Father’s Day is coming up fast, and store-bought cards? They just don’t hit the same.
If you want Dad’s eyes to light up the moment he opens his card, this adorable Father’s Day pop up whale card is exactly what you need.
When Dad opens it, a cheerful little whale pops right up from the center of the card – complete with a waterspout and ocean waves – with the sweet message “Dad, You’re Whaley Great!” or “I Whaley Love You Dad!”
It’s punny. It’s precious. And he’s going to absolutely love it.
The best part? You don’t need to be a craft expert to pull this off. Kids can make this card with just a little grown-up help, and the printable template does most of the heavy lifting for you.
Whether you’re making it solo, with your kids, or as a whole family activity, this is one of those crafts that becomes a core memory. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Pop Up Father’s Day Card
You could buy a card. But imagine handing Dad something that you – or your little ones – actually made with love.
This whale pop up card checks every box:
It’s interactive and surprising. That moment when he opens the card and the whale pops up? Priceless.
It’s totally customizable. The template comes in versions for Dad, Grandpa, Pop, and a blank option – so nobody gets left out.
It’s genuinely easy. As long as you can fold, cut, and glue, you’ve got this.
It’s a craft and a card in one. No need to buy a separate gift bag – this IS the gift.
It works for any age. Older kids can make it mostly on their own. Younger kids can decorate, glue, and feel SO proud of what they helped create.
Ready to make Dad feel like the whaley best? Let’s get into it.
What You’ll Need
Gather these supplies before you start – most of them you probably already have at home:
Pop Up Card Template (download – grab the link below!)
White cardstock (for printing the message template)
Light blue cardstock (for the whale)
Dark blue cardstock (for the card base and ocean waves)
Googly eyes
Black marker
White chalk marker (or a white crayon or white colored pencil)
Scissors
Glue stick
Pro Tip: If you’re making this in a classroom or for a group of kids, the template is designed to conserve paper – multiple message options are printed per page so you’re not wasting cardstock. Genius, right?
How to Make the Father’s Day Pop Up Whale Card
Follow these step-by-step instructions and you’ll have a show-stopping card in no time.
Step 1: Print and Cut Out the Template Pieces
Start by downloading and printing the pop up card template.
Print the whale template on light blue cardstock.
Print the card message template on white cardstock.
Not feeling the cutting-and-coloring route? You can print both pieces on plain white cardstock and let the kids color the whale themselves with crayons. This makes it even more personal – and keeps little hands busy!
Once everything is printed, carefully cut out all the template pieces.
Step 2: Create the Ocean Waves Piece
Take a rectangle of dark blue cardstock and cut it to approximately 6 inches x 1 inch.
Along the top edge, use your scissors to cut scallop shapes – like gentle bumps – to create a mini ocean wave effect.
This little strip of waves is going to sit at the bottom of the whale and make the whole scene look like he’s swimming right through the ocean. So cute.
Step 3: Make the Whale’s Waterspout
Cut three small, narrow rectangle strips from light blue cardstock. These will become the water shooting out of the whale’s blowhole – the waterspout!
Here’s the fun part: Scrape each strip along the blade of your scissors to make the ends curl. (Adults, this step is for you – it requires a bit of precision and pressure, so supervise little ones carefully.)
The curled strips give the waterspout that playful, realistic look that makes the card feel extra special.
Step 4: Assemble the Whale
Now it’s time to bring your whale to life!
Glue the dark blue ocean wave strip along the bottom edge of the whale cutout.
Flip the whale over and glue the three curled water strips onto the back of the whale’s head, near the blowhole, so they fan up and out over the top.
Stick a googly eye onto the whale’s face.
Use a black marker to draw a sweet little smile.
Step back and admire your adorable whale. He’s ready for his big pop-up debut!
Step 5: Create the Card Base
Fold a full sheet of dark blue cardstock in half to create the card.
With the card still folded, use scissors to cut two small slits along the folded edge – about 1 to 2 inches apart from each other.
Make each slit about 1½ inches long.
Now fold the small flap of paper created between the two slits down toward you, and crease it firmly.
This little folded section is what will become the “stage” that your whale pops up from. The crisper your crease, the better the pop-up effect!
Step 6: Create the Pop-Up Mechanism
This is the magic step – and it’s easier than it sounds, promise!
Carefully open the card back up completely.
Find that small flap you just folded – you’re going to invert it, meaning push it through to the inside of the card.
Gently close the card again along its original crease while keeping the small flap pushed inward.
When you open the card, that little flap should now stand upright like a tiny platform inside the card.
