Got a little comedian in your household? These Valentine’s Day jokes for kids are sure to crack a smile sweeter than any chocolate. Let the kids memorize a few to share with friends, or write them on a note for V-Day lunches. Either way, you’re sure to get a laugh, a hug, and probably at least one eye roll. If your kiddo needs more joke material to work with, try out our other jokes for kids. If you’re looking for other Valentine’s Day fun for kids, check out these DIY gifts they can make for friends or loved ones, and Valentine’s Day-themed food and treats they’ll love.

Valentine's Day Jokes for Kids
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1. What do you call the world's smallest Valentine’s Day card?
A valen-teeny.

2. What did the stamp say to the envelope on Valentine’s Day?
I’m stuck on you!

3. What did one volcano say to the other?
I lava you!

4. What did the cucumber say to the pickle?
You mean a great dill to me.

5. How did the phone propose to his GF?
He gave her a ring.

6. What did the one sheep say to the other?
I love ewe!

7. And how did the other sheep respond?
You’re not so baaaaaa-d yourself.

8. What did the farmer give his wife for Valentine’s Day?
Hogs and kisses.

cute kids with paper hearts smiling at Valentine's Day jokes for kids
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9. And what did the tweenager give his mom? 
Ughs and kisses!

10. What did one light bulb say to the other light bulb on Valentine’s Day?
I wuv you watts and watts!

11. What do you say to an octopus on Valentine’s Day?
I want to hold your hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand!

12. What do you call a ghost’s true love?
Their ghoul-friend.

13. What do you write in a slug’s Valentine’s Day card?
Be my Valen-slime!

14. Knock Knock
Who's there?
Luke
Luke who?
Luke who got a Valentine!

15. Why is Valentine’s Day a good day for a party?
Because you can really party hearty!

16. What kind of flowers should you NOT give on Valentine’s Day?
Cauliflowers!

17. What do owls say to declare their love?
Owl be yours!

18. What did one bee say to the other? 
I love bee-ing with you, honey!

Valentine's Day Jokes for Kids
Obi Onyeador via Unsplash

19. Knock Knock
Who's there?
Olive
Olive who?
Olive you!

20. Why do skunks love Valentine’s Day?
They are very scent-imental creatures.

21. What’s the best part about Valentine’s Day?
The day after when all the candy is on sale.

22. What did the painter say to her sweetheart?
I love you with all my art.

23. What did Robin Hood say to his girlfriend?
Sherwood like to be your valentine.

24. Why did the sheriff lock up her boyfriend?
He stole her heart.

25. What do you call two birds in love?
Tweethearts!

26. What shade of red is your heart?
Beat red! 

27. What did one cat say to the other cat on Valentine's Day?
Don't ever change, you're purrrfect.

28. Why would you want to marry a goalie?
Because he (or she) is a real keeper!

Valentine's Day Jokes for Kids
iStock

29. What type of shape is most popular on Valentine's Day?
Acute triangle. 

30. Have you got a date for Valentine's Day?
Yeah, it's February 14th. 

31. What did Frankenstein's monster say to his bride on Valentine's Day?
Be my Valenstein! 

32. What flowers get the most kisses on Valentine's Day?
Tulips (two-lips). 

33. Who always has a date on Valentine's Day?
A calendar. 

34. Knock knock! 
Who's there?
Atlas!
Atlas who?
Atlas, it's Valentine's Day! 

35. What kind of candy is never on time?
Choco-LATE.

36. Why was the rabbit happy?
Because somebunny loved him!

—Joshua Y., age 9

37. Why don't you ever date a tennis player?
Because love means nothing to them.

—Joshua N. 

38. What do girl snakes write at the bottom of their letters?
With love and hisses.

 

Valentine's Day Jokes for Kids
iStock

39. What did one squirrel say to the other squirrel on Valentine's Day? 
I'm nuts about you!

40. What did the raspberry say to his valentine? 
I love you berry much. 

41. What's the most romantic utensil? 
A fork because it has Valen-tines. 

42. What Valentine's message was on the honeycomb?
Bee mine.

43. What did one oar say to another? 
"Can I interest you in a little row-mance?" 

44. What are artichokes known for? 
Their hearts. 

45. On Valentine's Day, what did the calculator say to the pencil? 
"You can count on me."

46. What kind of candy is always late on Valentine's Day? 

Choco-LATE

47. What does a Jedi Master say on Valentine's Day?

Yoda one for me.

48. What did the magnet say to the paperclip?

I find you very attractive. 

