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18 Fun and Harmless April Fool's Pranks Kids Will Love

Moly Swift
Moly Swift Originally published Apr 01, 25, updated Jun 26, 25

April Fool's Day is the perfect excuse to bring some giggles into your home. Kids love surprises, and this day gives you the chance to create moments they’ll talk about for weeks. The best part? You don’t need anything elaborate. A little creativity and a playful spirit go a long way. Whether it’s a silly trick or a harmless joke, these 18 April Fool’s Pranks for Kids will have everyone laughing and asking for more. So, are you ready to make this day unforgettable?

April Fool's Prank

Part 1. Food-Themed April Fool’s Day Pranks for Kids

1. "Juice" That’s Actually Jello

Want to see your kids do a double-take? Serve them a glass of "juice" that’s actually Jello! Prepare Jello in their favorite juice color—orange, red, or even green. Pour it into a clear glass and let it set in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, pop in a straw and watch their reaction as they try to sip it.

2. Mashed Potato Ice Cream

Scoop some mashed potatoes into a bowl and shape it to look like a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Add a drizzle of gravy or chocolate syrup for an extra touch of "realism." Serve it with a spoon and watch your kids’ faces light up with confusion.

3. Color-Changing Milk

Turn breakfast into a magical moment with this simple trick. Add a few drops of food coloring to the bottom of your kids’ cereal bowls before pouring in the milk. When they start eating, the milk will change colors right before their eyes!

4. Frozen Cereal Surprise

Pour cereal into a bowl, add milk, and freeze it overnight. In the morning, serve it as if nothing’s unusual. Watch their puzzled expressions as they try to dig in.

5. Backward Dinner

Flip the script on dinner! Serve dessert first and save the main course for last. Call the dessert “appetizer” and the main dish “dessert.” This prank is all about creating a playful and memorable experience.

Part 2. Household April Fool’s Pranks for Kids

1.Soap That Won’t Lather

Cover a bar of soap with a thin layer of clear nail polish. Let it dry completely. When your kids try to wash their hands, they’ll be baffled as the soap refuses to lather!

2. Googly Eyes on Everything

Stick googly eyes on everyday items like fruit, milk cartons, or even the TV remote. Your kids will burst out laughing at the silly faces staring back at them.

April Fool's Prank - Googly Eyes on Everything

3. Cheesy Toothpaste Prank

Replace toothpaste with cream cheese or mayonnaise. When your kids go to brush their teeth, they’ll get a surprising (and slightly gross) taste instead!

Part 3. School-Related April Fool’s Pranks for Kids

1. Fake Homework Assignment

Create a fake homework assignment with silly tasks like “Count all the stars in the sky.” Hand it to them with a serious face and watch their reaction.

2. Backward Clothes Day

Tell your kids it’s “Backward Clothes Day” at school and encourage them to wear their clothes backward. Join in for extra fun!

3. Surprise Lunchbox Note

Write a funny note like “Your sandwich ran away, so I packed you air instead!” Add a harmless prank like wrapping their sandwich in multiple layers of plastic wrap.

4. Pencil That Won’t Write

Coat the tip of a pencil with clear nail polish. When your kids try to write with it, nothing will show up!

Part 4. Tech and Gadget April Fool’s Pranks for Kids

April Fool's Pranks

1. Screen Protector with a "Crack"

Want to give your kids a mini heart attack (in the funniest way possible)? Try this harmless prank! Download an image of a cracked screen and set it as the wallpaper on their tablet or phone. If they use a screen protector, you can even place the image underneath it for a more realistic effect.

When they pick up their device, they’ll gasp and think the screen is broken. Watch their reaction as they try to figure out what happened. Once they realize it’s a joke, they’ll laugh and probably breathe a sigh of relief.

Tip: Make sure to reveal the prank quickly so they don’t panic for too long. You want this to be funny, not stressful!

2. Change the Wallpaper to Something Silly

This one’s super easy and guaranteed to get a laugh. Sneak onto your kids’ devices and change their wallpaper to something ridiculous. It could be a funny meme, a goofy picture of the family pet, or even a zoomed-in photo of their own face!

