Yes, dad jokes for kids are a little silly, but also a lot of fun

When does a joke become a dad joke? When the punch line becomes apparent. (Har har!). You’ve cringed, laughed, and even been known to repeat them on occasion. The good news is that kids get a real kick out of them. Once you’re done with these cheesy dad jokes, try out the best jokes for kids, jokes that are good for school kids, and riddles that’ll keep the kids puzzled.

Typical Dad Jokes for Kids

father and son laughing at dad jokes for kids
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-I used to hate the hokey pokey, but I really turned myself around. 

-Is the refrigerator running? Better go catch it! 

(yeah, that one hurt us, too...)

-Why did the bicycle keep falling over?

It was two tired. 

-What do you call a man who tells dad jokes but isn’t a dad?

A faux pa. 

-Dad: I told my kids to embrace their mistakes, then they hugged me. 

-I entered a pun contest. I submitted 10 of my best puns to see if any would be a win.

-Hey kids, I got you Fortnite. But it will only last two weeks. 

-What’s the secret to a good elevator pitch?

It has to work on many levels. 

-Want to hear a long joke?

Jooooooooooooooke. 

-What does a house always wear to a party?

Address. 

-Charlie Chaplin and Marcel Marceau just threw microphones into the sea. Guess it’s true that great mimes sink a mic.

-Have you heard how popular the local cemetery is?

People are just dying to get in. 

-Kid: I’ll call you later! 

Dad: Just call me Dad! 

-When does a joke become a Dad joke?

When the punch line becomes apparent. 

-This pencil has two erasers. It’s totally pointless. 

Food-Related Dad Jokes for Kids

two dads laughing at dad jokes for kids
iStock

-What kind of drink is bittersweet?

Reali-tea

-What do the royals put on their pancakes?

Sir Up. 

-My kid just asked me "Can I have this, apple?" 

Guess he doesn’t know my name is Dad. 

-Dad: Did you hear the butter rumor? Well, I'm not going to spread it.

-Why Did the vegetable call the plumber?

It had a leek.

-What do you get when you coddle a cow? 

Spoiled milk. 

-Dad: Another word of caution. Never tell secrets near a cornfield. They’re all ears.

-How many apples are growing on that tree?

All of them. 

-Why did the man buy so much yogurt? 

To get cultured.

-Time to take this cookie to the hospital! It’s feeling crummy.

-Evaporated milk is confusing. There's so much liquid in it. 

-Dad to kid: Where are French fries from? 

Kid: France?

Dad to kid: Greece! 

-Dad to kids at dinner: I would tell you my pizza joke but it’s just too cheesy. 

-What do you call a band of berries playing music?

A jam session.

-How do you fix a broken tomato?

With tomato paste.

Science Dad Jokes for Kids

silly dad and son making faces
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-“Kara, on average, how far can a dog run into the woods?”

"Gee, Grand Dad, I don’t know.”

“Half way. After that, the dog is running out of the woods.”

—Grand Dad jokes 49-52 submitted by our hilarious reader Dave

-Did you ever notice ants don't get sick?

They're full of anti-bodies. 

-I can't find the U-Cut tree farm. I'm completely stumped. 

-Doctor, doctor, I'm terrified of squirrels! 

[Doctor] You must be nuts. 

—Jerry C., faithful reader 

-Dad: This book about how Newton discovered gravity is so good! I just can’t put it down. 

-What do you call a fish with four eyes?

Fiiiish!

-Why doesn’t a photon need a suitcase?

Because it’s traveling light. 

-Dad to kid (in a serious voice): A word of advice, kid. Never trust atoms. They make up everything. 

-How does a musician win a fight?

They call for Bach up.

-Kid: Why are you talking to yourself, Dad?? 

Dad: I needed an expert's advice. 

-Dad: I am giving away all my batteries...free of charge! 

-How do you know carrots are good for your eyesight?

Have you ever seen a bunny wearing glasses? 

Did you hear the one about the claustrophobic astronaut?

He just needed a little space. 

Body-Related Dad Jokes

silly dad and daughter
iStock

-How do you make a Kleenex dance? 

Put a little boogie in it! 

-“You have a hole in your sock, Jack.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Sure you do.  That’s how you got your foot in it.”

-"Wow! Chase, you sure got tall. I hope you don’t grow another foot.” 

“Why not Grand Dad?” 

“Because if you do, Mommy will need to buy you a third sneaker.”

-"Grand Dad, you look pretty sharp.  Where did you get your haircut?”

“On my head, Shane.”

