Welcome, fellow pranksters!
April 1st is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect opportunity to have some lighthearted fun with your family and friends.
As a former teacher, camp counselor, and now a parent of three, I know a thing or two about balancing mischief with a dash of good sense.
April Fool’s Day has been a time-honored tradition for generations, letting us all indulge in a bit of playful trickery—without crossing the line.
Whether you’re looking to surprise your kids, amuse your partner, or simply enjoy a good laugh, I’ve got you covered with pranks that are both hilarious and harmless. These ideas will keep everyone giggling, and best of all, they’re totally parent-approved.
So, let’s dive into 50 fun and safe pranks that will leave your family in stitches—no one’s getting into trouble this time!
1. Cracked Screen Prank
Convince Your Parents They’ve Cracked Their Smartphone!
A cracked screen on a smartphone or tablet is every parent’s worst nightmare. This April Fool’s Day, take advantage of that fear with a harmless prank that’s sure to get their heart racing!
How to Pull Off the Cracked Screen Prank:
- Download a Cracked Screen App or Image: Find a realistic cracked screen image or app and set it as the wallpaper on their device.
- Set the Stage: Hand them their phone casually or leave it in a spot where they’ll pick it up themselves.
- Watch Their Reaction: When they see the “damage,” they’ll likely be in shock, thinking their precious device is ruined.
- Reveal the Truth: Let the suspense build for a few seconds, then shout, “April Fool’s!” They’ll probably be so relieved that they won’t even be mad at you.
This prank is light-hearted, fun, and totally safe—just make sure to use it on someone who can take a joke! Enjoy the laughs and happy pranking!
2. Whoopie Cushion Whopper
Classic Whoopee Cushion Prank for a Guaranteed Laugh!
The whoopee cushion has been a go-to prank for generations, delivering laughs for kids and adults alike. This timeless trick never fails to surprise and amuse, making it a perfect addition to your April Fool’s Day arsenal!
How to Pull Off the Perfect Whoopee Cushion Prank:
- Choose the Right Moment: Wait for the perfect opportunity when your target is about to sit down. This could be at the dinner table, on the couch, or even at their desk.
- Sneak in the Whoopee Cushion: Casually place the whoopee cushion on their chair, under a throw pillow, or covered by a blanket, so it’s hidden but effective.
- Distract if Necessary: If you need to, distract them just long enough to ensure they’ve forgotten about sitting down, guaranteeing an unexpected (and hilarious) outcome.
- Watch and Enjoy: When they finally sit, the classic whoopee cushion sound will surprise everyone, leading to instant laughter.
3. Broken Remote Prank
Frustrate Your Parents with This Simple Remote Control Prank!
Sometimes the best pranks are the simplest ones. This April Fool’s Day, try the classic “Broken Remote” prank to get your parents hilariously frustrated!
How to Pull Off the Broken Remote Prank:
- Remove the Batteries: Secretly take the batteries out of every remote control in the house—TV, streaming devices, or sound systems. This will leave your parents baffled when they try to use them.
- Hide the Batteries: Stash the batteries in a safe place, like a drawer or under a couch cushion, to make it extra challenging for them to find.
- Watch the Confusion Unfold: Sit back and watch as they try to figure out why none of the remotes are working. Let them struggle for a bit before revealing the prank with a cheerful “April Fool’s!”
Pro Tip
If you want to add a fun twist, replace the batteries with something unexpected, like a small note that says, “April Fool’s!” This will give them a good laugh once they discover the trick.
This harmless prank is perfect for getting some laughs without causing any real inconvenience—just be prepared for some playful payback!
4. Frozen Cereal Prank
Start April Fool’s Day with a Hilarious Frozen Cereal Prank!
Looking for a fun way to surprise your family on April Fool’s Day? Try serving up a bowl of frozen cereal! If your mom, dad, or sibling loves having cereal for breakfast, this prank is sure to catch them off guard.
