Ever thought about going all out for April Fools’ Day? Most kids are thrilled at the prospect of a day filled with jokes and pranks, though they might need a little nudge to get the mischief rolling. If you have the right kind of child, they may even appreciate a few playful tricks from you. From the classic toothpaste-filled Oreos to the more elaborate setups, the goal is to enjoy the laughs and not stress over the mess. Good luck, fellow pranksters!
Pranks to Pull on Your Kids
- Lunch Shenanigans
Swap the filling in your kids’ Oreos with toothpaste and, for a twist, spread icing on their sandwich instead of mayonnaise. Just be sure to have a backup lunch ready or stick some lunch money in their bag, just in case! - Saturday School
While this might cut into your sleep-in time, it could be worth it. On a Saturday, wake your kids as if it’s a school day and create a sense of urgency. See how far you can go before they catch on! - Broken Mouse Trick
Place tape over the bottom of the family computer mouse and watch as everyone gets frustrated when it doesn’t work. - No Suds Soap
Apply a layer of clear nail polish over their bar soap to prevent it from lathering up. - Fake Powdered Donuts
Dust some baby powder over perfectly good powdered donuts—watch their expressions as they take a bite. - Toilet Paper Note
Unroll a bit of toilet paper and write a silly or sweet note on it, then roll it back up for them to discover. - Short-sheeting
A classic! Short-sheet their bed for some giggles when they try to get in. - Dinner Sundaes
Serve “sundaes” made from mashed potatoes and gravy in ice cream cups, making dinnertime a fun surprise. - Frozen Cereal Surprise
Freeze a bowl of cereal the night before, and watch their reaction as they try to dig in.
Pranks to Help Your Kids Get in on the Fun
- Broken Screen App
Help your child download an app that makes a phone or tablet screen look broken, then watch the hilarity unfold. - Breakfast Switcheroo
If your partner is a bit of a zombie in the morning, help your child switch the milk and orange juice containers, or see if they notice when coffee is just hot water. - Remote Control Dilemma
Place tape over the remote control sensor and enjoy watching someone try to figure out why it won’t work. Bonus points if you hide the batteries too! - Not-a-Ticket Ticket
Help your child craft a funny “ticket” to give to a parent or sibling, which they can find under their windshield wipers. - Bottled Frustration
Cover the openings of shampoo and condiment bottles with plastic wrap for some harmless chaos. - Colorful Water Surprise
Put a few drops of food dye under the sink faucet’s brim, so colorful water flows out when someone turns it on. - Dollar Store Pranks
Take your child to a local dollar store and let them pick out some silly pranks. On April 1st, let them set up their surprises, making it a fun bonding experience!
For more playful ideas, check out this blog post. You can also find great tips on this topic at Intracervical Insemination, and don’t miss the fantastic resources provided by March of Dimes.
In summary, these pranks can turn an ordinary day into a memorable adventure filled with laughter. Just remember to keep it light-hearted and fun for everyone involved.
