FROM building dens to sumo wrestling, dads showed they were just big kids at a fun-packed event celebrating fatherhood.

More than 1,000 dads took charge of the buggies and packed into Hinksey Park, South Oxford, with their children for a colourful day of play at the second Dads Go Wild event yesterday.

And with bungee running, Oxford United’s football academy and a climbing wall among the highlights, there was no shortage of things to do.

The event, organised by the Oxfordshire Parenting Forum and Oxfordshire County Council, aimed to encourage fathers and male carers to spend time with their children and also learn about what help and support is available to them.

David Cole, 38, and his nine-year-old daughter Phoebe, were wrestling each other in sumo outfits. Mr Cole, of Edith Road, said: “It was a great day. It’s nice to get the dads involved, the girls can go and get their hair done and the dads can come and play.”

Phoebe said: “I think it’s really fun and amusing. The wrestling is probably the most fun thing I have done with my dad. I like spending time with him. He is the best, he always makes me laugh.”

Nick Iles and his three-year-old son Felix took part in a drumming workshop together.

Mr Iles, 30, of Wolvercote, said: “There is lot of variety and everyone seemed to be having fun.

“It’s a great idea to get dads together.

“Felix has liked the drumming and singing, he likes musical things, that tickled his fancy the most.”

James Reeve, 41, of Whitehouse Road, was watching his children William, three, and Freya, two, paint giant cardboard boxes with wife Megan, 40.

He said: “It was a brilliant day. You could see how your child plays, which is quite important, interact with other dads and meet other kids as well and just make friends.”

Paddy Reaney, 48, from Oxford, and his son Aidan, three, played on the hay bales together.

He said: “I spent a lot of time with him anyway but anything that encourages dads to go out with the kids is a good thing.”

Event organiser Glen Scrivener, 38, a father of three, said it was good for children to spend quality time with their fathers.

He said: “If there is a significant male role model they tend to do better at school and don’t get into trouble.

“This is the second year we’ve done it and it’s definitely got larger, we had more than 1,000 families.

“A lot of them are very surprised to see we have got an event for dads and they are presently surprised it’s free.”