35 Mother Daughter Date Ideas All Moms Should Do!

This post is all about mother daughter date ideas for young kids.

mother daughter date ideas
By: Heather

35 super Special Mother Daughter Date Ideas for young kids

Mommy daughter days are so important at all ages! This post is focused on mommy daughter date ideas for young kids. Perfect for ages 3-10 (With some personal adjustments, some activities may even be great for older kids and teenagers as well!)

Any time my husband is going to be away for a day, a night, or even a whole weekend, I jump on the opportunity and immediately start brainstorming mommy daughter day ideas! It always makes my daughter feel SO special, and she talks about it for MONTHS after. It warms my heart so much, and I actually have fun too!

It’s so easy to get lost in the hustle of life…having these mother date dates is an amazing way to truly ENJOY motherhood, and ENJOY your children. Keep in mind that many of these mommy daughter activities would be great for sons as well.

OK…time to put down the phones and have some true QUALITY time with your daughter!

Don’t forget about dad! Check out this post on Daddy Daughter Date Ideas For Toddlers (And Young Kids).

As a means for providing for my family I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the links on this page.

MOTHER DAUGHTER DATE IDEAS AT HOME

1. PHOTOSHOOT

This is a super fun mommy activity where you’ll have photo memories to last a lifetime! I’m not talking about hiring a professional photographer here…I’m talking just some fun outfits and your camera! (Cellphone camera works perfectly fine!)

You could get some matching outfits to really step it up. I love these beautiful mother daughter dresses!

IFFEI Mommy and Me Matching Dress Spaghetti Strap Summer Casual Sundress Beach Sleeveless Dress with Headband
  • Materials: Mother daughter matching dresses are made of high-quality fabric, comfortable and durable, softshell, very pretty matching dresses for…
  • Matching dresses for mother and daughter. Floral printed in colorful background dress, vest dress slips pleated front featuring a round neck and…

2. DO EACH OTHERS NAILS

This is in the top 5 favorite mother daughter activities in my house! My daughter LOVES when I do her nails. We stepped it up a notch and got a fun nail salon set where we can do designs, or fake press on nails. My daughter LOVES it.

Amagoing Nail Art Kit for Girls, Kids Nail Polish Play Set with Nail Dryer, 2 in 1 Nail Pens,Sticky Cartoon Fake Nail, DIY Sticker, Nail Studio Decoration Birthday Christmas Gift for Kids Age 6-12
  • Perfect Nail Salon Kit For Girls: Every girl hope to become beautiful, including just their simple nail. Our rich nail kit for girl, have colorful nail polish, sticker, let little…
  • 2-in-1 Nail Pen & Compact Nail Dryer Toy: Our nail polish pens have 2 functions, brush paint, nib draw, which provide your full demands on nail art designing. The pens can be…
  • Princess Series Fake Nail Tip Kit: Unicorn & Mermaid theme is one of the most forever kids’ favorite princess element. Our press on fingernails are designed for children, bright…

3. HAVE A CRAFT DAY/NIGHT

Bust out the craft supplies and get creative!

4. MAKE ART

Similar to a craft day, you could also grab some crayons, markers, paint, etc. and make beautiful artwork together! Such a simple mother daughter activity that your child will love.

5. LOOK AT OLD PICTURES TOGETHER

Take a trip down memory lane and pull out your kiddo’s baby pictures. It’ll be so sweet to show your daughter how loved she always was. (And how cute she’s always been!) You could even take it a step further and go through old photo albums from before your daughter was born. Tell her stories about what was happening in those photos, and perhaps teach her about some relatives that she hasn’t met. Both of my parents passed away before my daughter was born, so this is a VERY important mommy daughter activity for us.

6. MAKE UP A FAIRYTALE STORY TOGETHER

This is such a fun and creative activity to do with your little one. (Bonus: It’s also GREAT for developing skills such as conversation, socialization and creativity!) eeBoo makes these really fun “Create A Story Cards“!