-Dad tells kids: Here’s a cautionary tale. Don’t sing in the shower! 

-Kid: Dad, did you get a haircut?

Dad: No, I got them all cut. 

-Dad: I never thought I’d be the type to have a beard. But then it just grew on me. 

Kids: What?? Why not?

Dad: If you get soap in your mouth, it will turn into a soap opera. 

Kids: GROAN!!!!! 

-Kid: Dad, it hurts when I move my arm like this.

Dad: Then don’t move your arm like that. 

-Why do skeletons stay so calm?

Because nothing gets under their skin. 

-What do you call someone with no nose and no body?

Nobody knows. 

-Did you hear about the dad who chugged 8 sodas?

He burped 7-Up. 

-Kid to Dad: Why are there balloons in the bathroom?

Dad: I wanted to throw you a birthday potty. 

-What do you call a 12-inch nose?

A foot. 

-Dad, can you put my shoes on?

"Nope. They are too small for my feet."

 

Chicago has a rich roller skating history rooted in the James Brown “JB” style, known for elaborate footwork. It’s also the birthplace of roller derby. While rinks are few and far between, you can still get your glide on at select retro-fun spots that have stood the test of time. Introduce your kids to this slick part of Chicago’s history and impress them with your 8-wheeled dance moves at these local hangouts.

Glenwood Roller Rink 

Roll into Glenwood and you can easily transport yourself to the 80s, skating with hair scrunchied in a crimped high pony, jeans perfectly pegged and the smell of Electric Youth wafting behind you. Spritz the family with Aqua Net and take a few turns around the rink.

You’ll dig the polished hardwood floor and colored lights gleaming overhead. It sets the scene for open family skate on Wed. 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Sat., 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. & 8 p.m.-11 p.m. and Sun. 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. If you have first-timers in your group, lessons are offered for all ages, Sat., 10:30 a.m.-noon.

656 Holbrook Rd., Glenwood; Online: glenwoodrollerrinkinc.net

MLK Skating and Bowling Center

MLK Skating is a city icon and a popular destination for birthday parties and school field trips. It's just one part of the Chicago Park District’s Dr. Martin Luther King Park and Entertainment Area opened by Mayor Daley in 2003. The rink is open for all ages Tues.-Sun., with Glow skating every Saturday. Once you’ve gotten your fill of skating, you can swap your wheels for bowling shoes or hit the arcade for gaming.

1219 W. 76th St., South Side; Online: unitedskates.com

Aurora Skate Center

Music, games and pizza, pizza, pizza make for good old-fashioned fun at this west suburban hotspot. Glide your way around the rink to sounds of the top 40 every Sat. and Sun., 1 p.m.-4 p.m. This family-friendly skate intersperses freestyle skating with the hokey pokey, backward skating, races and buddy skating, where two or three people are encouraged to hold hands and do their best to not pull each other to the floor. Beginners can take lessons every Sat., noon-1 p.m.

34W113 Montgomery Rd., Aurora; Online: skateaurora.com

Lombard Roller Rink

Family-owned Lombard Roller Rink offers a clean, friendly environment to introduce kids to skating. Families are invited to take a spin, Fri.-Sun, and classes are offered for kids every Sat., noon-12:45 p.m. They also offer an artistic skating club that competes in several disciplines and at all levels. 

201 W. 22nd St., Lombard; Online: lombardrollerrink.com

The Rink

The Rink was first opened in 1974 by then-husband and wife duo Carmen Clark and Nate Simpson. The idea was born from a desire to bring entertainment options a little closer to home, as they were always driving to the suburbs for a family night out. Although it has recently changed ownership, the new owners, Ramona and Curtis, are committed to keeping this Chatham neighborhood staple as it's always been. A place that's boiling over with positive energy and a focus on community building. Note: due to planned renovations along with vandalism in November, The Rink is closed with a re-grand opening planned for March. 

1122 E. 87th St., Chatham; Online: therinkchicago.com

Fleetwood Roller Stating Rink

Located just outside Chicago in Summit, Fleetwood is celebrating nearly 65 years of showing families a good time. Slide-in for open skate on Wed. and Fri.-Sun. Wobbly skaters can beef up their skills with lessons, Sat., noon-1 p.m. Kids who take lessons can skate for half-price, Sat., 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. 

7231 W. Archer, Summit; Online: fleetwoodrollerrink.com

Coachlite Skate

Coachlite has open skate Fri.-Sun. and discounted sessions on Wed. You can also book Dart Dasher Nerf where kids engage in nerf gun wars while a light show and music play in the background. These 2-hour private sessions that include pizza and game referees are a great high-energy birthday party idea. 

