Need a good laugh? These Thanksgiving jokes will keep the whole family entertained for hours on turkey day
Add a little levity to the Thanksgiving table this year with some kid-approved Thanksgiving jokes. We gathered our favorite jokes about pie and funny jokes about turkeys for this list that will have your whole family laughing before dessert is even served! If you’re looking for more ways to keep the kids entertained during the holiday, check out our fun free Thanksgiving printables and Thanksgiving games for kids.
Turkey Thanksgiving Jokes
1. Why was the turkey late for Thanksgiving?
He ran out of thyme.
2. What are turkeys most thankful for on Thanksgiving?
Vegetarians
3. What instrument does the turkey play in the band?
The drums because he already has the drumsticks.
4. Who comes to Thanksgiving dinner but is not hungry?
The turkey because he’s already stuffed!
5. What side of the turkey has the most feathers?
The outside.
6. Why did the turkey cross the road?
The chicken was on vacation.
7. What kind of weather does a turkey like?
Fowl weather!
8. What kind of key can’t open doors?
A tur-key!
9. Why did the turkey get arrested?
He was suspected of fowl play.
10. What do you call a turkey running in a sprint?
Fast food.
Jokes about Dessert
11. How do you fix a cracked pumpkin pie?
With a pumpkin patch.
12. What do you get if you cross a pie and a snake? A pie-thon.
13. What’s the best thing to put in pumpkin pie?
Your teeth.
14. What’s a pumpkin’s favorite game?
Squash
15. Why did the pumpkin pie cross the road?
It saw a fork up ahead.
16. Why did the pie go to the dentist?
It needed a filling.
17. Why did the apple pie cry?
Its peelings were hurt.
18. What did the pie say to the fork?
You want a piece of me?
Thanksgiving Dinner Jokes
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19. What did one plate say to the other plate? Dinner is on me!
20. How many cranberries grow on a bush?
All of them.
21. What smells the best at Thanksgiving dinner?
Your nose.
22. Knock, Knock
Who’s there? Harry!
Harry who? Harry up, I’m hungry!
23. What is the role of green beans at Thanksgiving dinner?
The casserole
24. What’s a potato’s favorite game to play during Thanksgiving dinner?
MASH
25. What kind of music do pilgrims listen to?
Plymouth Rock
Whether you are planning a big Halloween party or just a festive night at home with the family, these Halloween songs for kids will get everyone into the groove.
Get yourself in the mood for ghosts and goblins with this not-too-scary list of Halloween songs for kids. Don your Halloween costumes and cue up your playlist with old favorites like “Ghostbusters,” “Monster Mash,” and “I Want Candy.”You just might find some new favorite tunes to get you in the Halloween spirit before you dive into those party games!
Halloween songs for young kids
The Great Pumpkin Waltz by Vince Guaraldi
This is a classic Halloween song for kids you'll want to add to your playlist for sure!
Haunting Days of Halloween
By Lucy Kalantari & the Jazz Cats
Haunting days of Halloween Nothing's quite as it may seem All the tales you’ve been told All the creatures you know Have been walking with you hiding under your nose But now now now now It’s time time time To be free!
Witches' Brew by Hap Palmer
Dead leaves, seaweed, rotten eggs too Stir them in my witches' brew I got magic Alakazamakazoo
Spider web, moldy bread, mucky mud too Stir them in my witches' brew I got magic Alakazamakazoo
Halloween Rules by Bounce Patrol
Whatcha wanna be for Halloween A ghosty or a goblin or the fairy queen A superhero red and blue A monkey or a mouse It's up to you
Ding dong, trick-or-treat Walking up and down the street Halloween night is way too cool
Ding dong, trick-or-treat Candy and make believe Can you shout it out? Halloween Rules!
Five little ghosts went out one night Haunting, spooking what a fright Mother ghost said, "Booooo, boo!" But back to the house only four ghosts flew One, two, three, four
Four little ghosts went out one night Haunting, spooking what a fright Mother ghost said, "Booooo, boo!" But back to the house only three ghosts flew One, two, three
Down by the Spooky Bay
Down by the bay Where the pumpkins grow Back to my home I dare not go
For if I do My mummy will say Did you ever see a ghost Eating some toast Down by the bay
Down by the bay Where the pumpkins grow Back to my home I dare not go
For if I do My mummy will say Did you ever see a vampire Making a campfire Down by the bay
Trick or Treat Nursery Rhyme
By Blippi
Every 31st of October there's a day Where the people all come out onto the streets and like to play
All dressed up in costumes in all shapes and every size It can be a little spooky but no need to close your eyes.
