watch the episodes, click "Watch Now" to create a new Kanopy account with your library card or "Log In" if you already have a Kanopy account.
Kanopy-CharactersLittle Bear - Grandfather Bear
Grandfather Bear says there's no way Little Bear could make him tired, so he and Little Bear go exploring, climb up a tree, and roll down a hill. Can Grandfather keep up with Little Bear's energy? This episode also contains To Grandmother's House and Mother Bear's Robin. More great times with Grandfather await in Grandfather's Attic and The Campout!
Grandparents_BoyLittle Lunch - The Grandparents Day
Join six Australian children for laughs and learning during snack time at an elementary school. On Grandparents Day, Battie's grandfather will be the guest of honor. He's in the hospital and can't attend, but Battie is too scared to tell Mrs. Gonsha. To watch the episode, click "Watch Now" to create a new Kanopy account with your library card or "Log In" if you already have a Kanopy account.
Kanopy-Banner_Characters_CropMia and the Migoo
Pedro leaves his village and finds work drilling a tunnel, but strange forces are working against the project. When Pedro is trapped by a landslide, his daughter, Mia, decides to go looking for him. As she crosses a cursed forest to find him, Mia encounters the mysterious Migoo.
Kanopy_Kids-Logo_Black Papa is a Poet
Robert Frost wasn't always a famous poet, and at first he struggled to get his poetry published. Told from the point of view of Lesley, Frost's oldest daughter, this is the story of how a talented writer found his voice!
Slow_DownPunky - Time to Slow Down
Follow the everyday adventures of Punky, a spirited little girl who has Down syndrome. When Dad starts rushing around, Punky reminds him that slowing down can be very important! If you like this episode, don't miss Punky's Other Bed.
Textbooks
Wapos Bay - A Time to Learn

Set in Northern Saskatchewan, Wapos Bay is an award-winning stop motion series that follows Raven, Talon, T-Bear and the rest of their Cree community. In this episode, Talon wants to take a trip with his father, but the only way to do that is to finish a week of school work in a few days.
Book_Cover-What's_Under_My_Bed?


What's Under My Bed?

Grandpa's two young houseguests are too nervous to go to sleep, so he tells them a story about when he was scared of nighttime monsters.
Father_Daughters_Swan
Daddy Daughter Day (Just Imagine, Track 11)

Will Stroet has a few ideas about the best way to spend Daddy Daughter Day! Stream songs anytime and download up to 5 songs per week with Freegal.
Father_Beach

Daddy Loves Me!

After a busy day, this collection of lullabies from Kim Mitzo Thompson will help fathers get little ones to sleep.
Father_Daughter_Dance

Daddy Loves to Rock & Roll (Adventures with Family & Friends, Track 10)

Start an air-guitar jam session with this rocking song by Joanie Bartels! Stream songs anytime and download up to 5 songs per week with Freegal.
Father_Son-HandsDaddy's Always Here (Precious Child, Track 6)
Darryl Tookes and Joe Beck present a sweet melody to reassure little ones that Daddy is always close by.  If you like this song, check out Daddy's Girl (Track 2) and Precious Child (Track 5).
Freegal LogoDaddy's Lullabies
With a range of styles and more than a little humor, The Re-Bops are sure to be a bedtime favorite! Stream songs anytime and download up to 5 songs per week with Freegal.
Snore_Warning

Daddy's Snoring (The Bossy E, Track 9)

Celebrate one of Dad's weirder abilities with a silly song by Mister G!
Music_Notes-Stars A Father's Lullaby
Nick Lachey performs a soothing and heartfelt collection of lullabies, inspired by his infant son. Stream songs anytime and download up to 5 songs per week with Freegal.
Freegal LogoGrandpa Joe (Over Easy, Track 10)
Parachute Express spends a quiet country day out fishing with Pa's Pa.
Grandpa_Granddaughter-Hug

Grandpa Knows so Many Things (Early Learning Sing-Along, Track 6)

This song is for all the Grandpas who always listen and give great advice! Stream songs anytime and download up to 5 songs per week with Freegal.
Clock_Wooden
Grandpa Is a Time Machine (Wired, Track 5)

Show your history tour guide how much you appreciate him with a catchy song from Recess Monkey.
Grandfather-Laugh

Grandpa Stole My Nose (The Liam Kearney Show, Track 8)

If your Grandpa is a prankster, Liam Kearney "nose" just how you feel. Stream songs anytime and download up to 5 songs per week with Freegal.
Classic_Car-Opel
Grandpa's Old Jalopy (20 New Children's Songs, Track 6)

Car fans of all ages will love this musical ride from The Jamborees!  
Father_Daughter-Kiss
Kids Pop Songs for Father's Day

Help little ones say, "I Love You", with ten sweet songs celebrating Pop. Sing along with The Kiboomers, or play the instrumental versions and perform on your own!
Father_Son-On_Shoulders

Stay-At-Home Dad (Pop Fly, Track 7)

Justin Roberts sings the praises of Stay-At-Home Dads! Stream songs anytime and download up to 5 songs per week with Freegal.
Father_Son-Baby

When Daddy Says Goodnight (Snuggle up Cozy, Track 9)

Curl up with this cozy song from David Jack!