1291 W. Berwyn Ave., Roselle; Online: coachliteskate.com

Tinley Park Roller Rink

Tinley Park Roller Rink believes the fastest path to happiness is found on skates. Who are we to disagree? Visit them for family skates on Sat., Sun. and Wed. They also typically open on school holidays, so follow them on Facebook to stay up-to-date on schedule changes. 

17658 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park; Online: tinleyrink.com

Maggie Daley Park

Infuse a bit of fresh air into your skate session at Maggie Daley's Skating Ribbon. The outdoor ribbon is open Apr. 30-Sep. 26 for rollerblading and mico-scootering. Rentals are available for both. Open skate times vary depending on the month, so check the website before making a plan to visit. 

337 E. Randolph, Loop; Online: maggiedaleypark.com

Family Fun Zone

This place is great for families with young kids because it's designed for ages 14 & under. Skate sessions are held Tues., Wed. and Fri.-Sun. Plan a family date night on Wed. when the price of admission also gets you all-you-can-eat pizza. For a budget-friendly option, go on Tues. when admission is just $2. 

2333 Theodore St., Crest Hill; Online: familyfunzone.com

Lynwood Sport Center

Lynwood Sport Center has a cinematic history as the rink was featured in the movie Roll Bounce released in 2005. The best time for families to check out this sweet rink is Sat., Sun. and Tues. On Tues., order a large pizza, a pitcher of soda and your skate rentals for up to 4 people for $38. 

2030 Glenwood-Dyer Rd., Lynwood; Online: skatelynwood.com

Chicago Athletic Association

Turn skating into a date-night (or day) opportunity with Chicago Athletic Association hotel's pop-up skate events. On select weekends, they host skate programming on the historic Stagg Court. Afterward, visit the Fine Arts Display Case on the 2nd floor to catch a glimpse of the hotel's vintage skates. Keep an eye on their website and Instagram for future announcements. 

12 S. Michigan Ave., Loop; Online: chicagoathleticevents.com

— Maria Chambers

Featured photo: Alexander Belyaev via Pixabay

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Everyone is struggling to make sense of the challenges we are all facing due to the novel coronavirus. If you have young children, you may have even more stress as you struggle to keep them busy. There are numerous suggestions online for activities and games, as well as many resources offered by companies and publishers. Besides that, if you are looking for ideas that do not require a trip to the art store, the grocery store, or even opening your computer, check these out.

LISTEN. I found myself sitting in my back yard yesterday for no reason other than to get some fresh air and some sun. Suddenly I was noticing an amazing variety of bird songs. My five-minute outdoor break from work turned into thirty minutes of listening. Children almost never have the opportunity just to sit and listen, so use this time to make that happen. I’ll admit it did have me later going to my computer to try to identify an unusual orange bird, an oriole, I think; but, nothing wrong with sparking that kind of curiosity.

READ. Sometimes we only read to our children at bedtime (that’s great, don’t stop!) but mix it up and read anytime, even first thing in the morning. Choose favorites from your bookshelf and read aloud or have your child tell you the story in their own words. Or, branch out and choose a cookbook with lots of pictures. I remember my own young children frequently requesting a cake baking cookbook. They were enthralled with the photographs of cakes shaped like guitars and bunnies. Art or coffee table books can open up a whole new world as well. Peruse together, make observations, and ask questions. I recently shared a book about an environmental sculptor, Andy Goldsworthy with my three-year-old granddaughter, Alma. Her thoughts on his rock and twig structures were fascinating for both of us. Later we even collected some rocks and twigs of our own to build with.

SING. Be inspired by the Italians who have taken this opportunity to express themselves musically and lift up themselves and their neighbors. Schedule an after-dinner sing-a-long. Share tunes that you remember from your childhood. Children adore hearing about life when their parents were young. Plus, research shows us that singing releases chemicals and hormones that raise our feelings of pleasure and reduce our feelings of anxiety and stress.

DANCE. Have a dance party. Pick a theme…hats, scarfs, face paint, any crazy idea will do. If dancing isn’t your thing, start with something simple like the hokey pokey or the bunny hop, or just clapping along and take it from there. Besides the benefits of movement and exercise, dancing like singing can boost our mood. Model your kid’s inhibitions and have fun!

Stay safe and healthy.

I am a parent and grandparent with over four decades of experience in early childhood education. I share my passion, wisdom and experience, with parents and the people who care for and about children at Little Folks Big Questions, where we're out to answer the questions parents face in today's world.