How to Pull Off the Frozen Cereal Prank:
- Prepare the Night Before: Before you go to bed, pour their favorite cereal into a bowl, add milk, and place it in the freezer overnight. Make sure the bowl is covered to avoid any spills.
- Serve the “Breakfast”: In the morning, casually tell them that you’ve made their breakfast. Serve the frozen bowl of cereal and watch as they try to dig into their “solid” breakfast!
- Enjoy the Reaction: Their confusion and surprise will be priceless when they realize they can’t eat their favorite morning meal. Once they’ve had a good laugh, offer to make them a real breakfast!
Pro Tip:
For an extra laugh, add a spoon into the bowl before freezing, so they get the full effect of trying to scoop rock-solid cereal.
This harmless prank is perfect for a morning giggle and sets the tone for a fun-filled April Fool’s Day. Just be ready for some laughter—and maybe a little payback!
5. Broken Mouse
Drive Your Parents Crazy with This Computer Mouse Prank!
Is your mom or dad always glued to their computer? This clever April Fool’s Day prank will leave them completely puzzled and maybe a little frustrated!
How to Pull Off the Computer Mouse Prank:
- Apply Clear Tape: Take a small piece of clear scotch tape and place it over the sensor or tracking ball on the bottom of their computer mouse. This will prevent the mouse from moving and make it seem like it’s broken.
- Set the Scene: Make sure everything else on their desk is in order, so the mouse is the only thing that appears to be malfunctioning.
- Watch Their Reaction: Sit back and enjoy as they try to figure out why their mouse isn’t working. You’ll see them shaking it, checking the batteries, and maybe even restarting the computer!
- Reveal the Prank: Let them stew for a while, then reveal the tape with a big “April Fool’s!” Their relief and laughter will be worth it.
Pro Tip:
For an added twist, leave a little message on the piece of tape like “Gotcha!” or “April Fool’s!” so they find it when they check the mouse.
This simple yet effective prank is a great way to have some fun without causing any real disruption. Just be ready for a good laugh and maybe a little payback!
6. Food Swap Prank
Surprise Your Family with These Hilarious Food Swap Pranks This April Fool’s Day!
April Fool’s Day is the perfect time to get creative with food swaps that look normal but taste completely unexpected! From swapping orange juice with something totally bizarre to switching everyday condiments, these pranks will leave your family in stitches.
How to Pull Off the Food Swap Prank:
- Choose Your Swap: Pick a food or drink your family loves and replace it with something that looks similar but tastes very different. The key is to make it look convincing enough that they don’t notice until it’s too late!
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all the items you need for your prank. Make sure everything is set up before serving so your family doesn’t suspect a thing.
- Serve and Enjoy the Reaction: Present your swapped food or drink with confidence. Watch their reactions as they take a bite or sip and realize something is off!
Hilarious Food Swap Ideas:
- “Orange Juice” Surprise: Mix water with mac and cheese powder to create a bright orange drink that looks just like orange juice but tastes… not so refreshing!
- Whipped Cream vs. Mayo: Replace whipped cream with mayonnaise on desserts like pies or hot chocolate for a shockingly bad taste.
- Diet Coke Fake-Out: Mix soy sauce and Sprite to create a liquid that looks like Diet Coke but tastes nothing like it.
- Avocado vs. Wasabi: Spread wasabi on toast or sushi instead of avocado for a spicy surprise.
- Hot Chocolate Swap: Serve teriyaki sauce in a cup as “hot chocolate” and watch their confusion as they take a sip.
- Vinegar Ice Cubes: Freeze vinegar in ice cube trays and use them in drinks for an unpleasantly sour sip!
The possibilities are endless, and the laughs will keep coming as your family tries to figure out what’s wrong with their favorite foods. Just remember to keep it light-hearted and be ready to reveal the prank before anyone gets too upset!
Pro Tip:
Always make sure that your food swaps are safe to consume. Avoid any ingredients that could cause allergies or serious discomfort, and have a real treat ready for after the prank!