READ & EXPLORE

britannica-library-children-button Father's Day
Britannica Library for Children presents quick facts about Father's Day. 
Book_Cover-Knuffle_BunnyKnuffle Bunny / Math in the Neighborhood (Family and Community)
When Daddy, Trixie, and Knuffle Bunny take a trip to the laundromat, things go terribly, hilariously wrong! Can Daddy make it all better? Watch our pathfinder video for BookFlix first, then click on the book cover. 
Book_Cover-Owl_Moon

Owl Moon / Owls and Other Animals with Amazing Eyes (Animals and Nature)

Join a father and daughter as they search for the Great Horned Owl in Jane Yolen's video storybook, then learn about real owls from the Scholastic News non-fiction series! Watch our pathfinder video for BookFlix first, then click on the book cover.
Book_Cover-Dad_Runs_Away_With_The_Circus


Dad Runs Away with the Circus (Story Books: Friends and Family)
In this funny story about following your dreams, a family is very surprised when Dad's over-the-(big)top enthusiasm causes him to run off and join the circus! Watch our pathfinder video for TumbleBook Library first, then click on the book cover.
Book_Cover-If_I_Were_You If I Were You (Story Books: Friends and Family)
After hearing Dad say, “If I were you, I'd go to sleep.”, Daisy starts thinking about what would happen if she and Dad changed places. Will their silly swap last, or is it better for Dad and Daisy to be themselves? Watch our pathfinder video for TumbleBook Library first, then click on the book cover.
Book_Cover-Mitchell_Goes_Bowling
Mitchell Goes Bowling (Story Books: Friends and Family)

Four-year-old Mitchell likes to knock things down, so going bowling is right up his alley! But when Mitchell gets frustrated trying to hit all ten pins, he and his Dad must strike a deal to save the day. Watch our pathfinder video for TumbleBook Library first, then click on the book cover.
Tumblebook-logo-buttonOld Timers (Story Books: Friends and Family)
A young boy comes to terms with his grandfather's Alzheimer's in this touching story that helps young children understand the disease. Watch our pathfinder video for TumbleBook Library first, then click on the TumbleBook Library icon.

Book_Cover-A_Perfect_Season_for_Dreaming

Perfect Season For Dreaming (Playlists: Bilingual Playlists)

When ninety-two-year-old Octavio Rivera has some very interesting dreams, he doesn't think anyone will listen to him. After considering all his friends and family, he realizes that his granddaughter is the perfect person to tell. Watch our pathfinder video for TumbleBook Library first, then click on the book cover.

flipster-buttonAll in the Family
Sports Illustrated Kids (June 2015 Issue, pgs. 40-41) tells the story of how a father and son became the coach and player that pulled off one of the biggest upsets in college basketball history. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the Flipster icon.
Question_MarksClues to the Perfect Gift
Highlights' (June 2018 Issue, pgs. 40-41) "Ask Arizona" has the hints you need for a fabulous Father's Day gift! Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Football_HelmetBig Bear, Papa Bear and Smaller Bear
Learn about a football family that's been a real bear for quarterbacks over two generations (Sports Illustrated Kids, November 2017 Issue, pgs. 48-51)! Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Sunset_GrandfatherCelebrating Eid with My Grandfather
An American teen and his grandfather share the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr during a family visit to Turkey (Highlights, June 2019 Issue, pgs. 32-33). Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Tamarin-CottonTop

Cotton-Top Pop

Ranger Rick (June/July 2017 Issue, pgs. 26-29) explains why cotton-top tamarins are some of the hardest-working primate pops around! Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
flipster-buttonDad's Outer-Space Sweater
A boy finds an out-of-this-world use for his Dad's favorite (but falling apart) sweater in this funny story from Highlights (October 2018 Issue, pgs. 8-9)! Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the Flipster icon.
Daddy_Long_LegsDaddy Longlegs
This Daddy may look fragile, but Ranger Rick (August 2014 Issue, pgs. 34-36) proves he has a leg up on the competition! Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Drum_SetDrumming with Grandpa
When his musician Grandpa starts having trouble playing the drums, Roger finds a new way for them to rock and roll (Highlights, September 2018 Issue, pgs. 16-17)! Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Tamarin-Golden_Lion
Golden Lion Tamarin

