"It’s a praaaaank!" is one of those phrases I love hearing in YouTube videos but absolutely dread in real life. Unfortunately for me, the kids (and plenty of adults) in my life think pranks are hilarious. This year, I’ve decided it’s time to return the favour with some harmless and fun pranks for April Fools Day that’ll keep the laughs rolling (without causing any tears… hopefully).
Fun Pranks for April Fools Day
1. Fish in the Ice Cream Tub
First up is something that's a common thing done all around the Philippines that's gone viral online last year. Carefully hide fake or real fish inside an ice cream tub. The look of betrayal when they go in for a scoop will be priceless!
2. Chocolate Broccoli
Dip pieces of broccoli in melted confectionery, let them set, and then offer them as a "special treat." A health-conscious gag that’s still delicious (sort of).
3. Toothpaste Oreos
Switch the creamy filling in an Oreo with white toothpaste. A classic joke that never gets old!
4. Carrot Lollie
Cut a big carrot in the shape of lollipop or a popsicle and stick onto a popsicle stick. Bonus points if you can cover it with icing!
5. The Unpeelable Banana
Peel a banana, remove the fruit, and replace it with a hotdog. Seal it back up and hand it over for a "healthy snack."
Best Pranks for April Fools Day (cont.)
6. Sewing Kit Cookie Tin
Replace biscuits with a sewing kit in an old biscuit tin. A true parenting favourite!
7. Tin Foil
Cover everything on your kid's desk or school bag with foil: pens, notebooks, even their chair. The shiny makeover they never asked for!
8. Fake Cracked Screen Pic
Set your teen's phone’s wallpaper to a cracked screen pic. Watch them panic before realising it’s just an image!
9. Rubber Band Remote Control
Put an elastic tightly around the TV remote to block the buttons. Let them struggle before revealing the prank!
10. The Mystery Alarm Clock
Set a hidden alarm clock to go off at 3 a.m. in another room. See how long it takes for them to find and stop it!
Harmless Pranks for April Fools Day (cont.)
11. Soap That Won’t Lather
A layer of clear nail polish on a bar of soap makes washing hands quite the challenge. See how long it takes for them to figure it out!
12. Blue Faucet Water
Drop some edible blue food colouring inside the faucet aerator. When they turn on the tap, your kiddo will think something’s wrong with the water!
13. Switch the Sink and Shower
Attach an elastic band around the sprayer’s handle so it stays pressed down. When someone turns on the water, your child will get an unexpected burst.
14. Bubbly Toilet Seat
Glue thick strips of bubble wrap onto the toilet seat for a little bit of discomfort.
15. The Messy Bathmat
Sprinkle a bit of cornstarch (mixed with edible food colour) under the bathmat or rug. When someone steps out of the bath, their feet will be covered!
Fun and Easy Pranks for April Fools Day (cont.)
16. The Pillowcase Jam
Put some scrunched-up newspaper inside someone’s pillowcase before bed. When they try to lie down, it’ll be quite a surprise.
17. Soggy Sock Surprise
Lightly dampen a pair of underwear or socks, then neatly fold them back into the drawer. Watch their frustration as they fail to get ready for school.
18. Hidden Blow Horn
Tape a blow horn under a chair. When they sit, the entire house will hear it.
19. Googly Eyes Everywhere
Stick googly eyes on everything in the fridge—milk cartons, apples, even eggs. Now their lifestyle involves being watched.
20. The Toilet Paper Message
Unroll the toilet paper, write "IT'S A PRANK!" on the inside, and roll it back up. Your kid will find it soon enough.
Best Pranks for April Fools Day (cont.)
21. Frozen Bowl of Cereal
Pour a bowl of cereal with milk and freeze it overnight. Serve it up in the morning and watch them struggle to dig in.
22. Jelly Juice Cup
Pour juice into a cup or a glass, mix in some gelatine, and let it set in the fridge. Your child will find out soon enough why their drink won’t be able to be sipped!
23. Mini Candy Swap
Unwrap a mini candy or brownie, replace it with something healthy, and carefully re-wrap it. The disappointment will be real.
24. Easter Egg Rocks
Sneak in small rocks inside Easter egg wrappers and leave them out for an unsuspecting sweet tooth.
25. Whipped Cream Deodorant
Swap out someone’s deodorant stick with whipped cream. A messy, refreshing start to the day.
Easy Pranks for April Fools (cont.)
26. The Melted Chocolate Gag
Smear melted confectionery on a tissue and pretend to wipe your hands on someone’s sleeve. The reaction is always golden.
27. Draw on Their Face
This one never goes out of style. Draw funny patterns on their face with washable markers while they're still sleeping. Use permanent markers if you're feeling extra devilish! The thought of waking them up and getting caught before finishing the job makes the prank more exciting.
28. The Fake Outlet Trick
Print out a picture of a power outlet, tape it to the wall, and watch your kids' friends try to plug something in. Confusion at its finest.
29. The Whoopee Cushion Pillow Surprise
Place a whoopee cushion under a couch pillow and wait for someone to sit. You'll never hear the end of it ... literally. No whoopee cushion available? How about balloons?
30. The Classic Prank Call
Call your kid and pretend to be from a delivery service, saying their order of $3671 is coming. Enjoy as you watch them panic!