Five Little Pumpkins
Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate, First one said "Oh my, it's getting late!" Second one said "There are witches in the air," Third one said "but we don't care!" Fourth one said "Let's run and run and run." Fifth one said "I'm ready for some fun!" Ooo ooo went the wind, and out went the lights, And five little pumpkins rolled out of sight.
Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones, Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones, Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones, Now shake dem skeleton bones!
The toe bone's connected to the foot bone, The foot bone's connected to the ankle bone, The ankle bone's connected to the leg bone, Now shake dem skeleton bones!
Monster Boogie
By Laurie Berkner
I'm the biggest monster that you've ever seen My eyes are purple and my teeth are green I'm big and I'm scary, you know what I mean This is what I like to do
I do the monster boogie, the monster boogie The monster boogie round the room Everybody does the monster boogie The monster boogie, the monster boogie
Choc-o-lot in My Pock-o-lot
By Laurie Berkner
When I walk, I walk a lot And when I talk, I talk a lot And when I’m not, what do I got?
Choc-o-lot! I got choc-o-lot! I got choc-o-lot in my pock-o-lot!
I wear my shoes and my socks a lot And when I paint, I wear a smock a lot But when I’m not, what do I got?
Choc-o-lot! I got choc-o-lot!
The Purple People Eater
By Sheb Wooley
Well, I saw the thing comin' out of the sky It had the one long horn, one big eye I commenced to shakin' and I said "ooh-eee" It looks like a purple eater to me
It was a one-eyed, one-horned, flyin' purple people eater (One-eyed, one-horned, flyin' purple people eater) A one-eyed, one-horned, flyin' purple people eater Sure looks strange to me (one eye?)
Scooby Doo Theme Song
Scooby-Dooby-Doo, where are you? We got some work to do now Scooby-Dooby-Doo, where are you? We need some help from you now
Halloween songs for older kids
Something's Brewing
By Purple Fox and the Heebie Jeebies
Something's brewing in the basement That's where, the basement Down, down, down, down, down Something's spooky on the stairs There's an empty chair I think this house is haunted Look around, look around What's that sound? Don't look now Is that a blob? Or is it Bob?
This medley of Disney Halloween songs includes "This Is Halloween," "Vive La Vi," "The Haunted Mansion Opening Title," "It is Halloween-lo-ween," "I put a spell on you," and "Grim, grinning Ghosts."
Haunted House
Oh no, here we go Walking through the haunted house Haunted house, haunted house What do you see? I see skeletons!
Oh no, here we go Walking through the haunted house Haunted house, haunted house What do you see? I see a witch!
Ghost In My House
By Jumpin' Jamie
My homework's missing There's holes in the sheets He pushed my sister And blamed it on me Always turning on and off the lights And making noise so I can't sleep at night
There's a ghost in my house And he's really annoying And he needs to get a job But no one will employ him
Monster Mash
By Bobby Pickett
I was working in the lab, late one night When my eyes beheld an eerie sight For my monster from his slab, began to rise And suddenly to my surprise
He did the mash, he did the monster mash The monster mash, it was a graveyard smash He did the mash, it caught on in a flash He did the mash, he did the monster mash
I Want Candy
By The Strangeloves
I know a girl who's tough but sweet She's so fine, she can't be beat She's got everything that I desire Sets the summer sun on fire
I want candy I want candy I want candy I want candy
Ghostbusters! If there's something strange In your neighborhood Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!
If there's something weird And it don't look good Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!
The Addams Family Theme Song
By Vic Mizzy
They're creepy and they're kooky Mysterious and spooky They're all together ooky The Addams family Their house is a museum Where people come to see 'em They really are a scream The Addams family
This Is Halloween
From The Nightmare before Christmas
Boys and girls of every age Wouldn't you like to see something strange?