It's tamarin time again as Chickadee (June 2020 Issue, pgs. 6-7) gives you the low-down on a tree-top Super Pop! Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
CassowaryHelmet Head
New Guinea's southern cassowary is one feathered father you don't want to mess with (Ranger Rick, May 2014 Issue, pgs. 14-20)! Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Spider_BWHow Six Sons Saved Anansi
In this African fable, famous trickster Anansi needs all six of his sons to save him from being a fish's dinner (Highlights, January 2018 Issue, pgs. 8-9)! Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Baseball_PurpleLike Father, Like Son
It's déjà vu all over again as Sports Illustrated Kids (July 2018 Issue, pgs. 40-43) profiles young men who are ready to storm Major League Baseball, just like their famous fathers. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Flipster LogoWhat's the Best Advice Your Dad's Ever Given You?
Girls' World (June 2020 Issue, pgs. 28-29) has advice from fathers of your favorite celebrities! Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the Flipster icon.
Libby-app
Father's Day eBooks!

Share stories with great guys in your family, find Do-It-Yourself gift ideas, and discover fun things to do on Father's Day! OverDrive ebooks are accessible from any computer and from any device using the Libby or OverDrive app.
Novelist-K-8-logoDaddy and Me Reading List
Celebrate all kinds of Dads with this collection of popular titles for ages 0-8! In the list, click on "Check the Library Catalog" to see if the Library has a copy.
Grandpa_Granddaughter-Walk
Grandfather and Me Reading List

Whether you're visiting Grandpa or having a video chat storytime, these popular titles for ages 0-8 are a perfect way to spend (Grand)Father's Day! In the list, click on "Check the Library Catalog" to see if the Library has a copy.

ACTION!

BowTieCraft - Bow-Tie Card for Dad
This bow-tie card/bookmark from Highlights (June 2019 Issue, pg. 19) shows Dad that "knot" a day goes by without you thinking he's #1. Parental supervision is recommended for all crafts. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Dad_SunglassesCraft - Cool Cards
You know your father's too cool for a normal card. Luckily, Chickadee (June 2019 Issue, pgs. 12-13) has pop-up, confetti, and earth-friendly cards to save the day! Parental supervision is recommended for all crafts. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Napkin_Holder-Bat

Craft - Father's Day Napkin Rings

With these napkin rings from Highlights (June 2017 Issue, pgs. 30-31), you'll be batting a thousand at mealtime! Parental supervision is recommended for all crafts. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Flipster LogoCraft - Gifts and Tips: Father's Day
Get inspired with gift ideas from Boys' Life (June/July 2020 Issue, pg. 7)! Parental supervision is recommended for all crafts. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the Flipster icon.
Book_Cover-Crafty_Creatures

Craft - Li’l Ted & Big Ted

Give Papa Bear a yarn good friend to decorate his room, office, or car (Crafty Creatures, pgs. 22-25)! You can each keep a Ted, or surprise him with the pair. Parental supervision is recommended for all crafts. Click on the book cover to read this Gale eBooks title.
Award_Ribbon-Blue
Craft - Make Someone Smile!

Need a last-minute gift? Girls' World (June 2019 Issue, pgs. 17-18) has pre-made award ribbons to give to your Dad, Grandpa, or Uncle. Parental supervision is recommended for all crafts. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Flipster LogoCraft - Punny Ways to Say You're Great!
Is your Dad the king of eye-rolling puns? Don't miss your chance to return the favor with pun-tastic cards from Highlights (May 2017 Issue, pg. 28)! Parental supervision is recommended for all crafts. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the Flipster icon.
Happy_Fathers_Day-HeartsCraft - Wallet for Dad
Why search for a card and a gift when Highlights (June 2018 Issue, pgs. 18-19) has a craft that's both? Parental supervision is recommended for all crafts. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Quiz-Talk_BubblesHow Should You Celebrate Father's Day?
Find the Father's Day activity that's right for you and your Dad with this quiz from Girls' World (July 2018 Issue, pg. 16). Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Father_Sons-Walk
How To Play Like A Dad

Family Fun (June/July 2018 Issue, pgs. 46-50) has twenty ideas that are sure to be pop-ular on Father's Day! Parental supervision is recommended for all activities. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Boy_Chef
Kitchen Craft -
Oh, What Fun! Gingerbread Family

Showcase your Dad's unique style in a family photo that's good enough to eat (Family Fun, Dec/Jan 2017 Issue, pgs. 36-42)! Parental supervision is recommended for all crafts. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Girl-Fruit_FaceKitchen Craft - Pizza Party
Enjoy the look on Dad's face when you present him with a pizza portrait (Chickadee, June 2020 Issue, pg. 26)! Prefer something less cheesy? Try Funny (Fruit) Face in the June 2018 Issue on page 18. Parental supervision is recommended for all crafts. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Coloring-Crayons
Coloring Pages

This week's pages are sure to please a colorful character like Dad!

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