Sale
eeBoo: Fairytale Mix Ups, Create A Story Pre-Literacy Cards, 36 Flash Cards, Encourages Interactive and Imaginative Play, for Ages 3 and up
  • FAIRYTALE MIX-UPS CREATE A STORY set of cards starts with a charming fairy tale characters, locations, and iconic objects can be arranged and rearranged to create logical and/or…
  • PROVIDES GREAT INTERACTION, CREATIVE AND IMAGINATIVE PLAY! This playful collection involves recurring characters, locations, and props allowing the cards to be linked in endless…
  • Cards are perfectly sized at 3.75 x 4.75 inches. 36 cards in the set. Instructions included.
  • Winner of Gold Best Toy Oppenheim Award. Beautifully illustrated by artist Lizzy Rockwell.
  • WOMAN-OWNED business dedicated to sustainability, safety, and the creation of original and extraordinary gifts and toys. SUSTAINABLY SOURCED: 90% recycled materials, printed with…

7. MAKE A FORT

This one gives me flash backs to my childhood! Before tablets and smart phones. Break out those blankets, sheets, couch cushions and whatever else to make the best fort ever!

8. MOVIE DAY/NIGHT

Who doesn’t love a movie night? I have this set of Popcorn Flavoring, and every time we have a movie night, we divide the popcorn into our own bowls and pick out the flavoring that we want that night. It makes things more fun and special! (I personally love the White Cheddar and Cheesy Jalapeño. My little one is a fan of the Kettle Corn, Caramel Corn, and Ranch!)

Sale
Kernel Season’s Full-Size Jars Seasoning Variety Pack, 2.4-3.0 Ounce Shakers …
  • Nearly 3X the size of the mini jars!
  • Includes 1 bottle of: Nacho Cheddar, Ranch, Caramel Corn, White Cheddar, Bacon Cheddar, Kettle Corn, Cheesy Jalapeno and Butter.

9. COOK TOGETHER

This is another one of my child’s favorite mother daughter activities! She LOVES cooking with me. I got this Disney Princess Cookbook which she thinks is the coolest thing ever. She loves picking out a recipe to cook together on our special mommy daughter days. We pick a recipe, go to the grocery store to get all of our ingredients, and then get to cooking!

Don’t forget the Kid Safe Kitchen Knives and Matching Aprons!

Sale
The Disney Princess Cookbook
  • Hardcover Book
  • Disney Books (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 144 Pages – 10/01/2013 (Publication Date) – Disney Press (Publisher)

10. DIY SPA

I’m a big fan of at-home spa days! Self care is so important, and I want to make sure my daughter recognizes that from a young age. Sometimes we can’t afford to go to an actual spa, but you can totally have an in-home spa day/night with your daughter that is just as good, if not better! They make cool Foot Spas for kiddos. My daughter and I both set up our Foot Spas, put on a face mask, and relax while we watch a movie together and have girl talk. It’s always such a special time! When it’s a mother daughter date, we always use these sheet masks that have the funny animal faces on them.

Girlz Squad Foot Spa Sets for Girls Ages 7-12 with Nail Kit for Kids – DIY Manicure and Pedicure Set with Foot Care Kit Perfect for Sleepovers and Slumber Party. Helps Develop Self-Care and Creativity
  • REAL SPA EXPERIENCE : Pamper your kids at home by giving them the ultimate spa treatment with our foot spa kit. This little girl spa set includes slippers, nail polish, press on…
  • PROMOTES CREATIVITY : Have them invite friends over for a girls spa day and watch them have loads of fun stimulating their creativity with this spa toys for girls. This pedicure…
  • KIDS SAFE MATERIALS AND INGREDIENTS : Having kids ourselves, we underrstand how important their safety is. That’s why we designed and created this home salon foot spa kit to only…
  • MAKE IT YOUR NEXT PRESENT : This makes a perfect spa gift set for your kids, goddaughters, cousins, or nieces, their friends, Encourage time away from the TV or phone sceen, and…
  • REAL SPA EXPERIENCE: Just a regular foot bath spa, this Girlz Squad spa kit for girls features everything you need to set up an awesome little princess mani-pedi spa party for your…

11. Science Project

Do a fun science experiment together! I’m sure there’s tons of ideas on Pinterest. Or check out this Science Experiment Kit from our good friend Blippi!