Come with us and you will see This, our town of Halloween
This is Halloween, this is Halloween Pumpkins scream in the dead of night
Costume Party
By The Popups
Went to the closet to put on some costume clothes and there it was just hanging right above my head my sister grabbed the tie that grandpa used to wear and I only had eyes on that lavender dress (really had my eye)
(It's a costume party!) maybe it's the way some things button in the back some are really scratchy some are silken thread it's ok to try things on to see how it feels because clothes I suppose are just the way that you're dressed
Jump in the Line (Shake Senora)
By Harry Belafonte
Shake, shake, shake, Senora, Shake your body line Shake, shake, shake, Senora, Shake it all the time Work, work, work, Senora, Work your body line Work, work, work, Senora, Work it all the time
Little Red Riding Hood
By Sam the Sham
Owoooooooo! Who's that I see walkin' in these woods? Why, it's Little Red Riding Hood Hey there Little Red Riding Hood You sure are looking good You're everything a big bad wolf could want Listen to me Little Red Riding Hood I don't think little big girls should Go walking in these spooky old woods alone
I woke up this morning And everything was different Something was strange in the air I woke up this morning And everything was different I knew that the ninjas had been there
Skeletone
by Caspar Babypants (aka Chris Ballew from the '90s band Presidents of the United States of America)
On Halloween he can be seen dancing to and fro play your bones, Skeletone In the mist he will insist on a long solo play your bones, Skeletone
These knock knock jokes are so bad that they’re hilariously good
Nothing gets kids laughing and smiling quite like a knock knock joke, so it’s always a good idea to have a few tucked away for those moments when you need to inject a little humor. Check out our collection of hilarious knock knock jokes for kids, and be sure to memorize a few for later. If the knock knock jokes get old, there are always classic jokes for kids, jokes for toddlers, and winter jokes that are sure to keep the adorable belly laughs rolling.
Animal Knock Knock Jokes
1. Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Who.
Who who?
What are you, an owl?
2. Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Honeybee.
Honeybee who?
Honeybee a dear and open up will you?
3. Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Cows go.
Cows go who?
No silly, cows go MOO!
4. Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Goat.
Goat who?
Go to the front door and find out!
5. Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Amos.
Amos who?
A mosquito. Look, right there!
6. Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Roach.
Roach who?
Roach you a letter, and I’m putting it in your mailbox!
Between daily parenting duties, work, and navigating the current world in general, saying your days are full is probably an understatement. And while your kid’s day may be full of exploration and creativity, they can also experience a lot of anxiety, stress, and pressure. Which makes it even more important to have some positive, uninterrupted time to reconnect.
Even five minutes can make a difference in a child’s emotional well-being. But as Randy McCoy, VP of Product & Curriculum for The Little Gym, reminds us, how long you play is less important than how often. “It’s not necessarily the ‘duration of play’ but the ‘frequency of play’ that matters most,” Mccoy says. “If a parent can give their child their undivided attention and play with them just five minutes a day, every day, they’re on the right track.”
The good news is, there are lots of ways to play that take next to no prep. Read on for 21 easy ideas to play with your kids, whether you have five minutes, fifteen, or more.
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8 Super Fast 5-Minute Games
When you have a few minutes, whether it's before school or after dinner, parent like a pro with these little-to-no-prep basics you can use just about anywhere.
Try out "Would You Rather?" kid edition. Spend a fun five minutes taking turns asking questions like, "Would you rather never eat ice cream again or get a trampoline?" or "Ride a dinosaur for 20 miles or an elephant for an hour?" The sillier the better. This also makes a great road trip game.
Make a dictionary dash. Grab a dictionary and choose a word at random. Read it out loud and have the kids guess what it means. If they can read, they can take turns finding words and trying to stump you.
Tickle your sidekick’s funny bone. Whip out brain busters or riddles that will make them laugh. Luckily you don’t need Comedy Central writers for this one. We think your goofballs will get a kick out of our ultimate list of jokes for kids.
A few rounds of “We’re going on a picnic” alphabet style will entertain the tot lot. The first player up says, “I’m going on a picnic,” then adds a tasty packable to the phrase, like an apple, apricot or avocado. Stick with ABC-order, or focus on just one letter for each round.
Play 20 questions. Have your kids guess what you're thinking of, and keep it simple, like something you can see from where you're standing.
Play a classic game of Rock, Paper, Scissors—Japanese style. It’s called Janken. Start by saying “saisho wa guu.” Then “janken pon” as you pump, before throwing on “pon.” The winning combos are still the same in this timeless, quick game you can play at home or on the go.
