April Fool’s Day Activities: Fun and Easy Ideas for Kids
Bringing laughter and creativity into your home is easy with April Fool’s Day activities! April 1st is a day kids absolutely love—filled with pranks, jokes, and playful surprises. But where did this tradition come from, and how can you make it even more fun for little ones? Whether your child enjoys crafts, silly challenges, or harmless pranks, this guide is packed with fun and easy activities to keep them entertained all day long!
10 Fun April Fools’ Day Activities for Kids
Looking for April Fool’s Day activities that kids will love? Here are 10 creative ideas to make this day memorable and full of laughter:
- Make and sneak paper fish on friends’ backs
- Color a “magic” surprise picture
- Draw a silly fish with a hidden surprise
- Bake a fish-shaped treat
- Play with a joke-filled paper fortune teller
- Set up a DIY fishing game
- Complete a fun dot-to-dot fish puzzle
- Try the straw and paper fish challenge
- Pull off harmless, kid-friendly pranks
- Organize a fun indoor fish hunt
? Scroll down for easy step-by-step instructions for each activity!
Why Do We Celebrate April Fools’ Day? Origins and Traditions
April 1st is known as a day for pranks and jokes, but its exact origin is unclear. One of the most common theories traces it back to 16th-century France, when King Charles IX changed the official start of the year from April 1st to January 1st in 1564. However, some people refused to adopt the change and continued celebrating the New Year in early April. Over time, this led to playful teasing of those who stuck to the old tradition—eventually evolving into the day of pranks we know today.
? Looking for a unique activity? Check out our printable treasure hunts, mystery games, and escape rooms—perfect for kids ages 4-12!
Why Is a Fish the Symbol of April Fools’ Day?
But why is a paper fish the symbol of April Fools’ Day? There are several possible explanations for this quirky tradition:
- A Fishing Ban in Spring – In medieval Europe, fishing was restricted in April to allow fish populations to replenish. To tease fishermen, people started giving out fake fish as a joke.
- Astrological Connection – Some believe it comes from the zodiac sign Pisces (The Fish), which marks the end of winter and falls close to April 1st.
- A Nod to Lent – In Christian tradition, many people avoided eating meat during Lent and often ate fish instead. A paper fish prank may have started as a lighthearted joke to mark the end of the fasting period.
? Want to join the fun? Download our printable fish cutouts and start planning your April Fools’ Day pranks!
DIY April Fool’s Day Activities: Crafts and Games for Kids
Make April 1st even more fun with this selection of creative and playful activities that will bring laughter and surprises to kids!
Make Your Own April Fools’ Fish
A classic April Fools’ tradition! Kids love drawing, coloring, and cutting out fish to secretly stick on the backs of friends and family members.
- Materials: Paper, colored pencils, scissors
- Tip: Turn it into a contest by voting for the funniest or most creative fish design!
Color-by-Number Fish
A fun and educational activity that keeps kids engaged while staying in the spirit of April Fools’ Day.
- Goal: Kids color the picture based on the results of simple addition and subtraction problems.
- Benefits: Enhances logic, concentration, and number skills in a playful way.
? Download our color-by-number fish in the free activities section!
The Surprise Monster Fish: A Fun and Spooky Drawing Activity
A simple folding trick turns an ordinary fish into a toothy monster!
- Fold a sheet of paper in half lengthwise, then fold down a small strip at the top and bottom to create an accordion effect.
- Draw a smiling fish on the folded section.
- Open the fold and add a big, scary mouth with sharp teeth in the hidden space.
- Color the fish to make it even more fun!
? When folded, it looks harmless… but open it up for a spooky surprise! Kids love this playful drawing trick.
Easy April Fools’ Fish Cake Recipe for Kids
Turn snack time into a fun and creative experience by making a fish-shaped cake with your child!
Simple steps:
- Bake a round cake (chocolate, vanilla, or your favorite flavor).
- Cut a triangular slice and place it on the opposite side to form a fish tail.
- Decorate with colorful candies or playful frosting for a silly, eye-catching look!
A fun and easy treat that kids will love to make and eat!
April Fools’ Fortune Teller: A Fun and Silly Game for Kids
A classic paper-folding activity that guarantees laughter, perfect for school or home!
How to play:
- Print our special April Fools’ fortune teller.
- Fold it following the step-by-step instructions.
- Each player picks a number and reveals a funny challenge or joke to complete!
? Download our April Fools’ Day paper fortune teller for endless giggles and silly dares!
DIY Fishing Game: Fun April Fools’ Day Activities for Kids
A hands-on game that tests patience and coordination, perfect for group play!
What You’ll Need:
- Cardstock fish cutouts
- Paper clips (attached to each fish)
- A homemade fishing rod (stick, string, and a magnet)
How to Play:
- Kids take turns catching as many fish as possible within a set time.
- Fun twist: Write a silly challenge on the back of each fish for an extra surprise!
Connect the Dots: April Fools’ Day Fish
A fun fine motor and logic game perfect for young kids!
Goal: Connect the numbered dots to reveal a hidden fish.
Bonus: Once completed, kids can color their fish for extra creativity!
? Download our special April Fools’ connect-the-dots fish activity!
Fish and Straw Challenge: A Hilarious April Fools’ Game
A fun and fast-paced challenge that tests kids’ reflexes and precision!
What You’ll Need:
- Small paper fish cutouts
- One straw per player
How to Play:
- Players suck up a fish with their straw and move it from one plate to another.
- The player who transfers the most fish in 2 minutes wins!
A simple yet exciting game that guarantees laughter!
April Fools’ Day Pranks and Silly Tricks
April 1st is the perfect time for harmless, funny pranks! Here are some kid-friendly ideas to make everyone laugh:
- Swap sugar and salt for a surprising taste test.
- Hide a plastic spider or snake under someone’s blanket.
- Remove the batteries from the TV remote and watch the confusion.
- Put a few drops of food coloring in the milk for a shocking surprise.
- Draw a spider on the toilet paper roll to give someone a scare.
- Stick googly eyes on juice cartons or fridge items.
- Switch beds while the kids are sleeping and let them wake up confused!
- Place a whoopee cushion on someone’s chair before they sit.
- Reverse the computer mouse settings for a little tech mischief.
- Flip around photo frames and small decorations in the house.
- Gently draw mustaches on a sleeping family member for a funny wake-up!
Simple, harmless, and guaranteed to bring laughter!
The Great Fish Hunt: A Fun April Fools’ Scavenger Game!
Hide paper fish around the house and challenge kids to find them all!
How to Play:
- Cut out and hide fish in different rooms.
- Kids race to find them all before time runs out.
- Add fun twists: assign specific colors, write silly challenges on the back, or hide a special prize for the final fish!
? A quick, exciting game that keeps kids laughing on April Fools’ Day!
Why Do April Fool’s Day Activities Matter for Kids?
April Fools’ Day is all about fun, laughter, and creativity! It’s the perfect time for kids to express their sense of humor, get imaginative with crafts and pranks, and enjoy games and challenges that encourage problem-solving and playfulness.
Looking for more ideas? Check out our special April Fools’ activities on Pinterest.