Photo: Eye for Ebony

I don’t really participate the whole New Year’s resolution hubbub. That being said, I do get that adrenaline rush from the idea of a fresh start and some good ol’ goal setting. Or a fresh new notebook. (I am a sucker for a fantastic notebook.)

Anyhow, I go through cycles throughout the year of gym-going, book-reading, meal-planning and all the things I guess I think I am supposed to improve upon as an adult. Sometimes I do quite well. But I don’t really see it that way—and it sucks.

Take exercise, for example. I set a goal to exercise four times in a week. Then, my week ends and I have exercised three times in said week. Do I celebrate the three times I busted my arse?! Nope. I harp on the one stupid workout that I missed or skipped. Or, I set a goal to start meal planning and to prepare home-cooked-goodness five nights in a week. Even, if by some miracle, I meet that goal, I still beat myself up because I don’t sustain it in the weeks that follow.

“No Martha, those five healthy, delicious, locally-grown, cruelty-free meals you just made your family don’t count. Sorry. Try again.”

Why does my brain do this? Am I alone here? Is there anyone out there?

Actually, I know you’re out there. In the world of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), this negativeve self-talk is called “filtering” or “negative filtering” or “mental filtering.” It is one of the many cognitive distortions people can experience. The general idea is that you filter only the potentially negative sides of things and then magnify them. This can result in everything positive—the success, the accomplishment—being completely overshadowed.

WTF brain?! Why would you do this to me? I just did all those burpees and then ate millet and ramps. Let me mentally celebrate a little, will ya?

As if getting along with ALL THE PEOPLE (kids, husband, parents, in-laws, colleagues, neighbors, etc.) weren’t enough, now I need to get along with my own head? Like, tell myself to stop bullying myself. Blerg. Doesn’t seem fair.

From what I can gather, there are two possible solutions. One is something they call “cognitive restructuring” or “reframing.” The negative filtering is a stress-inducing habit. With restructuring or reframing, you can work to alter or rewire those habits and hopefully, decrease or eliminate that mental stress.

The second solution is to set your goals low. I’m talking exercise-once-a-month, read-one-book-this year, don’t-eat-pizza-three-times-in-a-week low. Then, I can spend all my mental energy focusing on the goals I have achieved. And more importantly, tell everyone I know that I have achieved 100 percent of the goals I set.

The choice is yours—but for me? I am going with the latter. Buh-bye stress! See you in 2020!

…I am only half kidding. My real answer is to set some realistic goals that not only allow for, but promote growth, rather than perfection. What am I actually going to do?

When my bully brain is telling me I am a bum for skipping a work out, I will force myself to say out loud, maybe even to a witness (get ready husband), that I did exercise three times this week. And that I had more fun running and playing with my girls because I was not as winded. That’s what it’s really all about, right? We set these goals so we can enjoy life more. Be happy more. Feel fulfilled more.

So, give it a shot. Silence that Debby Downer voice and, even if it feels really hokey at first, say the positive stuff out loud. For real.

I taught for years and now I train teachers full time. I live in Washington, D.C., with hubs and two littles of my own. Though I try to keep things simple, I’ve got lots going on to make me smile. Occasionally, when the real ridiculousness strikes, I write it down.

Here’s a roundup that’s sure to give a fun new spin to that old phrase “what goes around comes around.” Pay homage to the merry-go-round with games where everyone plays in a circle and the laughs go on and on. Whether you’re looking for a summertime activity or new birthday party entertainment, scroll through our picks below for classic games everyone will love.

Photo: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers via Flickr CC

1. Duck Duck Goose
From preschool and kindergarten to summer camp, this game is pretty much a rite of passage for the younger set. If you need a brush up: players sit in a circle while the person who’s “it” walks around tapping heads and reciting “duck, duck, duck” on repeat. When a “goose” is chosen that person must jump up and try to catch the picker to avoid becoming the next “it”. Fun fact: In South Africa, kids play a version of Duck Duck Goose called Vroteier (rotten egg).

2. Hokey Pokey
Let’s face it: the Hokey Pokey is what it’s all about. And it’s not just the under 10 set that can’t get enough of this dance craze—the Hokey Pokey has been known to pop up at weddings, parties, and other events that could use a blast of nostalgia. It’s easy to see why this dance-centric game has such staying power. Who doesn’t want to shake it all about once in a while?