Turn yourself into a living “spot the difference” puzzle. Start with a slow model turn, then disappear and make a quick change out of sight. When you come back, your cutie’s got to spot what’s different. Did you take off a cap? Put on a scarf? Untie a shoe? Keep it easy for the tots, and kick it up a notch for older kiddos (only one earring!). Then let them have a turn trying to stump you.
Try out a sequencing game when the wanderlust takes hold. Name a person, place, and object, all starting with the same letter of the alphabet, then string them together like kids lining up for the school bus. “Alice from Australia loves alligators!” See how far you can get in a short amount of time.
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6 Mini-Games That Take 15 Minutes
For parents, playing with our kids allows us to step out of all those daily parental duties and, as McCoy explains, build friendship between parent and child. “When you play with your kids,” he says, “it provides an opportunity for you to interact with them on a different level. For a special moment, you step out of the ‘parent’ role and step into a playmate role.”
Take a break from your to-do list and try one of these 15-minute play breaks that will thrill the kids and relax you, too.
Post-It style. A stack of Post-It notes and a pen are all it takes to play this short-and-sweet variation of the classic guessing game for parties. Choose someone to be "it." Write on the Post-It note the name of a character from a book, movie, or show that your kid will recognize—it can be a famous person, someone they know or a fictional character. Stick the note to their forehead, without letting them see what you wrote. Now take turns going around the room giving "it" clues to help them guess who is on their head.
Curl up with a good book. Putting out a basket of books in a central location motivates the kids to take a look through the pages when they’ve got time to spare. Add in a sweet bookmark that keeps track of time to make it count.
Give them their daily feels. Keep your favorite sensory bin fillers on hand (like cotton balls and dry beans), along with trinkets to bury and cups for spilling and filling. When you’ve got a short window, pull out the bin, fill ‘er up, and watch your kids dig and drizzle until it’s time to go.
Set up a quick cotton ball and straw race. Perfect for the kitchen table before lunch is served. Have siblings challenge each other for the pole position on a straightaway down the center of the table, or set up a simple obstacle course using cups that the kiddos have to work around. Ready, set, go before you go!
Give a penny for their thoughts when they write in a journal. Setting aside a short amount of time to write (each day!) is a great way to encourage your amateur author’s creativity. Use silly or thought-provoking prompts to get them thinking, like, “The first time I tried ...” or “When I get to be principal, I’ll …” or even “The craziest thing that happened today…” Write on, brother!
Give up the charade. Have your little monkey stay in character when you play a quick game of animal charades. No prep is necessary for this easy guessing game. Just pick your favorite animal and go for it! With each successful guess, trade places and start again. Ee-i-ee-i-o!
Whether your aim is active playtime or quiet(er) crafting time, filling a cool 30 minutes with your kids is easier than you think. It may take a bit of planning, but once the prep is done, it’s a sit-back-and-relax situation that’s well worth the time upfront.
All things LEGO. If LEGO was the first thing that popped into your head, then we’re right there with you. They’re the forever fallback for a reason, but to hit that half-hour sweet spot, try throwing a LEGO challenge into the mix: building a car that can also work underwater, or constructing a tower that’s at least 24 inches tall. Then let your master-builder go to work.
Spin them right round. Ana at Babble Dabble Do has a new way to play with Perler beads. She puts them to work teaching science and playing tricks when these melted beauties become spinning tops. It’s just the right amount of make-and-play to fill a brief window in your busy day.
One for the movers and shakers. Print out (and laminate them if you’re feeling bold) The Alerting Activity Game, designed by Training Happy Hearts. Keep the deck on hand to stack the odds in your favor when the kids need something to do. With simple activities like “jump up and down ten times” or “pretend to be a volcano,” it’s packed with energy-burning activities that kids can run through on their own or with you!
Bring the outside in and paint it. If snow isn't covering your yard, go for a hunt for leaves, evergreen boughs, and sticks. Then take your findings to the craft table to fancy them up with paint. Acrylics work great for this project.
For activities that span the hour, the two-step Make & Play approach works well. You may want to do a little prep the day before to make it easier, like putting crafting necessities into one small bin that you can pull out to surprise the kids.
