Celebrate Dad’s love for the game with this basketball Father’s Day craft! Kids in 1st–3rd grade can create a paper design Dad will proudly display of a basketball holding a foam finger that says #1 Dad. For your younger kiddos, we have a black and white version they can color in, so they can get in on the fun, too.

It takes about 25–30 minutes, so it’s a great fit for classrooms or an afternoon at home. Kids will strengthen their fine motor skills and creativity while working on their DIY Father’s Day gift inspired by his favorite sport.

Looking for more ways to celebrate Dad? Browse our collection of creative ideas to find even more Father’s Day crafts for kids to make lasting memories.

Sports Themed Activity for Dad

Kids will have a ball creating this paper project. This basketball craft for kids features a bright orange basketball character holding a foam finger that says “#1 Dad” with bendy arms and legs they can pose.

This easy activity encourages kids to think creatively while making something special. Older children can assemble the full basketball paper craft, while younger ones can enjoy coloring the black and white version. Hands-on projects like this support fine motor development, cutting skills, and creative expression.

Grab our printable template and a few simple supplies to get started. Kids will love putting together this DIY basketball gift for Dad and create a keepsake that shares a “Happy Father’s Day” message in a sporty style.

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Supplies

Colored cardstock or construction paper
Scissors
Glue
Pipe Cleaner
Tape
Markers
Basketball Father’s Day Template (click the “click here to get your freebies” image at the end of the post)

Directions

Start by printing the template, then gather the materials for this fun activity. Get those scissors ready, and let’s help the kids bring this basketball to life!

Hands holding a printable basketball character template for a Father’s Day craft activity.

Take the two eyes and glue them near the top center of the basketball, below the eyebrows.

Hands gluing eyes onto a basketball paper craft for a Father’s Day activity.

Grab the mouth piece, color it in, and glue it below the eyes. Make sure the smile is centered so your basketball looks happy and excited.

Hands attaching the mouth piece to a basketball paper craft for Father’s Day.

Glue one pink cheek on each side of the mouth. These little cheeks make the craft extra cute and give it a cheerful Father’s Day look.

Hands gluing a pink cheek onto a basketball Father’s Day paper craft.

Glue the foam finger to the right side of the basketball. It’s the perfect way to show Dad he’s number one.

Hands placing a number one dad foam finger next to a basketball Father’s Day paper craft.

Take the black pipe cleaners and help your kids shape them into arms. You can bend one arm up so it looks like the basketball is proudly holding the foam finger.

Hands attaching pipe cleaner arms to a basketball Father’s Day paper craft with a number one dad foam finger.

Color in the shoes, then flip over and tape the pipe cleaners to the shoes.

Flip the basketball over, then tape the arms to the sides. Then tape the legs to the back of the basketball. Once everything is secure, flip it back over and your adorable basketball Father’s Day craft is ready to cheer for Dad.

Hands taping pipe cleaner legs onto the back of a basketball Father’s Day paper craft.

This fun basketball craft is a great way to combine creativity and learning in one easy activity. Kids can practice important early learning skills like assembling pieces, following step by step instructions, and developing focus while making a cute Father’s Day surprise.

If your kids enjoyed this activity, check out the related crafts and activities below the post for more sports themed ideas, printable templates, and fun hands on projects perfect for lesson plans, homeschool, or screen free fun at home.

A completed craft of a basketball Father’s Day character holding a number one dad foam finger while a hand holds the craft.

Display finished basketballs on a “Dad’s All-Star Team” bulletin board or Father’s Day hallway display.
Writing Prompt: Ask kids to finish the sentence, “My dad is an all-star because…” on a separate sheet of paper.

Father’s Day Books for Children

Made For Me – This storybook is charming celebration of the magical moments between a dad and his little one, adorned with cute illustrations and sweet verses. It’s the perfect picture book to melt hearts and treasure the joys of parenthood, making it an ideal gift for new fathers!

I Love You, Daddy – A beautifully illustrated tale that captures the heartwarming adventures between a father and his child, filled with love and encouragement. It’s the perfect bedtime story to share and cherish, making every read a special moment for dads and kids alike!

Just Me And My Dad – This is a sweet story that celebrates the special bond between fathers and their children, perfect for inspiring a love of nature and adventure in young readers!

A completed craft of a basketball Father’s Day character holding a number one dad foam finger.

Crafts Kids Can Make for Dad

Father’s Day Saw Craft – Build a smile this Father’s Day with a hands-on project kids will be excited to give Dad. This paper saw has little makers design a colorful tool and “cut” out a message that says, “You’re saw-some, Dad!” It’s a fun way to celebrate everything Dad fixes, builds, and creates.

Father’s Day Ruler Craft – Dads that measure up will love this Father’s Day gift of a ruler with a punny message. Your little builders can design their own paper ruler and say, “Dad, you rule!” This hands-on project is an easy way to give a gift that’s sure to make him smile.

collage image of Crafts Kids Can Make for Dad

Minion Father’s Day Card Craft – Bring on the mischief with this adorable Minion Father’s Day card kids will love creating. It features the silly yellow helper and the punny message, “You’re one in a minion.” We also have a color, cut, and paste version so younger kids can join in.

Hooked on Daddy Craft – Cast a line for smiles with this adorable Father’s Day fish DIY. This fin-tastic project features a cute fish and the sweet message, “Hooked on you, Daddy!” It’s a fun, hands-on way to reel in a heartfelt gift that’s sure to make Dad’s day extra special.

Easy Printable Activities to Celebrate Dad

Celebrate Dad by having kids fill out this All About Dad Father’s Day printable. They’ll answer fill-in-the-blank questions to share favorite memories, silly thoughts, and all the reasons they love him.

This activity is great for kindergarten and early elementary ages, and it’s an easy, no-prep activity they can do on their own or with a little help. Just print, then let them draw, write, and color a keepsake Dad will treasure.

collage image of Easy Printable Activities to Celebrate Dad

These fun Father’s Day I Spy printables are a fun observation game filled with items that remind kids of Dad. Your little detectives will search busy scenes to work on observation skills, memory, and focus without even realizing it.

These worksheets keep kids entertained while strengthening their attention to detail. Print and play for an easy activity that mixes learning with Father’s Day fun.

A completed craft of two basketball Father’s Day characters with foam fingers surrounded by colorful craft supplies.

Add a little learning fun to Father’s Day with these engaging Father’s Day tracing worksheets. Your little ones can strengthen pencil control and pre-handwriting skills by tracing lines, shapes, and letters tied to dad themes.

A “#1 Daddy” trophy, wiggly line paths, and letter F tracing practice will keep things interesting. Once they color in the finished trophy, it can be a sweet surprise for Dad.

Children will reveal sweet scenes of dads and their kids while connecting numbered dots in this set of Father’s Day connect the dots. This easy activity builds counting skills, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor control. Once finished, kids can color their pictures to create a masterpiece Dad will appreciate.

Did you make this activity with your kids or students? We’d love to feature them on our social media!

For a chance to have your child’s project featured, simply snap a picture of the completed project and post it to our Facebook page, email it to us directly by clicking here, or use #simpleeverydaymom on your social media!

A completed craft of a basketball Father’s Day character with a number one dad foam finger and colorful craft supplies.

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