Blippi My First Science: Science Kit with Color Experiments
  • ALL-INCLUSIVE KIDS SCIENCE KIT: Blippi is here to help you teach your kids about primary and secondary colors in a fun and exciting way with this…
  • DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF COLORS with Blippi’s science kit for kids! Create the 3 primary colors, mix them together to make secondary colors, and then go…
  • EVERYTHING YOUR KID NEEDS IS HERE: Blippi’s science lab for kids includes incredible fizzy tablets, 3 x test tubes for experiments, a safe test tube…
  • SURPRISE YOUR KIDS WITH A FUN GIFT: Spoil every budding scientist with Blippi’s rainbow scientist kit for kids and offer them an educational birthday…

12. Tea Party

Pull out the tea set and have a good ol’ fashion tea party with your sweet girl. She’ll love having an actual guest at her tea party, rather then just dolls!

Jewelkeeper Toddler Toys Tea Set for Little Girls – 13 pcs. Porcelain Tea Set for Kids Tea Time Includes Teapot, 4 Tea Cup and Saucers, Creamer and Sugar Bowl. Pink Pastel Polka Dot Tea Party Set
  • Tea Party Sets – This 13-piece porcelain tea set from Jewelkeeper encourages kids to use their imagination and develop their creativity and social…
  • Perfect Toddler Girl Toys – Includes 4 saucers and 4 tea cups, teapot with lid, creamer, sugar bowl, and a convenient carrying case, hand-glazed in…
  • Durable Carrying & Store Case – Pretend tea set for girls comes with a 10 inches carrying case that helps in storing and organizing all the pieces. It…
  • Safe & Easy to Clean – Made of 100% food-grade, BPA-free, and lead-free material, makes it safe for 3 year old girl toys and above. It can be easily…

13. Ice Cream Sundae Bar

Your child’s sweet tooth will thank you for this one! Set up with a couple flavors of ice cream, and an array of toppings.

14. Picnic In The Yard

I love this mother daughter activity. It’s so simple, yet so special. Just take your lunch or dinner outside and each together on a blanket.

15. Make Overs

My daughter got this make up set for a birthday and she’s been obsessed with doing make overs ever since. So when choosing between all of the mother daughter date ideas…this one often makes the cut.

PERRYHOME Kids Makeup Kit for Girl 35 Pcs Washable Real Cosmetic, Safe & Non-Toxic Little Girl Makeup Set, Frozen Makeup Set for 3-12 Year Old Kids Toddler Girl Toys Christmas & Birthday Gift (Purple)
  • 【35 in 1 Girls Makup Kit for Kids】PERRYHOME real cosmetic toy includes 8 Eye Shadows, 2 Eye Shadow Brushes, 2 Lip Sticks, 4 Lip Glosses, 4…
  • 【Frozen Theme Girl Toys】Every little princess has a pink girly heart, they always dream of fairy tales, and we should protect the child’s…
  • 【Washable & Non-Toxic】The toy makeup set is made of material that meets US toy safety standards(CPSIA, CPC, ASTM certificates). We promise to be…

16. Plant Flowers

Spruce up your yard with some beautiful new flowers. (We got my daughter a little gardening set that she loves. It makes her feel like a grown up. Whenever her dad and I are doing yardwork she’s always out there with her gardening tools working along side us. It’s too cute.)

Roca home Pink Kids Gardening Tools. Summer Outdoor Toys for Girls. Unicorn Gifts for Girls. Kids Gardening Gloves and Unicorn Watering Can– Garden Tools for Kids – Outdoor Toys for Girls
  • SUMMER OUTDOOR UNICORN TOY! : ROCA Toys kids gardening tool set includes everything they need to play outside in the garden! The toddler gardening set…
  • UNICORN KIDS GIFT! ROCA Toys kids gardening set is a great gift for birthdays and holidays for boys & girls, designed in the USA, original garden…
  • STEM KIDS OUTDOOR GARDENING KIT! ROCA Toys gardening tools set for kids that includes three planters, a cute unicorn watering can, a sturdy garden…

17. Make Slime

We can’t escape this one moms…kids love making a playing with slime. You can follow any of the DIY recipes on Pinterest, or Target also sells some little kits that are super affordable and easy to make.

