Geek Dad Ideas
PlayDate Game
Teach kids how to make their own game on the Playdate handheld console using Lua. Start with simple animations and crank interactions, then build up to creating levels, sound effects, and gameplay logic. It’s a fun, hands-on way to learn programming, game design, and storytelling—using a real, physical device they can hold and play.
Programming in Racket
Teach the kids how to program in Racket using the Realm of Racket book. Co-written by Racket’s creator Matthias Felleisen, it uses comic-style storytelling and game development projects to introduce functional programming in a fun, approachable way. Perfect for curious tweens, teens, or geeky parents looking to pass on the joy of Lisp.
Teach Your Kids to Program in Python
Parents ask where to start. Start here. Python is readable, forgiving, and powerful enough to grow with them for years. Python for Kids walks them through basics, little games, drawing with turtle, and the kind of feedback loop that keeps young minds curious.
Teach Your Kids to Fly: Model Planes + Family Time 
If you want to give your kids a hands-on intro to physics, aerodynamics, and concentration — and share a bit of old-school geek fun — teaching them to pilot a model plane is a perfect move.
Consider planes like the VOLANTEXRC Ranger 600 — a beginner-friendly remote control glider/stunt plane with 4-channel control, 6-axis gyro stabilization and multiple flight modes. It’s easy to fly and safe for first-timers.
Why it works for a geek dad and his kids:
- Kids learn real-world physics: lift, thrust, stability, controls.
- Shared focus and patience: assembly, trimming, take-off, landing — teamwork required.
- A living classroom: every flight shows cause and effect.
- Memories + motor skills + a sense of accomplishment.