Activities

Fun April Fools' pranks for kids

Child laughing outdoors

It’s time to dust off those “dad jokes” because April Fools’ Day is just around the corner! We’ve gathered some delightfully silly pranks to try out together that will get the entire family in on the jokes.

Pranks can be a tricky concept to explain to little ones, since it’s all about finding that perfect balance of harmless mischief that’s fun for everyone involved. Planning a prank with your kiddo to try on a friend or family member can be a perfect way to introduce some kid-appropriate ways to take part in the holiday. In this artcile, you'll find easy pranks and jokes that your kids will be able to play on you, or you can do them together on others!

April Fools' pranks for parents

Time for some April Fool’s pranks! Here are some ways to have some lighthearted fun with your little one. They’re sure to get a kick out of these harmless pranks!

Lunchtime surprises

There are lots of ways to sneak in some April Fools’ giggles into an everyday task like making lunch or a snack. Find silly ways to serve up a snack, like perhaps using a giant serving platter for one teeny-tiny sandwich. You can color cream cheese with food coloring, cut veggies into unusual shapes, or even put some cereal into a clean pet food dish and put it on a placemat on the floor!

Backward day

An easy way to surprise your kiddo this April Fools’ Day is to secretly plan an impromptu “backward day” and see how long it takes your kiddo to notice. Put your clothes on backward, and go about your morning routine doing things in reverse order as much as possible. Bonus points if you get other members of your family in on the joke!

April Fools' jokes and pranks that won't drive you bananas

April Fools' pranks can be tons of fun, but let’s face it…sometimes they can drive you nuts. These ideas will NOT drive you bananas, we promise! Here are some easy April Fools' pranks for the family to try out:

Fun with googly eyes

Googly eyes are a super-easy way to brighten your kiddo’s day. Put googly eyes on everyday objects, or you could even make your own from construction paper! Some great big paper eyeballs on the fridge, flower pots, or lamps are sure to tickle your little one’s funny bone.

Sago Mini Joke Jar Printable

Make a joke jar

April Fools’ Day is the perfect time to share some jokes together. If you haven’t already tried our free Joke Jar Printable, grab an empty container, some crayons, and scissors, and create your own supply of hilarious jokes! Reach in without looking to grab a joke when you’re in the mood for a laugh. Your little one will love practicing telling jokes that they can share with family and friends!

Easy last-minute April Fools' pranks for family

Pranks are even better when the entire family gets in on the fun! Here are some funny April Fool’s day pranks for kids to do at home that are super easy to do.

Whoopie cushions

Let’s face it…there are few things that are funnier to kids than a classic whoopie cushion prank! Whoopie cushions are inexpensive and easy to find, so be sure to source one out before April 1st if you don’t have one already. If you’re able to sneak one onto your kiddo’s chair without them noticing, you’re guaranteed to get big, big laughs. If you have cushions on your kitchen chairs, even better! You can slip it underneath the cushion so they won’t see it before they sit down.

Rearranging the kitchen drawer

We develop muscle memory with things we use on a daily basis. You know how you just open up the kitchen drawer and take what you need without even looking? This makes a perfect opportunity for a fun (and harmless) April Fools’ Day joke! Change up where some things are in the kitchen, playroom, or living room, and watch their reaction. (Just make sure the jokesters involved put things back where they belong when it’s done!)

Kids laughing together outside

Cute April Fools' jokes for your child

There are lots of cute April Fools' Day jokes and pranks that are perfect for little ones. Here are some super-cute ideas that you can try on your kiddo!

Stylish stuffies

Here’s a perfect way to start your kiddo’s day on April Fools’! While your little one is still snoozing, sneak into their room and rearrange their stuffies or toys in an unexpected way. Try arranging them to make it look like they’re having an impromptu picnic in the middle of the floor. Or, lend your kiddo’s stuffies some accessories like hats, sunglasses, and scarfs, and see how long it takes for your little one to catch on to their stuffie’s fashionable new looks!

Magical growing feet

This simple and fun prank is quick and easy to do, and you don’t need any special materials. Grab your kiddo’s shoes and stuff in some cotton balls, toilet paper, or newspaper. When your little one goes to put their shoes on, they’ll think their feet grew overnight!

April Fools' jokes to play on kids

Here are some more delightful ways to play some light-hearted jokes on your kiddo. There's nothing like a little bit of harmless mischief!

Silly outfits

Raid your dress-up bin for a hilarious outfit, and show up to pick up your kiddo from school or daycare showcasing a ridiculous new look! Wear a silly wig, a clown nose, an old Halloween costume, or anything on hand that will make your kiddo laugh.

Sneaky signs

Carefully placing a sign on someone’s back without them noticing is a classic prank, and there are lots of ways to put a positive spin on it so it’s a kid-appropriate April Fools’ joke. You can write something silly on the sign like, “Ask me for a high-five!” Or, “Tell me a joke!” You can even draw a funny picture on it that your kiddo will get a kick out of. See how long it takes them to realize that there’s something stuck to their back!

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