Wage war. Ah, the classic card game that is so simple to learn and so hard to win. It is possible that a game of war can take longer than one hour, but it rarely takes less. You do two card battles with the highest card the winner until one person has all the cards. Get the complete rules here.
Create a catapult.Little Bins for Little Hands has an awesome tutorial, using craft sticks and other office supplies you’re sure to have around the house. Once it’s built, set up target practice plates before letting the marshmallows fly.
Put on a show. Puppets never get old; they’re easy to make with an old sock, brown paper lunch bag or even familiar characters glued to craft sticks. Whatever method you choose, spend time creating and playing with puppets when you’ve got an hour or more to spare. Be sure to stock the craft bin with all kinds of googly eyes, buttons, yarn and doo-dads to help bring the puppets to life. Then find an old sheet or use a baby’s blanket draped over the table to create a stage. Bravo!
You’ve landed on your pumpkin carving design, bookmarked the easy Halloween treats you’ll whip up, and stocked the kids’ shelves with the appropriate Halloween books. All that’s left is deciding if you’re doing a Trunk or Treat instead of going door to door this year. If you do opt to go the Trunk or Treat route, you’re going to want to stand out with one of the best themes around. Whether you’ve got time to be crafty or you’re scrambling to decorate your car at the last minute, we’ve got the best trunk-or-treat ideas from super simple to frightfully fantastic. Feeling extra inspired? Entertain your pint-sized visitors with some cackle-inducing Halloween jokes and kid-friendly ghost stories.
Nobody knows candy like Willy Wonka, and with the new prequel about the candymaker’s life coming out this year, this Golden Ticket-themed trunk-or-treat is perfect for a sweet set up.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown Trunk-or-Treat
Peanuts for peanuts! This trunk-or-treat idea uses dollar store props and well-crafted cutouts to create a low-budget Halloween scene—Linus sitting in wait for the Great Pumpkin. This clever Charlie Brown comic strip scene used plastic pumpkins, burlap to line the trunk, some fall fabric placemats and faux leaves plus a poster board Linus and a welcome sign. Head to Lynlee’s for all the details.
How colorful is this Day of the Dead trunk-or-treat theme? With a few paper garlands, blankets, pumpkins, and a sugar skull or two, you can easily pull this off. Get all the details over at Deonna Wade.
If you want to go big but want to find all the supplies in one spot, check out Party City's Themed Trunk or Treat Kits. You'll find The Nightmare Before Christmas, Super Mario Bros., and classic Halloween kits, and they all include balloons, serving bowls, streamers, and more!
We love this detailed Mary Poppins trunk-or-treat idea, spotted over at An Alli Event. The faux fireplace adds the perfect chimney sweep touch, and with costumes like these and a few props, you too will be ready for any event. A spoonful of sugar optional!
Harry Potter is always a favorite trunk-or-treat theme, and this incredible set up will inspire you for your own this Halloween. If your kids are fans, borrow all their dress-up accessories and then collect other tidbits to make a magical setting.
This DIY gumball machine trunk or treat idea is one we can chew on. We love that it coordinates with an easy apron costume and that it doesn't take much more than fabric, paper, and puff balls. Take a closer look here.
Spooky Graveyard
Gabby Cullen
If you love Halloween decorations, just use what you already own to create a spooky graveyard! Tombstones, giant spiders, candles, skulls, and cobwebs. Go bigger with a full skeleton or a fog machine.
Here's one of those easy trunk-or-treat ideas that will pop! Fill the car with yellow helium balloons accessorized as minions, and you'll be all set with a despicable display. You could also use blue balloons for an aquatic bubbly underwater scene or multicolored ones as gumballs.
A cave is the perfect Halloween backdrop whether you're a monster, ghoul, or bat. The stalagmites and stalactites for this bat cavern are made from styrofoam attached to the open trunk with paper bats hung on a string or attached with toothpicks into the foam. Head to Tikkido for the details.
A great Cookie Monster trunk-or-treat theme just requires the right color blue. This version from Love of Felt uses a wooden frame, a black fabric mouth, brown felt cookies, and poster board eyes. You can also have the open trunk as the mouth, blue fabric stretched in place, styrofoam balls for eyes, and cookies made out of cardboard.
