April Fools’ Day gives us all an excuse to tap into our inner pranksters. From classic gags to viral jokes, these 35 April Fools’ pranks are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.
April 1st only comes once a year, so take advantage of it! Whether you’re looking for ideas to get your kids, family, coworkers, or friends, this comprehensive list of April Fools’ jokes has something for every prankster.
Types of April Fools’ Jokes
When it comes to making people laugh on April 1st, the options are endless. But generally, April Fools’ jokes tend to fall into a few major categories.
Classic April Fools’ Jokes
These timeless gags will never get old. Keep the April Fools’ tradition alive with these classic joke formulas.
"Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?"
This iconic joke setup has infinite punchlines to choose from. Come up with your own zany response or go with a classic like, “To get to the other side!” Just be sure to deliver it with enthusiasm.
Knock-Knock Jokes
Knock-knock jokes are a staple for kids, but adults can get in on the fun too. Try this April Fools’ themed one:
Knock knock.
Who's there?
April.
April who?
April Fools!
"What Time is it?"
When someone asks you for the time, look at your bare wrist and say, "Why, it's April Fools' o'clock!"
Pranks
What’s April Fools’ Day without classic pranks? Draw on their hand while they sleep, tape down their computer mouse, or balance a bucket of water above a slightly open door. Just be sure the prank is light-hearted and doesn’t cause any real harm.
April Fools’ One-Liners
Short, snappy one-liners are perfect for pranking people in passing. Try out these funny April Fools’ jokes.
I'm so glad I decided to give up lying for Lent. April Fools!
Did you hear oxygen and magnesium got together? OMg!
Don't trust atoms. They make up everything.
Want to hear a pizza joke? Nevermind, it's too cheesy.
I'm reading a great book about anti-gravity. It's impossible to put down!
Funny April Fools' Stories
Spin an elaborate April Fools' story to really fool your friends and family. Details and consistency are key to selling the prank and getting everyone to believe it.
For example, pretend to read an outrageous news headline like, "Bill Murray Announced as Next James Bond." Or tell them with a straight face, "NASA said they discovered unicorns on Mars this morning." The more serious you act, the funnier the reveal will be.
April Fools' Puns
Puns and wordplay always make for great April Fools' laughs. Try these jokes out on your pun-loving friends.
I changed my iPod's name to Titanic. It's syncing now.
A boiled egg in the morning is really hard to beat.
The magician got so mad he pulled his hare out.
I tried to catch fog yesterday. Mist.
Parallel lines have so much in common. It's a shame they'll never meet.
Occasions for April Fools’ Pranks
While any day is a good day for laughs, certain occasions and events lend themselves particularly well to April Fools’ jokes and pranks.
Family Gatherings
Get the kids involved and make your next family gathering one to remember with these April Fools’ gags tailored for families.
- Replace the jelly in a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a similar color of Play-Doh.
- Put plastic wrap on the toilet seat so the next person gets a surprise.
- Switch the salt and sugar jars.
- Turn family photos upside down in their frames.
Keep jokes G-rated so the whole family can get a chuckle.
April Fools' Pranks for the Office
Help everyone take work a little less seriously with these safe April Fools’ office pranks.
- Swap keys on a coworker's keyboard around.
- Place a sticky note under someone's mouse.
- Leave a fake meeting announcement on someone's desk.
- Fill a co-worker's office with balloons when they step out.
Make sure the pranks don't disrupt productivity or single any one out.
April Fools’ Jokes for Social Media
Take your April Fools’ joke viral with these prank ideas made for social media.
- Post ridiculously edited photos on Instagram and see if anyone notices.
- Tweet that you're going on tour with a celebrity.
- Change your relationship status on Facebook to "in a relationship with" a funny pairing.
- Share an Onion article as if it's real news.
Keep it light-hearted and have fun fooling your followers.
School Pranks for April Fools' Day
From elementary school to college, April 1st spells prank time. Avoid getting in trouble with these safe April Fools’ tricks for school.
- Switch signs on the bathroom doors.
- Print and post fake event flyers around campus.
- Talk to your teacher through a fake voice changer.
- Put sticky notes with funny messages on the bottom of mice in the computer lab.
Don't let pranks disrupt your education - save the big laughs for after class!
Types of People to Prank on April Fools' Day
Know your audience when it comes to fooling others. Tailor your April Fools’ jokes to the sense of humor of whoever you’re pranking.
April Fools’ Jokes for Kids
Kids look forward to the silliness of April 1st every year. Keep little ones entertained with kid-friendly jokes.
