It’s April Fool’s Day and the perfect time to have fun and laugh with your children!  We’ve put together a list of some silly and wacky activities that you can do together to celebrate the day. 

• April Fool’s Word Search: Create a word search with a list of words that aren’t actually in the word search. Instead, kids will find April Fool’s Day themed words like tricked, joking, bogus, happyaprilfoolsday, laugh, etc. For a blank word search template, click here: https://www.studenthandouts.com/fun/word-search-puzzles/blank-word-search-diy-puzzle-grid-worksheet.html
• Find the “Loof Lirpa” bird!:  Loof Lirpa is April Fool spelled backwards and as you can guess, it doesn’t actually exist, but the kids don’t have to know that!  Tell them that the bird only comes out on crisp, Spring-like days (or whatever kind of weather you have that day) and try to lure the birds with a certain food like a carrot or marshmallow. It will make you smile as you listen to the kids calling out for the “Loof Lirpa” bird!
• Give them some “Brown E’s”:  Tell them you made them some special Brownies for the day, but when they open the container or unwrap the tinfoil, they will only find brown construction paper letter “E’s”. You can always soften the disappointment with actual brownies!
• Write April Fool’s jokes on the toilet paper:  You can also include jokes in your children’s lunch boxes as a special surprise!  For some family friendly jokes, click here: https://thesimpleparent.com/funny-april-fools-jokes/
• Knock, Knock Jokes:  Read some Knock, Knock Joke Books together and then make up your own!  Check these out for some great April Fool’s Day books: https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/best-april-fools-day-books-for-little-pranksters
• Put googly eyes on different foods in the refrigerator, fake bugs in lampshades, colored water in the toilet or bathtub, or tamper with their food like the pre-sliced banana trick:  

https://www.weareteachers.com/fun-and-friendly-ways-to-prank-your-students/

https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/51061/20-april-fools-day-pranks/

• Have some old-fashioned fun!:  Have a dance party, build a fort, blow bubbles, go to the playground, play hide and seek or tag - anything you choose as long as it is done TOGETHER!

It is certainly fun to play an April Fool’s joke on April Fool’s Day, but even if you decide not to do that, use it as an opportunity to be silly, laugh, and play with your children. After all, quality time with family creates memories that will always be cherished and that is no joke! 

Any questions?  Please email us at Janice@Neighborhoodlit.com.  Taylor Burke is a teacher and Director of Communications at Neighborhood Lit. and works closely with Janice Migliazza, a Reading Specialist and owner of Neighborhood Lit, Route 34, Colts Neck to bring you this information.