Make sure to capture all the spooky fun—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
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Math isn’t always the easiest subject, but with a little humor, all those problems can equal loads of laughter. When you need a break from multiplying and dividing you can count on our compilation of hilarious math jokes for kids to lighten the mood. Looking for more laughs? Check outjokes that are good for school kids, printable lunchbox jokes, and our ultimate list of jokes for kids.
Classic Counting Math Jokes for Kids
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1. Why was six afraid of seven?
Because seven, eight, nine!
2. Why was the math book crying?
Because it had so many problems.
3. What are ten things you can always count on?
Your fingers.
4. Why was the math teacher suspicious of prime numbers?
They were all odd.
5. Why did the student do her multiplication on the floor?
Because she wasn’t allowed to use tables.
6. Are monsters good at math?
Not unless you Count Dracula.
7. How do you make seven an even number?
Remove the S.
8. What do you call a number that can’t sit still?
A roamin’ numeral!
9. Why did the two fours skip lunch?
They already eight!
10. Why didn’t the quarter roll down the hill with the nickel?
Because it had more cents.
11. What’s a math teacher’s favorite season?
Sum-mer.
Advanced Math Jokes
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12. Which king loved fractions?
Henry the Eighth.
13. There’s a fine line between a numerator and a denominator… But only a fraction would understand.
14. You should never start a conversation with Pi.
It’ll just go on and on forever.
15. Why does algebra make you a better dancer?
Because you can use the algo-rhythm!
16. Did you hear the one about the statistician?
Probably.
17. Why was the fraction worried about marrying the decimal?
Because she would have to convert.
18. Why was the equal sign so humble?
Because she knew she wasn’t greater than or less than anyone else.
19. What’s the best tool for math?
Multi-pliers.
20. I’ll do algebra, and I’ll do trig. I’ll even do statistics. But graphing is where I draw the line!
21. What do baby parabolas drink?
Quadratic formula.
22. Why was math class so long?
The teacher kept going off on a tangent.
23. Why shouldn’t you let advanced math intimidate you?
Summer vacation may be slipping away, but you can make every last moment count before sending the crew back to school. There are all sorts of summer bucket list ideas like sidewalk projects and science experiments that will keep your kids busy. We’ve got you covered with simple ways to spend some family time together and send the season out in style: we’re talking both indoor and outdoor activities that are sure to check a few boxes on your summer bucket list.
24. Get cooking! Check out these 12 clever cooking games for kids, and the bonus is that they’ll get you psyched up for making those back-to-school lunches.
25. Mix some pretend potions for chasing away first-day jitters. Think of every superpower they might need, and whip up a potion for each one.
26. Spend a day at a kids’ museum. Here‘s a list of one in every state.
Need a good laugh to get through the spooky season? These Halloween jokes will do the trick
You’ve got your doorway tricked out with decorations, Halloween-themed books on the shelf, and Halloween candy in order. Now it’s time for some good old-fashioned fun that isn’t too frightening. Halloween doesn’t have to be all about the scare: it’s a great time to yuk it up with silly jokes for kids. We’ve rounded up a list of sweet and funny Halloween jokes for kids that are sure to bring on jack-o’-lantern grins. Get ready to start laughing (and groaning) and feel free to head over to this post for some printable Halloween jokes. In the mood for some more giggles? Check out some special toddler jokes and extra squeaky-clean ones.
The school year will be starting soon! While you’re busy thinking about school lunch ideas for kids, don’t forget that there’s nothing that puts a smile on a kid’s face like a surprise note or joke tucked into their lunch box. We gathered up a few of our favorites and made printable lunchbox jokes. Click here or on the image below to print them up—we hope they brighten your student’s day!
Don’t stop with printable lunchbox jokes for kids. Check out our collection of jokes for kids below.
Your kids aren’t the only ones who will love the last idea on the list
In anticipation of another school season, not to mention all the shopping that comes with it, these back-to-school ideas will help get kids in the headspace of a new school year. From chalk messages to lunch notes, and family dinners, these are our favorite back-to-school traditions to choose from to help make the new year feel special.
This article is sponsored by Kemps®, which has been delighting families with wholesome and delicious dairy products since 1914. Just in time for the new school year, Kemps® has recently introduced Kemps® Smooth Cottage Cheese—a healthy, convenient, and versatile snack that’s the perfect addition to your child’s lunchbox, and your fridge for after-school snacks.