18. Sidewalk Chart Art

Get some fresh air do some sidewalk chalk art! My daughter and I have been doing a lot of Hop Scotch too.

19. Teach Her Something New

Mommy daughter days are a great time to teach your daughter something new. The possibilities are endless, but some ideas we’ve had are: a family recipe, simple sewing, how to do a particular makeup application, or how to draw a particular thing.

20. Conversation Cards

Sometimes it’s hard to have a really good conversation with your kids. You’re busy and they’re going a million miles a minute. Mommy daughter day is a perfect time to really connect with your child. Try these cool Connection Cards For Kids to help you get the most of it!

CreateFun Connection Cards for Kids – 101 Family Conversation Starters for a Deeper Connection – Engaging and Fun Conversation Cards for Ages 3 and Up to Help Improve Self-Confidence and Family Bond
  • CAREFULLY CURATED QUESTIONS – CreateFun kid conversation starters contain 101 carefully curated questions. The questions are designed to allow…
  • ENCOURAGE FAMILY BONDING – These conversation cards are perfect for family activities at home. These family conversation cards are also great for long…
  • HIGH-QUALITY CONVERSATION STARTERS – The Connection Cards for Kids contains 100 cards made of a thick card stock for durability. These conversation…
  • BOOST BRAIN DEVELOPMENT – Conversing with children frequently helps boost language and brain development. Choose our fun conversation cards to help…

More Affordable mommy daughter day Ideas

22. Go Out To Lunch/Dinner

This can be anywhere from McDonalds to their favorite restaurant. Whatever your tastebuds and budget are calling for that day! You don’t need to spend a lot of money to make sure daughter feel special and loved.

23. Go To A Ice Cream Shop

Satisfy that sweet tooth!

24. Bouncy House Place

Either a trampoline place or one of those places with the big giant inflatable slides would be an awesome thing to do with your daughter on mommy daughter day!

25. Trip To The Zoo or Aquarium

Fun and educational! Spend the day learning about all kinds of different animals.

mother daughter date ideas post - toddler calendar

26. Go To The Store To Pick Out A Toy

Whether its the dollar store, 5 Below, Target or Walmart, your kiddo will love this mommy daughter activity! You could even have them use their allowance money to teach them about spending. (Check out this post with a Free Toddler Chore Chart)

27. Go To The Park

This mother daughter activity won’t cost you a dime! (Maybe just a little gas money)

28. Go To The Movies

Check out the movies playing at your local theater.

29. Go On A Walk

Go for a nice bonding walk around your neighborhood or local park. Sometimes your kids surprise you with their conversation skills when there are no distracting screens around.

mother daughter date ideas

30. Nail Salon

Talk about a girls day! Book a mommy daughter session at a nail salon in your area.

31. Pool Day

Fun in the sun!

32. Arcade/Dave and Busters

Go have some fun at the local arcade or game place. We have a place called Dave and Busters not too far from us. It has a restaurant, and a BUNCH of fun games where you can win tickets to get some pretty awesome prizes!

mother daughter date ideas

33. Bowling

This is a family favorite activity in our house. The alleys have ball ramps and bumpers that can help your little one keep up.

34. Window Shop In A Small Town

Find a local small town that has cute shops and go window shopping. Talk about all the things you like and don’t like. Maybe make plans to come back after saving up some chore money!

35. Disney On Ice

Check out the Disney On Ice schedule and see when it’ll be near you!

toddler chore chart
Engage your toddler in responsibility and help them develop a sense of accomplishment with this interactive Printable Toddler Chore Chart! Let them move their chores from “To Do” to “Done!” so they can share in the fun and success of their daily accomplishments. It’s a great way to introduce structure and independence in your little one!
mother daughter date ideas post - toddler calendar