Fatherhood is a whirlwind of an adventure, and your first Father’s Day will be one to remember (even though your little one is still way to little to do the remembering). Whether you need a bit of quality time with your little one, you need a chance to relax, or you need a second to think about this crazy roller coaster we’re on, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 fun and thoughtful ideas to make your first Father’s Day as a new dad a truly unforgettable experience—because you’re not just a dad now, you’re the dad!
Enjoy Heartmade Breakfast Special
Begin your big day on a high note with a delicious (and adorable) breakfast. Just picture awakening to the scent of your favorite pancakes, bacon sizzling, or a perfectly brewed coffee, thanks to your partner or family. If your baby’s big enough, let them “help” by swirling a spoon through the batter or sprinkling on toppings (messy hands required!). For a little extra flair, opt for heart-shaped toast or a silly food-message like “Best Dad Ever” written in berries. Take a “supervised” photo of your little sous-chef in his high chair—it’s a memory that will warm your heart long after the melted cheese has cooled off.
Grab the family and a deal with a family photoshoot
Your baby’s first Father’s Day only happens once, and nothing says let’s make this an official thing quite like a photoshoot. Hire a pro or prop up your smart phone or camera on a tripod and you will want these memories framed for always. Opt for a “Dad and Baby” look with matching clothes or enlist the whole squad in a “First Family Portrait.” Throw in props, like a small hat or a “World’s Best Dad” mug, or your baby’s favorite toy. Pro tip: Try to use natural light near a window. Those pics are going to be gold when your kid is all grown up and you’re thinking about the early days.
Make a Time Capsule for Upcoming Father’s Days
Celebrate your first Father’s Day in legacy style with a time capsule. Collect treasures from your baby’s first year, including a little handprint, a favorite pacifier, a photograph of the two of you and a letter from your bleeding-dad heart about this wild, lovely journey. Seal it up in a sturdy box or jar (such as the refrigerator jar on the following page) and choose a future date to crack it open — perhaps your child’s 10th birthday, or the Father’s Day they are celebrating their 18th year with you. It’s an easy project that has a big emotional wallop, and will give you both something awesome to look back on a little further down the road.
Relax and Restore Dad-Only Spa Day
New Dad Life is no joke — you’ve definitely earned some chill time. Turn your Father’s Day into a little staycation at the spa, right in your own home. Picture this: a nice, long, hot bath (no crying!), having your partner rub your shoulders, or just leaning back and sipping a cold drink while listening to your favorite playlist. Feeling fancy? Slap on a DIY face mask or soak your feet in warm water. This is your day to reset, because a relaxed dad can go full superhero. You deserve it, champ.
Enjoy a Gentle Family Outing
Get outside with it, and make some of this summer stuff worth remembering, in a take-it-easy kind of way for the baby’s age. If you’re looking for a smooth ride with an infant, a stroll through the park is really enjoyable — some fresh air and no drama. For older babes, a picnic with a shady blanket, both of you sporting your Dad and Me Matching Shirts, or a sneak-peek at a baby-friendly spot like an aquarium (those fish are mesmerizing!). Keep It Simple: Diapers, snacks, a smile. The goal? Let yourself be carried away to the magic of the little family you and your baby cake have together, stress-free. Bonus: If you and your little sidekick are spotting a duck or a squirrel?
Write Your Child a Heartfelt Letter
Here’s when to be a total sap and write a letter to your kiddo. Share with them what it’s like to be their dad: the day they were born, the way they giggle when you make silly faces, your wishes for their future. Throw in a joke (such as the fact you survived that diaper blowout) or some dad-advice you’ve learned. Save it for them to read when they’re old enough to understand — or create a video if writing’s not your style. It’s a gift that’ll grant them an emotional blast to the feels, one day.
Establish Your Own Father’s Day Routine
Why not establish a tradition that will make every other Father’s Day special? That they plant a weeny tree together (it can even be potted!), make a handprint craft with washable paint, or begin a journal in which you jot down a little note each year about highlights of dad life. Want something bigger? Arrange an “annual dad-and-me” outing once a year — whether it’s a walk to the same ice cream shop or a father-child backyard camp out. These rituals will evolve with your child, making Father’s Day a tradition they’ll brag about to their own children someday.
Connect with Other New Dads
There are times when fatherhood can feel like a solo mission, but you are not alone! Spend your first Father’s Day connecting with other new dads who get it — the sleepless nights, the diaper wins, the whole shebang. Hit up a local dad group, crash a parenting meetup, or simply drop a text to a buddy who’s in the trenches as well. Trade stories, crack up at old-guy jokes and blow off steam over the mess out there. Not IRL? Online communities or social media dad crews apply as well. Forming your dad-tribe just makes the ride way more fun.
Do Something You Love
And don’t let Father’s Day go by without a nod to you — the dude behind the dad. Carve out an hour (or two!) to immerse yourself in something you have always loved.” Obsessed with gaming? Fire up that console. Bookworm? Bust out the novel you’ve been dying to crack. If you have a creative hobby that lends itself to baby — like strumming a guitar or sketching a still life — let baby “join in” while they’re cooing nearby. This isn’t being selfish — it’s self-care, and it will re-energize you for all the dad-business to come! You’re the same you, just with a cool new name.
Close the Day with a Cozy Family Night time
End your first Father’s Day with a snug night of togetherness. Pile blankets and pillows in the living room, pop in a family flick (like a Pixar or anything light and short), or read a bunch of baby books in silly voices. Too young for movies? Put on some soothing lullabies and snuggle up, or take it outside for a stargazing sesh in the backyard if the weather’s fair. It’s the ideal wind-down — low-key, warm and full of that new-family magic. You’ll fall asleep feeling like the luckiest dad on the planet.
Wrapping It Up
It’s not just another Sunday; it’s your official welcome to the dad club. Whether you’re shooting selfies, making memories, or busting a move, make it you. There’s no rulebook we’re working from here — lean into what feels right for you and your little family. Hope you have an epic day and a million more, filled with love, laughter, and perhaps a few dad jokes. Happy Father’s Day, superhero—you’ve got this!
