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National Parents’ Day

Honor your parents this National Parents' Day with heartfelt words and thoughtful gestures - they deserve all the love!

Sunday

July 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEFourth Sunday in July

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYRelationships

SUBCATEGORYFamily

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

It's time to show our parents just how much we love and appreciate them on National Parents' Day, the fourth Sunday in July! This special day was established in 1994 by President Bill Clinton to recognize the importance of parents in society and to celebrate family values. It is a great opportunity to honor the hard work and dedication that our parents put into raising us. Whether it's a simple thank you note or a big surprise, there are lots of ways you can make this day extra special for your parents. Let's take this chance to tell our parents how much they mean to us!

TIMELINE

National Parents’ Day Timeline

Establishment of National Parents’ Day

President Bill Clinton signs into law the resolution unanimously adopted by Congress, establishing the fourth Sunday in July as National Parents’ Day.

First Celebration of Parents’ Day

The United States officially celebrates National Parents’ Day for the first time.

Recognition Grows Nationwide

By early 2000, the holiday had gained wider recognition, with people across America acknowledging and celebrating the day.

Increased Commercial Recognition

Businesses and retailers begin promoting special parents’ day deals and offerings, contributing to awareness of the holiday.

Parents’ Day During Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, families get creative with virtual celebrations, highlighting the resilience and flexibility of parenting.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Parents’ Day

Write a letter

Take the time to write a heartfelt letter to your parents. Let them know how much you appreciate them and all that they do for you.

CREATE

Create a photo album

Put together a photo album of your family's favorite memories with your parents. Add in some captions to make it extra special.

MAKE

Make a video

Gather some of your family members and make a video to send to your parents. Ask everyone to share their favorite memories with your parents and edit it together into one special video.

Go out for dinner

Take your parents out to their favorite restaurant and treat them to a meal. Give them the night off from cooking and cleaning up.

SPEND

Spend quality time

Take the day to spend quality time with your parents doing something special together. Talk, laugh, and enjoy each other's company.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Parents’ Day is Important

It reminds us to be grateful

National Parents’ Day serves as a reminder to reflect on our relationships with our parents or guardians, and to express our gratitude for their love, support and guidance. It's also a great way to take a step back and remember just how important family is in our lives!

It recognizes and celebrates parents

National Parents’ Day is an annual holiday that gives us the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the hard work and devotion of parents everywhere. It's a chance to show those who have raised us that we appreciate them and all the amazing things they do for us every day.

It creates stronger families

Parents play an essential role in the formation of strong, healthy relationships within families. National Parents’ Day encourages families to spend time together, strengthening their bonds through communication, shared experiences, and expressions of love.

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