7. Salty Coffee Prank
Start the Morning with a Surprise Salty Coffee Prank for April Fool’s Day!
If your mom or dad can’t start the day without a cup of coffee, this easy prank will give them an unexpected jolt! Swap sugar for salt in their coffee, and watch as their morning routine takes a hilarious turn.
How to Pull Off the Salty Coffee Prank:
- Prepare the Swap: Replace the sugar in their sugar bowl or sweetener container with salt. Make sure the salt looks similar to the usual sweetener to avoid suspicion.
- Set the Scene: Leave everything in its usual spot so they don’t suspect a thing. You can also swap out individual sugar packets if they use those instead of a sugar bowl.
- Watch the Reaction: Be nearby when they take that first sip of salty coffee. Their confused expression will be priceless as they try to figure out what went wrong!
- Reveal the Prank: After they’ve had a good laugh (or a minor shock), let them know it’s all in good fun. Offer to make them a real cup of coffee to start the day right.
Pro Tip:
If you want to make the prank even more convincing, switch out the salt and sugar in other places like the pantry or kitchen counter. This way, they won’t have a backup when they go searching for the real sugar!
This simple prank is harmless yet effective, making it a perfect addition to your April Fool’s Day pranks. Just make sure your target has a good sense of humor before you brew up some mischief!
8. Toothpaste Cookies Prank
Turn Snack Time into a Hilarious April Fool’s Day Prank with Toothpaste Cookies!
Looking for a classic yet effective April Fool’s prank? Swap the creamy filling in Oreo cookies with white toothpaste to create Toothpaste Cookies that look delicious but taste… not so much!
How to Pull Off the Toothpaste Cookies Prank:
- Prepare the Cookies: Start with Oreo or Oreo-style cookies. Carefully twist each cookie to separate the halves without breaking them.
- Replace the Filling: Use a butter knife to scrape off the original frosting. Then, replace it with a small amount of white toothpaste, spreading it evenly to mimic the original filling.
- Reassemble the Cookies: Gently press the cookie halves back together. Make sure they look just like regular cookies to avoid suspicion.
- Serve and Enjoy the Reaction: Offer the cookies as an afternoon snack with a glass of milk. Watch your parents’ faces as they take a bite and discover the unexpected minty taste!
Pro Tip:
For a more convincing prank, use a toothpaste with a similar texture and color to the original Oreo filling. Just be sure to choose a non-toxic, edible toothpaste, and let them know it’s a joke right away to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
This prank is perfect for a quick laugh and a memorable April Fool’s Day. Just be prepared to offer real cookies as a peace offering!
9. Lost Phone Trick
Confuse Your Parents with the Ultimate Lost Phone Prank This April Fool’s Day!
If you’re looking for a funny prank to play on your parents, this “Lost Phone” trick will have them frantically searching for their missing device.
How to Pull Off the Lost Phone Prank:
- Hide the Phone: Wake up early and tape your parent’s cell phone underneath their chair at the kitchen table. Make sure it’s secure and hidden from view.
- Set the Scene: Go about your usual morning routine and sit down for breakfast together. Keep the atmosphere casual so they don’t suspect a thing.
- Make the Call: While everyone is eating, call their cell phone from another device. Watch as they hear their phone ringing but can’t find it!
- Enjoy the Confusion: Let them search for a while before giving hints. How long will it take before they look under the chair?
Pro Tip:
To make this prank even more effective, set their phone to vibrate mode and call repeatedly. The buzzing sound will make them even more confused as they try to figure out where the noise is coming from!
This lighthearted prank is sure to get some laughs and start your April Fool’s Day off on the right foot. Just make sure to reveal the trick before they get too frustrated!
10. Frozen Computer Prank
Make Your Parents Think Their Computer is Frozen with This Clever April Fool’s Day Prank!
Looking for a tech-inspired prank this April Fool’s Day? Try the “Frozen Computer” prank to leave your parents scratching their heads!