Photo: Nicole Klauss via Flickr CC

3. Musical Chairs
Music, giggles, bursts of running—Musical Chairs has it all. The gist: The number of chairs in the circle is always one fewer than the number of players. Music means the game is afoot; when it turns off, everyone needs to grab a seat. To make the game extra fun, use goofy music (Weird Al, anyone?) or try the less competitive A Cold Wind Blows.

4. Ring Around the Rosie
It doesn’t get more kid-friendly than a game that involves singing, twirling around, and then being ordered to fall dramatically to the ground. (As for that rumor that this nursery rhyme actually refers to the bubonic plague–worry not! It’s just a suburban legend.) For added culture, try the English version that shouts “atishoo, atishoo, we all fall down!”

Photo: VSPYCC via Flickr CC

5. Human Knot
How about some fun problem-solving? Everyone stands in a circle, reaches into the middle, and grabs somebody else’s hands. (Hint: You have to hold hands with someone besides the person next to you.) Then it’s teamwork time! Work together to untangle the human knot without letting go of any hands. You may need to bend, twist, and climb under arms and legs–so let the silliness ensue!

6. Telephone Game
Psst! If you haven’t played this game in awhile, then gather ’round because you’re about to remember why this is a bonafide classic. You know the drill: One person in the circle whispers a sentence to the person on their right. The message travels around the circle until the final listener says it aloud. We dare you not to laugh once you hear how the original phrase has been transformed!

Did we forget your favorite circle game? Share it with us in the comment section below!

–Abigail Matsumoto

Flashback time:  The lights are low.  Your banana clip is perfectly coordinated with your Benetton shirt.   The cutest guy in 7th grade shrugs at you and you giggle and take his hand for couples skate as “I’ve Had the Time of My Life” starts to play.  Best. Day. Ever.  Until now, when you can recreate the retro roller fun with your favorite dates of all time – your kids. Nestled on a corner of an industrial stretch of San Fernando Road, Moonlight Rollerway is one of those places you could drive by 1000 times, and never know is there. But roll up here on any day of the week and you’ll wonder if you’re the only one in town that didn’t know about this place: it’s hip, it’s happenin’, and it’s a whole lot of fun.

Blast From The Past

Skaters young and old have been zipping around Moonlight’s patina floor since 1950, although back then it was known as Harry’s Roller Rink . Today the place is owned by Dominic Cangelosi, a legend in the roller-skating world for his thirty-year career as a skating organist  -some say the most famous in the world.  Mix that up with the disco balls above your head and that psychedelic 80s carpeting below your feet, and you will indeed feel like you’ve just stepped back in time to your own vintage childhood.

Just For Kids

The very best time to come to Moonlight Rollerway with your kiddos is during Saturday morning Kids Skate from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.  Come a little earlier and they can take a children’s beginner class (parents welcome), which includes skate rentals and the skate session after class. During all weekend sessions you and your mini whiz-on-wheels can really get down with some old-school games like Red-Light-Green-Light, Four Corners, The Chicken Dance, and yes, you guessed it, The Hokey-Pokey.  Try that on wheels. (And then get up, brush off, and try again.)

Stop by the snack bar for some pizza,  corndogs, funnel cakes and other fun foods, or brake for some arcade games, although there are only a few: roller skating is the real star here, so lace up and roll on.

Skate-Date, Anyone?

Look, we weren’t going to mention it; we know you’re looking for cool things to do with the kids, but since you asked: Yes! This is a great place for a grown-up date too. Especially on Tuesday nights when you can skate back in time to the sounds of live organ music piping out across the floor. So get a sitter, find your banana clip, and go “Back in Time” (hum along with Huey Lewis now).

Skates and skills seeming a bit rusty? Brush ’em off and try the adult beginner class before the session – you’ll be up to speed in no time.

Roller-Skate Skinny: Know Before You Go

  • Check the schedule: Some skate sessions are adult only and the rink closes occasionally for private parties and maintenance. Be sure to check the website for details before driving over.
  • Leave the gum and cell-phones, cameras and head-phones in your bag: all are prohibited on the rink for safety reasons.
  • Parents can stay on the sidelines and watch for free; all other patrons must wear skates.
  • You can rent regular roller skates for an additional cost, or bring your own. Roller-blades and in-line skates are acceptable to bring, but not available for rent.
Moonlight Rollerway
5110 San Fernando Rd.
Glendale, CA 
Phone: (818) 241-3630
Online: moonlightrollerway.com
 

 Do you have a retro place to have fun with your family? Share it here. 

-Jennifer Wolfe

Photo credits: Katya Shaposhnik,  Jennifer Wolfe and Jason Lander via Creative Commons