1. Count it down. Make the first day of school something to look forward to by crafting a paper countdown chain. Each day, tear one link off the chain and ask the kiddos to name something they’re looking forward to about school.
2. Have a show-and-tell dinner on the first night.Family dinners are always important, but make it a back-to-school tradition to allow the kids to tell you everything about their first day, from the friends they haven’t seen over the summer to the classroom layout or what they had for lunch.
3. A day-one surprise.Celebrate the first day in style with a visit from the First Day of School Fairy. She can deliver a few back-to-school school supplies, along with an encouraging note for the new year. For more on this fun idea, visit Differentiated Kindergarten.
4. Make a family motto. To help your little ones start the new school year in the right mindset, come up with a short family motto. It’ll help remind everyone what’s important in tough moments throughout the year. Have the kids write it out and decorate it. Learn more about the importance of creating a family “coat of arms” here.
5. Customize something. You can order specialized pencils with their name or label their new water bottle, but allowing your kids to stake their claim on school gear can help them feel confident about heading back to school.
6. Make an awesome breakfast. You’ll be throwing cereal and milk at the kids soon enough, so why not whip up a fancy breakfast for their first day? It’ll keep your kids full, and make them look forward to getting up early!
8. Decorate your pad. Either let your kids help with the decor or surprise your school-aged sweeties with a decorated door when they wake up in the morning. Whatever you choose to do, it’s a great way to celebrate!
9. Draw a self-portrait.Let your little Einsteins create a version of themselves in a back-to-school outfit. It’s a great way to pass those last few summer days, and it’s a sure bet for getting kids excited about donning their new threads and heading to the classroom. See how Hands On As We Grow completed this fun activity.
10. Make a sundae bar. This sweet, simple back-to-school idea is sure to calm anyone’s jitters about heading back to school. Put your favorite toppings in jars and make them meaningful with labels encouraging the qualities you’d like to see demonstrated throughout the new year. Have your little scholar cover their ice cream in kindness, bravery, obedience, and happiness, and then top it off with sprinkles of love.
11. Celebrate School Year’s Eve. You celebrate New Year’s Eve, so why not do the same for School Year’s Eve? Get poppers or noisemakers, provide a few treats, and throw a little dance party. It’ll get your students excited for what’s to come, and it’s a great way to include some of the other fun ideas on this list. Looking for more inspiration? Check out the School Year’s Eve party guide over at 11 Cupcakes.
12. Interview your kids. Discover goals, fears, and questions about school by interviewing your little scholars before the first bell rings. It’s not very hard to come up with a list of questions, and whether you write down the answers or videotape your tykes, it’s a memory everyone will treasure for years to come.
13. Create a bucket list. You do it for summer, so why not make one for the school year? Whether they want to jump a reading level or two or try out for a new sport, when kids have goals, they succeed!
14. Take cool pictures. Everyone loves to document the first and last day of school. There are so many creative ways to commemorate the occasion—from chalkboards to t-shirts and more. You can find our favorite ideas here. For those simply wanting to share moments with friends and family without making it a public display, there are safe options like the Tinybeans app (you can learn more and download it here!), which puts parents in total control of who can see and interact with photos and videos.
15. Have a back-to-school dinner. Make a favorite meal that includes one of these delicious Disney Park treats and celebrate the start of another school year with an awesome dinner in their honor will always make your kids feel special.
16. Have a special activity for the end of the first day of school. Whether you take them to their favorite park to burn off that first-day anxiety, have a craft planned, or grab an ice cream and talk, it’s easy to make the first after-school afternoon unique.
17. Write a sidewalk chalk message. If there’s a sweeter first day of school tradition than a chalk message outside the front door, we haven’t found it. Go all out or keep it simple; either way, it’s an extra boost to help ease those first-day jitters. If your first day is distance learning, surprise the kids with a message they can see from the window or on a quick preschool start walk.
18. Give them a new book. Get your bookworms ready by gifting them a new book before school starts. Those required reading minutes will go faster when they’ve got the latest release in their favorite series. Plus, we’re pretty sure kids can never have too many books.
20. Top Ten. Much like late-night talk shows’ top ten lists, this one asks kids to list the top ten moments of their first day back in school.
21. Make a time capsule. Whether you choose to open it at the end of the school year or much later on in your kids’ school career, a time capsule is a great way to capture these special moments.
