April Fools Pranks for Kids

April Fools Pranks for Kids are peak parenting entertainment—because honestly, when else do we get to mess with our kids in the name of fun? If you’re looking for easy, low-effort pranks that will make your kids laugh (or dramatically say “MOMMMM!” while side-eyeing you), I’ve got you.

These are the kind of silly tricks that take minimal effort but deliver maximum reactions. Whether you’re freezing their cereal or serving up a pan of “brown E’s,” it’s all in good fun—and might just become a tradition they look forward to every year (even if they’d never admit it).

Oh, and if you want to watch a prank the kids once pulled on me, check out THIS VIDEO.

Alright, here are a few of our previous favorite pranks we’ve pulled on the kids that they LOVED…

Frozen Cereal

Pour cereal and milk into a bowl the night before, then freeze it with a spoon in it. Serve it like normal and watch them try to dig in.

Jello Juice

Make Jello in a clear cup with a straw. It looks like juice… until they try to sip it.

Brown E’s

Cut out a bunch of brown letter “E”s and put them in a baking dish covered with foil, and tell the kids you made “brownies.” Classic.

Foil-Wrapped Grapes

Unwrap foil-wrapped chocolates, pop a grape inside, and re-wrap—surprise! Not chocolate.

Extra Easy April Fools Pranks For Kids

Fill their water bottle with Sprite!
Snapping Gum Packs
Scatter these VERY realistic cockroaches around their room
Swap out donuts with veggies (or a note that says “gotcha!”) in the box—instant breakfast betrayal.
The ULTIMATE Prank Kit
Hide 100 Piece Tiny Ducks around their room, in their pockets, backpack, etc.

Whether your prank totally lands or hilariously flops, the fun is in the effort—and the memories you make along the way. These silly little jokes are such a fun way to break up the routine and bring a few extra laughs into your day. I love how simple they are to pull off, especially during a busy school week.

If you have a go-to April Fools prank your kids love (or one they’re still recovering from), I’d love to hear it—drop it in the comments!