How to Pull Off the Frozen Computer Prank:
- Take a Screenshot: Start by taking a screenshot of your parent’s current desktop screen. Make sure to capture all open windows and icons.
- Set the Scene: Leave the screenshot image open on their desktop in fullscreen mode. This way, everything looks normal, but nothing will be clickable.
- Watch Their Reaction: When your mom or dad tries to use the computer, they’ll be convinced that it’s completely frozen! Enjoy the confusion as they try clicking, typing, and even restarting the computer to no avail.
- Reveal the Prank: After a few minutes of puzzled frustration, reveal the joke by minimizing the screenshot window and shouting, “April Fool’s!”
Pro Tip:
If you want to take the prank up a notch, hide their mouse and keyboard temporarily. This will make it even harder for them to figure out what’s going on!
This harmless prank is perfect for a quick laugh without causing any real disruption. Just make sure your parents have a good sense of humor and aren’t in the middle of something important!
11. The Classic Soap Trick
Do your parents use a bar of soap when they shower? Or is there a bar of soap next to the sink in your house? Then this classic prank is a great way to fool everyone.
Take the bar of soap and make sure it’s completely dry. Find some clear nail polish and carefully paint the entire bar of soap. Be careful not to get the nail polish on anything, or you’ll REALLY be in trouble!
After it dries, replace the soap where it belongs. The next time mom or dad tries to lather the soap, nothing will happen!
12. Dirty Water
What if you turned on the faucet, and brown, discolored water came out? Gross!
Your parents will freak out about the water quality in your house if you play this harmless prank on them.
Take a cotton swab and carefully smear a few drops of food coloring around the rim of the faucet spout where the water comes out (gel food coloring works especially well).
Brown or green food coloring works well to make the water look dirty, and red works well to make it look bloody.
Watch their reaction as they turn on the water!
13. Out of Shampoo
Trick your parents into thinking that all of their bath products are out.
To do this, sneak into their bathroom and take all the caps off of their shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc. Then, place a small piece of plastic wrap over the bottle opening, and then screw the lid back on. Make sure nothing can come out.
The next time they’re in the shower, listen to hear their frustrated cries!
14. Upside Down House
If you have a parent who is very particular about the way the house is decorated, this is the perfect April’s Fool’s prank for them.
Before your parents wake up, set all objects in the house upside down. Look for pictures frames, clocks, books, etc. You can also hang the pictures on the wall upside down. Be careful not to break anything or you’ll really get in trouble!
I can say as a parent that this April Fool’s prank would drive me absolutely nuts!
15. Scary Spiders
If your mom or dad gets easily freaked out by creepy crawly insects, this prank is perfect to play on them.
Unroll the roll of toilet paper and draw a creepy spider with a thick black marker a few toilet paper sheets in from the end. Roll it back up and wait to hear a scream from the bathroom!
Or, you can buy a fake bug to place around the house, in shoes, on top of folded towels, on the top sheet of the bed, etc.
You can even buy tiny ones and freeze them in ice cubes. That will really freak out your family when they go to take a sip of water and there’s a bug inside!
Note: Fake spiders or insects are great to have at your disposal because you can use them over and over again in different situations.
These fake spiders on Amazon are really creepy:
16. Surprise Sink Spray
This might be the best april fools’ prank because it’s so easy and required almost no planning. (Hello, procrastinating pranksters!) You’ve probably heard about it or seen it happen to someone else.
Use a rubber band to keep the sink sprayer handle pressed down. When the next person goes to turn on the faucet, the sprayer will soak them. Just make sure it’s not you!
17. Crazy Alarms
Want to really annoy your parents? Set all of the alarm clocks in the house to go off at different times throughout the next day.
Every time the alarm goes off unexpectedly, it will disturb and annoy everyone! It will be a never-ending April Fool’s Prank that’s sure to drive them crazy all day.
18. Shoes Don’t Fit
Of all the playful pranks to play on your parents, this one might be the easiest and most harmless.