49. What did the scientist say to their sweetheart?

"You must be made out of oxygen and neon because you are the ONe"

Just say no to ketchup

Whether your kids were born here or not, they won’t be true Chicagoans without understanding the anatomy of a classic Chicago-style hot dog. No better way to bone up on the subject than to visit some of the best hot dog stands in Chicagoland.

Love ’em or leave ’em, hot dogs are foot-long big in Chicago. The traditional delicacy includes an array of colorful condiments. (However, we’ll give kids a pass on not including them all or, worse yet, on committing sacrilege by using ketchup.)

We love the on-the-go ease (no silverware!) and relative affordability of a “red hot.” Of course, no size fits all, and hot dog stands around the city have developed their own personalities and expanded their menus to accommodate all different preferences.

The Most Authentic: Vienna Beef Factory Store and Cafe

Vienna Beef hot dogs made their debut in 1893 at the World’s Fair/Columbian Exposition and put the Chicago-style hot dog on the culinary map. The low cost made it an institution during the Great Depression, and the appeal never subsided. You’ll find the Vienna Beef hot dog at the core of most Chicago-style vendors around the area. In fact, Vienna Beef operates a Hot Dog University to teach aspiring hot dog vendors, exactly how to achieve a properly dressed Chicago style by “dragging it through the garden.” Taste a true original in the cafe, and if you want to give it a whirl yourself, there are DIY kits available at the factory store to bring home with you.

3847 S. Morgan St.
Beverly

2501 N. Damen Ave.
Bucktown (Returning bigger & better in spring 2024)
Online: viennabeef.com

The Best Drive-Thru: Superdawg

One of the most revered, iconic hot dog destinations, not only in Chicago but in the country at large, is Superdawg. Recognizable for its statues of hot dog characters that stand on the roof of their Norwood Park location, this spot is Americana nostalgia at its best. Pull up in a car and park by one of the intercom stations. You place your order with a staffer and then indulge in your car. Just like the good old-fashioned drive-ins non-kids remember and cherish! It’s a bygone experience, made all the better by crinkle-cut fries, randomly square-shaped scoops of ice cream, and those dogs. Oh, those dogs. The signature Superdawg frankfurter arrives on a poppy seed bun with piccalilli, mustard, pickle, Spanish onions, and hot peppers. Another favorite is the adorably named Whoopskidawg, a char-broiled sausage basted in a “special” sauce with grilled onions and a pickle.

6363 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Norwood Park

333 S. Milwaukee Ave.
Wheeling
Online: superdawg.com

The Kitschy Favorite: Gene & Judes

Since hot dogs and nostalgia go together like ketchup and judgment, enjoy them at old-school sensation Gene & Jude’s. The River Grove favorite has been around since 1946 and is often argued as having the best hot dogs in the country. The kitschy atmosphere feels preserved in time, maintaining the same rustic charm it probably possessed when it first opened. It’s rickety and frills-free, but in the most heartwarming of ways, with surly-but-lovable staffers and a bare-bones menu of hot dogs and fries. Rest assured these hot dogs and fries are exceptional.

2720 River Rd.
River Grove
Online: geneandjudes.com

The Most Legendary: The Weiner’s Circle

The absolute legend, The Wiener’s Circle, is a must-visit but hot-dog-buyer beware: You NEVER know what’s going to be served on the side of your dog at The Wiener’s Circle. But, we can promise it will be filled with a heap of good-spirited sass. If you want a great dog and a hearty laugh, hit this spot for an unforgettable experience, one that will likely teach your kids some new words, but all in good fun. If this makes you a bit nervous, maybe save this one for an adult-only afternoon out.

The Wiener’s Circle reopened in October 2021 after an extended closure for renovations. They’re back and sassier than ever with a new patio, an updated menu (don’t worry, your favorites made the cut), and now serving cocktails. The good-natured banter we all love is still intact, but only order the ketchup if you have a death wish. Trust us!

2622 N. Clark St.
Lincoln Park
Online: wienerscirclechicago.com

The Quickest Fix: Byron’s Hot Dogs

In the shadow of Wrigley Field, this small hot dog stand might be missed, if not for its larger-than-life reputation. Byron’s has been celebrated by the Vienna Hot Dog Hall of Fame as well as at the 2010 Taste of the States White House picnic. Stop by for a quick bite before a game, after a game, or on non-game days. There’s always time for a hot dog at Byron’s.