- Replace the cream filling of Oreos with toothpaste.
- Put plastic insects in their sandwich.
- Place a fake spider or piece of candy on the floor then watch them pick it up.
- Tell them school was cancelled for the day.
Make sure your jokes are age-appropriate and not too messy!
April Fools’ Pranks for Adults
Take advantage of the maturity of adult humor with these pranks made for grown-ups.
- Leave cryptic notes around the house for them to find.
- Pretend you got drafted by the NBA or cast on a reality show.
- For parents, tell them you got a tattoo or piercing.
- For significant others, fake propose to them.
Remember most adults appreciate subtlety over slapstick!
Office Pranks for Coworkers
Bring some levity into the workplace with these office-friendly April Fools’ ideas.
- Leave a fake memo from the boss on their desk.
- Switch out their family photos with pictures of you or celebrities.
- Place plastic wrap at the bottom of a full coffee mug.
- Move everything on their desk slightly to the left or right.
Keep office pranks tasteful - you still have to work with these people!
April Fools’ Jokes for Friends
The best April Fools’ jokes come from close friends who really know you. Tailor the prank to target their personality and pet peeves.
- Rearrange their furniture or swap items between rooms.
- Sarcastically pretend you don't remember something they already told you.
- If they're bad with names, introduce yourself and others with the wrong names.
- For foodies, coat oranges with chocolate or replace filling in baked goods.
Leverage your friendship to get the best reaction.
Formats for April Fools’ Laughs
Beyond the text, visuals and delivery can help takes your jokes, pranks and hoaxes to the next level.
Written April Fools’ Jokes
Write out funny jokes or prank announcements on cards, letters, notes, or posters.
- Leave joke resignation letters on coworkers' desks.
- Send a fake wedding invitation in the mail to a friend.
- Post formal-looking event announcements or flyers for silly made up occasions.
- Send friends cards with punny messages or poems.
Handwritten notes deliver the prank with a personal touch.
April Fools’ Pranks Using Visuals
Invoke laughter through clever visual gags and setups.
- Make funny fake magazine covers featuring their face.
- Cover their workspace or living space in aluminum foil.
- Wrap an item in excessive packaging material so it takes forever to open.
- Cover their belongings in sticky notes.
Visual pranks instantly capture people's attention for surprise laughs.
Audio April Fools’ Jokes
Record funny sounds or verbal jokes to share.
- Create a soundtrack of silly sound effects.
- Leave prank voicemails or recordings for them to find.
- Verbally tell them jokes or stories in person or over the phone.
- Alter your voice with effects when talking to them.
Audio jokes and pranks are more interactive and personal.
Video Clips for April Fools’
Capture the reactions and chaos of April Fools’ pranks on video.
- Stage a funny scenario and record them walking into it.
- Film yourself pulling a prank on them.
- Create a fake trailer preview for a silly movie starring them.
- Make a goofy music video parody with their face edited in.
Seeing pranks unfold on video doubles the entertainment.
History of April Fools’ Day Pranks
April Fools’ tradition dates back centuries and continues to evolve today. Understanding the history of this silly holiday can provide inspiration for your own pranking.
The exact origin remains up for debate, but April Fools' Day most likely began in the 1500s when France switched calendars, making New Year’s the start of January instead of the end of March. Those who still celebrated on April 1st were mocked as “April fools”.
In modern times, April Fools’ Day has evolved into an internet sensation. Online pranks and viral hoaxes take advantage of technology to fool people. Major brands like Google, Twitter, YouTube, and Reddit have joined in on the mischief with their own annual pranks and jokes.
No matter how it’s celebrated, April Fools’ Day gives people everywhere an excuse to be a little foolish, stir up some smiles, and not take life too seriously, if only for a day.
Tips for Pulling Off the Perfect Prank
A mediocre prank will earn a courtesy chuckle at best. But put thought into planning the details and you can deliver truly memorable April Fools’ laughs.
Match the Humor of Your Target
Assess whether they would appreciate slapstick, deadpan jokes, or elaborate ruses. Know what will make them really laugh based on their personality.
Plot Out the Logistics
Determine what materials or accomplices you’ll need, timing of the reveal, clean up required, and potential risks. Improvisation can backfire.
Commit to Staying in Character
Selling the authenticity is key to pulling off a fake-out prank. Don’t break character and give yourself away too soon!
Catch Their Reaction
Record their reaction on video or have an accomplice in the room to witness their shocked and confused face when the prank is revealed.