All you need are cotton balls! Stuff them in the toes of your parents favorite shoes. The next time they go to put their shoes on, they’ll think their shoes are too small.
19. Habla Español?
Change the settings on the TV or on your parent’s cell phone so that everything they see is in Spanish or French instead of English. Be sure to remember how to switch it back, or they might get really mad!
20. Hair Loss
Warning – this prank might actually freak them out and make them angry. Proceed with caution!
What is scarier than thinking you’re losing your hair? Buy a package of hair extensions that match your parent’s hair. You can find them at the local drug store, grocery store, or online. Then, snip some strands about the length of your parent’s real hair and spread it around on their pillow while they are asleep.
They’ll wake up thinking they’re in a nightmare! They’ll be so relieved to realize that the whole thing is just a prank.
21. Brownie Batch
Surprise your mom or dad by telling them you’ve made them a fresh batch of brownies for an afternoon snack! They’ll be so excited for your delicious treats.
Then, offer up a plate of brown letter E’s made from construction paper. (brown e = brownie!)
To make this prank happen, all you need is brown construction paper and a pair of scissors. Happy “baking”!
22. Moldy Bread
There’s nothing more irritating to a parent than discovering that the bread they just bought at the store has already gone bad.
How to do it: Dab a few drops of green food coloring on a few slices of bread in the load. Keep the top slice fresh and clean so that the colored “mold” is hidden.
Then wait for their reaction as they open the bread for the morning toast or daily sandwich.
23. Jello Mold
This classic prank was made famous by Jim on “The Office”, so it’s one of the best april fools day pranks for a parent who loves that show.
Take an item that your mom or dad uses frequently like a stapler or a favorite pen. Stick it in the refrigerator overnight to harden inside the jello mold.
Here are detailed instructions for this trick.
24. Bubble Wrap Fun
There’s so much you can do with bubble wrap on April Fool’s Day.
Place bubble wrap under the toilet seat for a good scare. Place it under a bath mat, kitchen mat, or rug that’s used often.
The popping sounds will scare and confuse your parents, and the best part will be watching them!
25. Light Switch Trick
Make the light switches in the house un-usable with simple clear scotch tape. Mold it around the light switch so that it will be difficult to understand why the light switch won’t move.
Your parents will be so annoyed when they can’t turn the lights on and off!
26. Out of time? Just Scare Them
If you’re running low on time for planning your april fools’ day pranks, there’s nothing better than a good old-fashioned scare.
Find a big box and hide in it. Hide in the closet. Hide under a blanket.
When your mom or dad is least suspecting it, jump out and yell “April Fool’s!”
27. Gummy Worm Apples
Surprise your kids by poking gummy worms into their apple. At first glance, it looks like the apple is infested, but they’ll quickly realize it’s a delicious treat!
28. Strangers in Picture Frames
Swap out family photos with images of celebrities or random people. It’s a hilarious way to see if anyone notices the “new family members” in your home!
29. Horror House
Replace regular light bulbs with flickering, low-watt bulbs for a spooky effect. Perfect for creating a haunted atmosphere!
30. Smoking Toilet
Create a “smoking” toilet by using toilet paper rolls as eyes and a cardboard tube as a cigar. Then shout, “The toilet is smoking!” for a funny surprise.
31. Frozen Hot Cocoa
Make hot chocolate, freeze it overnight, and pour a little hot water on top in the morning. Watch your parents try to sip their frozen drink!
32. Keep a Straight Face
Tell your parents something they don’t want to hear—like failing a class—while keeping a straight face. See how long you can keep the prank going!
33. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Replace fresh eggs with hard-boiled ones in the carton. They’ll be surprised when they go to crack an egg for breakfast!
34. Autocorrect Chaos
Change your parent’s phone autocorrect settings so common words turn into ridiculous phrases. “Yes” becomes “No way!”
35. “Lost” Phone Call
Call your parents from your phone and say you’ve lost it. Watch them try to figure out how that’s even possible!