When they unlock their device, they’ll be greeted by the unexpected image. Their reaction will be priceless, and it’s a great way to start the day with some giggles.

Idea: If you want to take it up a notch, set the wallpaper to change every hour with a series of silly images. They’ll keep wondering what’s coming next!

3. Mouse That Won’t Work (Tape Over the Sensor)

If your kids use a computer mouse, this prank is a classic. Grab a small piece of tape and stick it over the sensor on the bottom of the mouse. You can even draw a little smiley face or write “April Fools!” on the tape for an extra touch.

When they try to use the mouse, it won’t move the cursor. They’ll probably check the batteries or try to reconnect it before flipping it over and discovering the tape. It’s a simple trick that’s easy to set up and clean up.

Pro Tip: This prank works best if you’re nearby to watch their reaction. Just be ready for some playful payback!

4. Frozen Tablet Prank

Want to see your kids do a double take? The frozen tablet prank is a clever and harmless way to leave them scratching their heads. It’s simple to set up and guarantees a good laugh when they realize what’s going on.

  • Take a screenshot of your child’s tablet home screen.
  • Move all the app icons to a different page or folder, leaving the home screen blank.
  • Set the screenshot as the tablet’s wallpaper.

When your child tries to tap on the apps, nothing will happen! They’ll probably think the tablet is frozen or broken. Watch as they swipe, tap, and even shake the device in confusion. Their reaction will be priceless!

Tip: Make sure to reveal the prank quickly so they don’t get too frustrated. You want this to be funny, not annoying.

If you want to take it up a notch, you can add a silly twist. For example, change the wallpaper to a funny image, like a cartoon character or a goofy family photo. This will make the prank even more memorable.

The frozen tablet prank is perfect for tech-savvy kids who love their gadgets. It’s harmless, easy to undo, and guaranteed to bring some giggles. Just be prepared for them to try and prank you back later! 😊

So, are you ready to give this one a try? It’s a surefire way to make April Fool’s Day extra fun and unforgettable.

Part 5. Miscellaneous April Fool’s Pranks for Kids

1. Balloon Avalanche

Want to start the day with a bang? Try the balloon avalanche prank! It’s simple, fun, and will leave your kids laughing. All you need is a bunch of balloons and some tape.

Here’s how to set it up:

  • Blow up several balloons. The more, the better!
  • Tape a large sheet of plastic or paper across the top of a doorframe, leaving one side open.
  • Fill the space between the door and the sheet with balloons.

When your kids open the door, the balloons will come tumbling down like an avalanche! Their surprised reaction will be priceless.

Tip: Use colorful balloons to make the prank even more cheerful and fun!

2. Toy Tampering

This prank is perfect for kids who love their toys. Pick one of their favorite action figures, dolls, or stuffed animals and give it a silly makeover.

For example, you could:

  • Draw a mustache on a doll with a washable marker.
  • Wrap a toy in toilet paper like a mummy.
  • Dress a stuffed animal in your clothes.

When your kids find their toys looking goofy, they’ll burst out laughing.

3. Plastic Bugs Surprise

If your kids aren’t afraid of creepy crawlies, this April prank joke will be a hit. Grab some fake plastic bugs and hide them in unexpected places around the house.

Here are a few ideas:

  • Place a bug inside their cereal box.
  • Hide one under their pillow.
  • Stick a bug to the inside of the bathroom mirror.

When they stumble upon the bugs, they’ll jump in surprise before realizing it’s a joke.

Note: Make sure your kids are okay with fake bugs before trying this prank.

Conclusion

April Fool’s Day is the perfect chance to laugh, connect, and create memories with your kids — and these harmless pranks are the perfect way to do it. Whether you're flipping breakfast upside down or sneaking tech tricks into their day, remember: it's all in good fun. Want to make sure the giggles stay safe? 🎉 Pair your family fun with FamiSafe, the ultimate parental companion during playtime and beyond.

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Moly Swift
Moly Swift Jun 26, 25
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