That’s your pop-up base! Go ahead – open and close it a few times. It never gets old.
Step 7: Decorate the Card with Ocean Waves
Using your white chalk marker (or white crayon), draw wavy ocean squiggles all over the inside of the card – both the top half and the bottom half.
Add a few waves to the wave strip at the bottom of your whale too, to make everything feel cohesive and beachy.
This small step makes a huge visual difference. The white waves on the deep blue background look absolutely stunning.
Step 8: Attach the Whale and the Message
You’re in the home stretch!
Add glue to the pop-up platform inside the card.
Press your whale firmly onto the platform and hold it in place until it’s secure.
Next, glue your chosen message strip to the bottom front of the card’s inside.
Choose from “Dad, You’re Whaley Great!” or “I Whaley Love You Dad!” – or use the blank option and write your own personal message for an extra heartfelt touch.
Let everything dry completely before closing the card.
And just like that – you’ve made something truly magical.
Tips for Making This Card Even Better
Want to take your whale card from adorable to absolutely unforgettable? Here are a few extra ideas to make it feel even more special.
Add a personal note. On the back of the card, write a few sentences from the heart. Something like “You always know how to make everything better, Dad. I love you whaley much.” That personal touch? It’ll mean everything to him.
Let the kids do the wave squiggles. Kids love drawing freely, and the wavy lines are easy enough for even the youngest helpers. This gives them a real sense of ownership over the card.
Use metallic or glitter cardstock. Swap out your dark blue for a glittery or metallic version for a more luxe, eye-catching look. Great for a grandpa who loves a little extra flair!
Make one for Grandpa too. The template comes with a Grandpa version, so you can make a whole set. Double the love, double the smiles.
Personalize the whale. Add a tiny fishing rod, a little captain’s hat cut from paper, or even a small paper boat – whatever speaks to your dad’s personality. Make it uniquely his.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is this card best for?
This card is a wonderful project for kids ages 5 and up with adult supervision, especially for the scissors step of curling the paper strips. Older kids (8+) can follow along more independently. Adults can easily make this on their own too – it’s a relaxing, creative project for anyone who loves crafting.
Can I use regular printer paper instead of cardstock?
Cardstock is strongly recommended, especially for the card base. Regular printer paper is too flimsy to hold up the pop-up mechanism and the whale will flop over instead of standing upright. Cardstock gives you the structure you need for that satisfying pop!
What if I don’t have a white chalk marker?
No problem! A white crayon or white colored pencil works perfectly as a substitute. The goal is just to get those ocean wave squiggles to show up against the dark blue cardstock. Even a silver gel pen looks beautiful if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I print the template on regular white paper and still make it work?
Yes – if you’re in a pinch, you can print everything on white paper and have the kids color the whale in shades of blue with crayons or markers. It won’t be as polished, but it’ll still be totally charming and heartfelt.
More Father’s Day Ideas You’ll Love
Can’t stop at just one? We don’t blame you. Here are a few more ways to make Dad’s day extra special:
Pair the card with a homemade coupon book full of “Dad’s Favorite Things” – like a breakfast in bed coupon, a movie night pick, or a “no chores” day.
Set up a fun Father’s Day game night at home with some of our favorite easy group games that need zero prep.
Plan a backyard cookout and surprise Dad with a personalized banner made by the kids.
Whatever you do, make it memorable. Because Dad deserves a day that feels as special as he is.
Go Make Something Beautiful – Dad Is Going to Love It
There’s something so powerful about handing someone you love something you made with your own two hands.
This little whale card carries so much heart in it – the time you took, the care you put in, the laughter of making it with your kids. That’s what Dad will feel when he opens it and that silly little whale pops up to say hello.
So go grab your cardstock, download the template, and make some magic this Father’s Day.
Because the best gifts aren’t always the most expensive ones. Sometimes they’re just the most whaley wonderful ones. 🐋
More Father’s Day Ideas to Keep the Fun Rolling:
How to Make a Suit-and-Tie Father’s Day Card (He’ll Actually Want to Keep)
The Cutest Father’s Day Craft: Printable Toolbox Cards Kids Can Color & Gift
Dad, You Rock! How to Make a Handprint Guitar Father’s Day Card (Printable Included)
How to Make a Magic Flip Card for Father’s Day (That Looks Way Harder Than It Is)
How to Make a DIY Tuxedo Father’s Day Card (Step-by-Step)
Super Dad Father’s Day Gift: The Sweetest Superhero Craft Kids Can Make in Minutes
“You Mean the World to Me”: How to Make the Cutest 3D Father’s Day Card for Dad or Grandpa
