April is a time of renewal, from Easter and Passover to flowers beginning to bloom in our yards. But along with that, April also has its share of other holidays and events.
Here are 10 special family-friendly holidays and events you and your kids will want to mark in April:
Autism Awareness Month ~ April 1-30
One in 59 children born in the United States is on the autism spectrum. It is the fastest-growing developmental disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Want to know more about autism? Read The Warner Boys: Our Family's Story of Autism and Hope by Ana and Curt Warner, whose twin sons were diagnosed with autism at 5 years old.
April Fool's Day ~ April 1
Kids are all about April Fool's Day! Make them giggle by adding googly eyes to everything in your fridge or pantry. Or make a dinner that looks like an ice cream sundae. Pretend not to notice when they put a "Kick Me" sign on your back. Have fun! But always be wary.
National Library Week ~ April 7-13
This year’s theme is "Libraries=Strong Communities," which is meant to illustrate how today’s libraries are at the heart of our communities and schools. We may be biased but we think our Douglas County Libraries are simply the best! Check out 9 Awesomely Cool Library Programs You May Not Know About to discover for yourself.
National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day ~ April 12
A great day to serve this perennial kid favorite for dinner! Ooey gooey goodness. "Adult" it up, if you must, by adding toppings like bacon, tomatoes, spinach, or portabello mushrooms.
Tax Day ~ April 15
Get 'em in by midnight.
Passover ~ April 19-27
Passover is a week-long festival of freedom, marking the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and their transition to freedom. The Seder, traditionally held the first night, involves a festive meal during which participants re-tell the story of the Exodus with stories, song, games, and ritual foods. We've got 10 Ways to Make Passover Fun and Meaningful.
Easter ~ April 21
This holiday marks the date Christians believe Jesus was resurrected. It's also a day kids look forward to because the Easter Bunny visits! Make the holiday extra special with 20+ Easter Crafts & Recipes Your Kids Will Love!
Earth Day ~ April 22
This is a great day to assess how your family impacts the environment and think about small changes you can make to help our environment. Not sure where to start? Our 10 Green Tips will help you save the planet AND your wallet! Mark your efforts by recording your "Act of Green" at earthday.org.
Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day ~ April 25
Give your kids a glimpse of what you do by letting them spend a few hours with you at your workplace.
Pay It Forward Day ~ April 28
Mark this day by letting your kids come up with an act of kindness as a way to "pay it forward." It's a great way to show them that even small gestures of kindness matter — and ripple outward. Want to learn more about the concept? Read Pay It Forward, a novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde.
