“A couple of hours? No, I’m not going to, and that’s okay.”
To all the moms and dads out there who sacrifice daily and love unconditionally — today’s about you.
National Parents Day, which is celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday of July, is a time to honor and recognize the dedication, love and hard work that parents put into raising their children.
After all, parents are the unsung heroes of this world and their love is the key to a brighter future.
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So, mark your calendars — because National Parents Day lands on Sunday, July 27.
Though not an official holiday, National Parents Day was established in 1994 after Congress passed “The Parents Day Resolution” with bipartisan support, according to ParentsDay.com.
@kesemnationwide On #NationalParentsDay ♬ [Piano] Scenery slideshow for moving images - D'elf
It was later signed by then-President Bill Clinton and was first observed on July 28, 1995 — making 2025 the 30th anniversary of this special day.
So, whether you're juggling bedtime stories and packed lunches, teaching life lessons through scraped knees and homework tears, or simply showing up daily with endless patience and love — thank you.
Your efforts don't go unnoticed, and today is all about celebrating you.
Simple ways kids can show appreciation for parents
Sometimes the littlest gestures make the biggest difference — and National Parents Day is no different!
Simple things like an unexpected hug, unwarranted thank you or simply taking initiative around the house (cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc.) can speak volumes about how much you care.
The truth is, most parents cherish these genuine moments of connection more than anything else.
Here are a few free and semi-effortless ways kids can show their appreciation on this day:
- Give your parents the biggest, most unexpected hug
- Express your gratitude throughout the day
- Tell your parents you love them and you’re thankful for them
- Cook your parents their favorite breakfast or brunch
- Offer to run errands together and be their helpful sidekick
- Help organize something they've been meaning to tackle
- Give your parents a chore-free day
- Let your parents sleep in as long as they’d like
These small acts of kindness are often reciprocated and can easily become a part of your daily routine — helping your family create a lasting bond that isn’t exclusive to just one day out of the year.
And remember, it's not about being perfect or doing everything on this list.
Pick one or two things that feel genuine to you — or a few things you know your parents would appreciate — and let them know just how grateful you are for all they do.
Easy DIY gifts kids can make at home
There's something incredibly special about giving a gift that was made with your own hands and heart.
Let’s be honest: homemade presents carry a personal touch that store-bought items simply can't match — and parents absolutely treasure these one-of-a-kind keepsakes.
For example, here are a few DIY gifts kids can make for their parents on National Parents Day:
- Make a handwritten letter or draw a homemade picture
- Give your parents a DIY coupon book
- Make a personalized bookmark with their favorite inspirational quote
- Create a photo (or video) collage of favorite family memories
- Fill a mason jar with reasons why you love your parents
- Create a "reasons I love you" flip book with drawings and words
- Make a "Dad/Mom survival kit" filled with their favorite treats and necessities
- Decorate a flower pot and give your parents their favorite plant
Most of these projects can be completed with supplies you already have around the house and are easy enough for kids of all ages to take part in — though younger kids may need some minor assistance.
Either way, the kids will get a fun activity out of it and the parents will get a custom gift made with love.
Just take one look at your refrigerator or your parent's office and you’ll likely find dozens of these simple, yet meaningful gifts that your parents have kept safe for years, sometimes decades.
Fun family activities to celebrate together
Nothing beats quality time spent with those you love most — especially on National Parents Day.
Not that you need one, but this special day is the perfect excuse to create new memories with your loved ones and share experiences that your family will reminisce about someday when everyone’s grown up.
The goal isn't to plan the most elaborate or expensive outing — it's simply to enjoy each other's company.
Here are a few ideas to make this day extra special:
- Enjoy an outdoor family picnic at the park (or in the backyard)
- Throw a family movie night with one of your parents’ favorites
- Plan a backyard camping adventure with a campfire
- Create a family time capsule to open in five or ten years
- Have a cooking competition where everyone makes their signature dish
- Throw a game night with your parents’ favorite board games
- Host a dance party in the living room with everyone's favorite songs
- Set up an indoor obstacle course or family fitness challenge
- Plan a “tourist day” and visit local attractions you normally wouldn’t go to
- Visit the local farmer’s market or find a similar local event to go to
Sometimes the most meaningful memories happen in those quiet, unstructured moments when you're simply enjoying each other’s presence without any distractions.
Maybe your mom loves being outdoors, or perhaps your dad is happiest when the whole family is gathered around the dinner table sharing stories and laughs.
Either way, these precious moments are the best way to show your parents you appreciate them.
Other ways families can celebrate National Parents Day
The thing we love about National Parents Day is that it doesn’t have to follow a strict playbook.
Every family will have their own experience on this special day and will form their own memories that withstand the test of time — so don’t add any unnecessary pressure to the itinerary.
In other words, there's no right or wrong way to celebrate, so long as you celebrate.
Here are a few more bonus ways you can celebrate National Parents Day with your family:
- Volunteer at a local shelter or event with the family
- Come up with the best family hand shake you can think of
- Take a video of you interviewing your parents and edit it for them
- Recreate an old photo together after years have passed
- Create a family newsletter highlighting everyone's recent achievements
- Make a family vision board for goals and dreams you want to achieve together
- Write and perform a silly family song or poem about your parents
No matter how you choose to honor your parents, we hope everyone has a fun and exciting National Parents Day — and we hope that love and gratitude reciprocates itself time and again.
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And if the parents want to have their own private dinner date away from the kids — then by all means let them have it!
