Listen up, dads. If you have the privilege of raising daughters (or a daughter), then you are one lucky guy. From tea parties and dress up to playing nail salon and doing makeovers, dads are always game for fun, even if he looks silly in that feather boa and forgets to put his pinky up when he sips his tea. It’s those special–and sometimes funny–moments that never fail to put a smile across your little girl’s face.
Spending time with your daughter is crucial. Even more so, taking her on daddy-daughter dates not only strengthens your relationship, but it also sets the standard for any future men in her life. Sorry, dad! It’s bound to happen.
By taking your little girl on a date, you can show her how she should be treated. You can open the door for her, give her your full attention when she speaks, and show her exactly what respect looks like. However, finding ways to keep the two of you interested in these date nights can be tricky. Honestly, there’s only so many times you can go out for dinner. But fear not, we are here to share some awesome daddy-daughter date ideas to keep the two of you bonding and entertained.
Putt Putt & Pizza. It’s possible that you haven’t gone pro with your golfing skills yet, but it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a round of mini golf with your little girl. Visit a local spot, and don’t bother keeping score. It’s all about having fun! Celebration Station and All Star Lanes in Baton Rouge are two great locations for your mini-golf needs. After the final golf ball goes in, go out for pizza to celebrate your success.
Picnic at the Park. Time at the park is fun and relaxing all in one. Go down the slide, tackle the monkey bars, or fly high on the swings. Before you leave home, pack a lunch complete with sandwiches, juice boxes, fruit, and dessert so the two of you can wind down under a tree or at a picnic table after all the fun.
DIY Ice Cream. Test your cooking and scientific skills all in one with this idea. Everyone loves ice cream, and this idea lets you create your own. You probably remember this ice cream in a bag trick from when you were in school, so why not try it out with your daughter? All you will need are two Ziploc bags, two cups of whole milk, half a cup granulated sugar, one tablespoon of vanilla extract, ice, and eight tablespoons of rock salt. Make your ice cream by adding the milk, sugar, and vanilla to one bag. Be sure to stir before sealing the bag! Then, put that bag into another bag and seal. In a container, add your ice, salt, and the bags. Close the container and get ready to shake it! After five minutes, you should have a mixture that resembles ice cream for the both of you to enjoy.
Curtain Call. Whether it’s Theatre Baton Rouge, Playmakers of Baton Rouge, or a performance at Manship Theatre, there’s no shortage of stage presentations to check out. Pick a show the both of you would like to see and go out and see it! This is a great learning opportunity as you can teach your daughter the rules of the theatre while also showing her the importance of the arts.
Dinner and a Movie. While this idea is surely a crowd pleaser, it has been transformed into an actual dinner and a movie since when you started dating. Movie Tavern allows you to pick a movie the both of you can’t wait to see, pick a time, and choose exactly where you want to sit. Make sure you go hungry, though. While you watch the film, you can have food delivered right to your seat without leaving your very comfortable, reclining chair.
Dancing with Dad. If your daughter would prefer to wear a princess dress instead of her normal day-to-day clothes, she would be incredibly excited to attend a “real” royal ball. Petite Princess Company hosts a Royal Princess Ball each year that allows you to get all dressed up for an evening of dancing and quality time with princesses. Baton Rouge General also hosts an annual Father-Daughter Dance around Valentine’s Day, complete with the must-see dance off and professional photos to commemorate the evening.
For the Birds. Work together to construct a sturdy birdhouse for your feathered friends. Take the time to teach her about tool safety and the proper way to use each item. After the bird house is built, paint it to make sure it is move-in ready for them. Your daughter will enjoy building something from scratch, and even more so, seeing the birds fly to and from their new home.
Athletic Adventure. We have many opportunities in Baton Rouge to get out and show off our athleticism. Test your wits together by tackling the rock wall at BREC’s Perkins Road Community Park, for starters. If heights aren’t your thing, check out Topgolf to practice your swing. If you want to take it easy, play a round of one-on-one basketball or tennis on a nearby court, or go for a bike ride together. It will allow the both of you to get outdoors, show off your skills, and have a good time together. If you do make it a competition (or a race!), allow the winner to choose where you have lunch.
Cheer on the Team. Going to a sporting event is exciting, especially when the team you are rooting for wins in the end. Get a pair of tickets and take your daughter to a local game. Whether you choose basketball, football, baseball, or gymnastics, the two of you will have the opportunity to soak in the atmosphere, bond, and pig out at the concession stand. If the team you’re there to see doesn’t win, it’s another teachable moment. While not everyone can win every time, the experience and the fun you two had together is what makes the experience so great. ■