36. Peanut Butter Shoe Prank
Place crunchy peanut butter in someone’s shoe to mimic a gross surprise. Then take a lick to reveal the joke!
37. Special Delivery!
Stack empty boxes outside your front door to look like a massive delivery arrived. Watch your family’s reactions!
38. Toothpaste Swap
Switch the labels of toothpaste and anchovy paste. Watch as your victim gets a wake-up call when they brush their teeth!
39. Cheesy Deodorant
Replace deodorant with cream cheese. Smooth it into the container for a convincing look.
40. Confetti Surprise
Place confetti on top of a ceiling fan. When it’s turned on, a surprise confetti shower will greet the unsuspecting victim!
41. Duct Tape Toilet Paper
Replace the toilet paper roll with white duct tape. It’s a frustrating but harmless prank!
42. Mailbox Surprise
Add fake bugs or a toy snake to the mailbox. Your parents will get a scare when they check the mail!
43. “Honk at Me” Sign
Tape a “Honk at Me!” sign on your parent’s car. They’ll be confused by all the extra honks on the way to work!
44. Kitchen Drawer Switch
Swap the contents of two kitchen drawers. Watch your parents get frustrated when they can’t find the utensils they need!
45. Fake Vomit
Place fake vomit in an unexpected place like their bed or car. Their reaction will be priceless!
46. Whoopie Cushion Classic
Place a whoopie cushion on the chair where your parents usually sit. It’s a timeless prank that never gets old!
47. Balloon Pillows
Fill pillowcases with balloons. When your parents go to bed, they’ll be in for a surprise!
48. Googly Eyes Everywhere
Stick googly eyes on all the fruit in the house for a funny surprise every time your family goes to grab a snack.
49. Upside Down Screen
Flip the computer screen by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Down Arrow. See how long it takes for them to figure it out!
50. Catch the Poo
Cover the toilet bowl with plastic wrap and wait for someone to use it. Be prepared for a big reaction—use with caution!
51. Ice Cube Bugs
Freeze plastic bugs in ice cubes. Add them to drinks for a harmless but surprising twist.
52. Short Sheet the Bed
Fold the bed sheet halfway up to create a fake bottom. When someone tries to get in, they’ll find their feet stuck!
53. Faux Sponge Cake
Cover a clean kitchen sponge with icing. Offer it as “cake” and watch their confusion when they try to take a bite!
54. Cereal Switcheroo
Pour Jell-O into a bowl with a spoon and let it set overnight. Serve it as “cereal” in the morning for a hilarious start to the day.
55. Mini Meatloaf “Cupcakes”
Make mini meatloaves and frost them with mashed potatoes to look like cupcakes. Serve them for dinner and watch the surprise!
Tips for April Fool’s Pranks
- Choose the right person to for your April Fool’s Day pranks.. Find someone who likes a good joke. We don’t want to start any fights.
- Plan ahead if you can. Order the supplies you need to make your prank go perfectly.
- Keep a straight face as long as you can. This is what will really make the prank go well and be hilarious!
History of April Fool’s Day
The annual tradition of April Fool’s Day dates all the way back to 1582, when France changed from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. People who were slow to get the news continues to celebrate the start of the new year during the last week of March instead of on January 1st. They become the butt of the joke.
April Fool’s Day spree throughout Britan during the 18th century, where people would send their pranks on fake errands and pin fake tails on them.
It’s been celebrated for many centuries across various cultures, but its exact origins are not fully known.
These are some good pranks if we do say so ourselves.
We hope this list of pranks makes your april fool’s day memorable for your whole family. (And that you don’t get into too much trouble for them!)
At the end of the day, we all need laughter. It’s the best medicine, after all.
We hope you have a good time trying out these silly tricks, and we can’t wait to hear how it went.
Looking to bring more fun into your daily routine? Discover How to Be a Fun Mom with tips on bonding through authentic activities.
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