Time the Payoff Just Right
Let the prank play out long enough to get them really good, but not so long that it loses the humor or goes too far.
Why Do We Love April Fools’ Day?
April Fools’ Day brings out the trickster in all of us. But there’s some science behind why we can’t resist a good prank.
Humor Relieves Stress
Laughing literally decreases the stress hormone cortisol. April Fools’ jokes lighten our mental load.
Playing Tricks Fosters Bonding
A shared funny experience forms an inside joke that brings people closer together.
Outsmarting Others Feels Rewarding
Successfully fooling someone gives our brains a rush of dopamine. A harmless prank satisfies our craving for mischief.
It Allows Us to Be Spontaneous
Letting loose and acting foolishly provides a mood boost and liberating feelings.
We Enjoy Other People's Reactions
Seeing the shock, outrage, and laughter on someone’s face when they realize they’ve been tricked is priceless.
So embrace your inner child and prankster. Just be responsible about it and keep the jokes light-hearted and fun for everyone. With good humor and laughter, we can make everyday feel a bit more like April Fools’ Day.
Conclusion
April Fools’ Day is the perfect chance to stir up some surprise and laughter with friends, coworkers, family, and anyone who needs a good prank. From classic gags to viral jokes, use these 35 April Fools’ ideas as inspiration to make your own memories and bring the laughs.
Just be sure the jokes are all in good fun. Know when to stop and avoid dangerous, destructive, or truly mean-spirited pranks. April Fools’ Day should leave everyone smiling and bring people together to share in the frivolity.
So tap into your silly side, don’t take yourself too seriously today, and get out there and prank someone! Just don’t be surprised if you catch a prank yourself while you’re at it. That’s the beauty of April Fools’ Day – expect the unexpected and enjoy the absurdity. Laughter and fun are always in season.
Frequently Asked Questions About April Fools’ Day Jokes
April Fools’ Day brings out the inner prankster in all of us. But pulling off the perfect joke or prank takes thought and preparation. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about how to make the most of April 1st:
What are some kid-friendly April Fools’ jokes?
Some safe, child-approved April Fools’ pranks include replacing the cream filling in Oreos with toothpaste, putting plastic insects in their sandwiches, or switching the salt and sugar jars when baking. Just avoid overly messy or complicated jokes that could frustrate younger kids.
What makes a good April Fools’ office prank?
The best office pranks are subtle, reversible, don’t single anyone out, and won’t actually disrupt work. Fun ideas include swapping out family photos, mislabeling food in the fridge, or adding silly text shortcuts to keyboards. Avoid pranks that could embarrass others or get anyone in real trouble.
How do I pull off an April Fools’ joke on my significant other?
Leverage your knowledge of their personality quirks and pet peeves when pranking your significant other. Some ideas are rearranging furniture, pretending to have forgotten an important date, or faking an injury or emergency. Just know their limits and when to stop before going too far.
What ingredients are needed for a viral April Fools’ joke on social media?
To take your April Fools’ joke viral, tie it into a trending topic, involve multiple platforms for maximum reach, have a funny image or video, and consider running it as an ad for 24 hours. Build up hype in advance then debunk it before the day ends.
How long should an April Fools’ prank last before revealing it’s a joke?
Let the prank play out long enough to get a good reaction, but not to the point that it goes too far or upsets the person. Aim for the “sweet spot” reveal time, which is typically 15-45 minutes for adults or after just 5-10 minutes for kids.
What makes a classic April Fools’ joke stand the test of time?
The best classic April Fools’ jokes involve a simple formula that can be repeated each year like prank phone calls, putting objects where they don't belong, or impersonating someone's identity. Keeping the prank routine consistent while changing small details makes it timeless.
How do I avoid taking an April Fools’ joke too far?
To keep your jokes light-hearted, make sure they are reversible, don't cause monetary damage, won't harm anyone's safety, and avoid deeply personal or sensitive topics. Pranks should unite people in laughter, not divide them. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.
What are some original April Fools’ jokes that go beyond classic gags?
Put a new spin on April Fools’ tradition with modern jokes like fake viral videos, photoshopping their face onto celebrities in events, sending absurd texts or emails from a fake account, or tweeting ridiculous "leaked" information about them as an influencer.
Where can I find inspiration for new April Fools’ jokes and pranks?
Check April Fools’ joke websites and lists of brand pranks from prior years. YouTube prank channels can also provide fodder to spark your own unique ideas. Reddit threads on April Fools’ jokes offer crowdsourced inspiration straight from fellow pranksters.
0Comments