1017 W. Irving Park Rd.
Wrigleyville

1701 W. Lawrence Ave.
Ravenswood
Online: byronschicago.com

The Most Renowned: Portillo’s

In 1963, Dick Portillo opened a small trailer in Villa Park called The Dog House. Since then, Portillo’s has grown to include more than 70 locations across the U.S. Due to its nationwide notoriety, the Portillo’s hot dog has become synonymous with “Chicago Style” throughout the country. Portillo’s is also famous for its Italian Beef sandwiches, and its decadent chocolate cake.

Locations throughout Chicagoland and the United States
Online: portillos.com

For Veggie Options: Devil Dawgs

They’re known for being one of the best dogs in the city, their sport peppers and milkshakes get rave reviews, but they also serve a vegan dog and a Beyond Burger for those that prefer to go the vegetarian route.

Locations in South Loop, Wicker Park, Lakeview & Gold Coast
Online: devildawgs.com

The Worth-the-Drive Fave: The Dogfather

It doesn’t get any more family-friendly than The Dogfather, a haven of meaty decadence in far west suburban Bartlett. It’s clean and inviting inside and out, and employees radiate friendly vibes. Grab a seat and dig into hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and gyros. The menu is focused and delicious, featuring the classic Chicago-style dog along with a cheese dog, chili dog, chili cheese dog, and Polish sausage. There are kid-sized versions of the dogs, along with crispy sides such as fries, onion rings, tater tots, and mozzarella sticks.

957 Illinois Route 59
Bartlett
Online: dogfatherhotdogs.com

Go Beyond the Bun: The Chicago Dogs

Continue the hot dog theme and spend a family day at the beautiful Impact Field watching The Chicago Dogs, an independent professional baseball team that pays homage to our favorite street food.

9850 Balmoral Ave.
Rosemont
Online: thechicagodogs.com

 

Additional reporting from Maria Chambers

Here’s what it means when you see a pickle ornament on a Christmas tree—and why you’ll want to add one to your own tree this year

Have you ever noticed something unique hanging on a friend or family member’s Christmas tree? For some families, hanging a glass pickle (usually tucked inside the tree’s branches so it’s a bit hidden from plain view) is part of a fun tradition. But what does a pickle ornament mean, and where does this tradition come from?

Spotting the pickle ornament on your family’s Christmas tree is supposed to be a sign of good luck. The tradition has a few different variations, but typically, the first child to find the pickle on the tree will have a fortuitous next year—and may get a prize or extra present, get to open the first present, or get to hand out presents to the rest of the family.

The custom is known as Weihnachtsgurke, which is German for “Christmas pickle.” That seems to point to pickle ornaments having German roots, but the origins of this tradition are actually a lot less clear-cut than that. In fact, YouGov polled 2,057 German people and found that 91 percent of them had never even heard of the Christmas pickle tradition.

The New York Times has reported that pickle ornaments are a common tradition in the Midwest (which I can confirm—many of my midwestern friends have celebrated this tradition for their entire lives). There’s even an annual Christmas Pickle Festival in the German settlement of Berrien Springs, Michigan.

The true origins of the pickle ornament tradition will probably remain a mystery, though. Some say it began with a story of a villanous innkeeper who trapped two boys in a pickle barrel, until they were rescued by Santa Claus. Another story says a German immigrant was captured as a soldier during the civil war, and he begged for a pickle, which magically sustained him until he could escape.

No matter the reason for the tradition, adding a hidden pickle ornament to your family tree can add some fun (and a little friendly competition) to the holidays. Happy pickle hunting!

Ready for the ultimate Turkey Dog? It’s not a hot dog made with turkey, it’s a turkey with hot dog flavors! If you’re undoubtedly curious, we have the scoop on the recipes below.

Why settle for the same old boring turkey on Thanksgiving when your bird could turn into a dog? Reynolds Wrap has come up with three new styles of turkey that are inspired by hot dog styles and toppings. And yes, they involve ketchup, mustard, pickles and chili cheese:

  • The Chicago-Style Turkey Dog is rubbed with celery salt and ground mustard, then glazed in yellow mustard. The finished masterpiece is served over pickle spears, chopped onions, sport peppers and tomato slices.
  • The New York-Style Turkey Dog has a zesty onion powder rub and a bright-red ketchup glaze. It’s topped with sauerkraut, homemade onion sauce and spicy brown mustard.
  • The Chili Cheese Turkey Dog doesn’t have actual chili on it, but it’s coated in a chili powder rub. Once out of the oven, it’s topped with shredded cheese, onions and sliced jalapenos.

You can get the full instructions online as you prep for Turkey Day next week. Your kids will likely be excited at the prospect of a hot dog-flavored turkey, but it’s certainly unconventional. If you’re looking for something a bit more traditional, check out our list of 100+ recipes to get you ready for Thanksgiving!

––Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Reynolds Wrap

 

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What’s the first thing kids ask for when they come home from school (besides a snack)? Encantos! This new educational app features stories from diverse creators, fused with curriculum-based learning. A “storyteaching” platform, Encantos is designed to meet kiddos exactly where they are in their learning journey. From games to books, songs to Storycast series, there’s no shortage of engaging content for your little one to explore.

Here are 5 things Encantos will teach your child:

Tinybeans users can get 3 months of Encantos free with the purchase of an annual subscription with the promo code TINY15 at Encantosworld.com. Offer only available online, not through App Store.

Kids Love Learning When Learning Is Fun

Quizzing your kiddo about shapes, numbers, colors and letters doesn’t always get greeted with excitement. But playing games that weave in learning? Those are major crowd-pleasers. Encantos makes learning fun by using stories, entertainment and games to teach. “Break” a piñata and drag the fallen candy (disguised as letters or colors) to the matching bag. Give Benji the elephant a bath by popping bubbles with a certain shape. See how the Monster Math Squad uses their math skills to take on any obstacle that comes their way. There’s even a parent-approved setting that lets children take a selfie to appear in Encantos’ stories.

There’s a Big World Out There

Whether you’re in a bustling city or small town, it’s simple for kids to be transported to faraway places and gain a deeper understanding of our world. With the Tiny Travelers, read fascinating stories about life in India, China, Japan and Puerto Rico. Get immersed in other cultures by crafting Peruvian Spin Drums, Guatemalan Worry Dolls, Chinese Fans, Russian Nesting Dolls and so much more. Discover interesting ways of life, all around the globe. Another great benefit of this app is that many stories are offered in English or Spanish.

Tinybeans users can get 3 months of Encantos free with the purchase of an annual subscription with the promo code TINY15 at Encantosworld.com. Offer only available online, not through App Store.

Kids Will Be Inspired by the Characters They “Meet”

One of the coolest parts of Encantos’ series is that they feature characters from all walks of life, facing different challenges. Head to Aurora Bay and hang out with Wally the Worried Walrus as he helps kids know they aren’t alone in their worries. Wally shares breath, visualization and communication techniques to manage fears and thrive. (Pro tip: Even parents can benefit from watching Wally!) Another great series is Tyrus’ Kids, which highlights that every voice has a place, anyone can be a leader and achieving your dreams is always possible.

There Are Helpful Tools to Overcome Obstacles

Skeletina has her own special way of helping children navigate their fears and anxieties—all with humor and a relentless pursuit of a solution. In Ella Bella Bingo, Ella gets in all sorts of "Uh-oh, what a pickle!" moments—finding clever, collaborative ways to work through a problem. Kids learn the importance of perseverance, that mistakes are a normal part of life and leaning on others can help!

Being Creative Is Awesome

Pirates aren’t just prowling the sea for buried treasure. The jolly crew in Pirates: Adventures in Art is on a mission to discover and restore lost art. So grab your suitcase and hop on board for an awe-inspiring journey. And speaking of pirates… Join Story Pirate Alex on hilarious adventures, showcasing original stories written by real kids. Your children will find themselves immersed in interactive creative writing lessons that expand their imaginations!

Encantos is chock full of content the fits your kiddo’s age and interests, and its fun games and stories make it easy to win the battle between entertainment and education at home—a win-win for you and your little one!

Tinybeans users can get 3 months of Encantos free with the purchase of an annual subscription with the promo code TINY15 at Encantosworld.com. Offer only available online, not through App Store.

Struggling with costume inspiration this year? Spirit Halloween to the rescue! The retailer just dropped 2021 costume trends that are wickedly good for both trick or treating and adult work parties.

Get the whole crew in on the fun with the Creepy Families theme, featuring broods from popular franchises. Spirit forecasts that Beetlejuice, Nightmare Before Christmas, Hocus Pocus, Corpse Bride and the Addams Family will be on trend this season.

Speaking of throwback entertainment, the ’90s are coming in hot! Specifically the shows of your childhood, like Teletubbies, Space Jam, Care Bears and Killer Klowns from Outer Space. It might be tricky to suit up in a full-blown Teletubby costume, but you might also win the night at your office party. Worth it?

But if there’s one thing the whole family can agree on, it’s that snacks are life. Why not put the “treat” in trick or treating? Spirit suggests searching out the Cheetos Flamin’ Hot costume, or you could dress up as an avocado, pickle, banana, PB&J or milk and cookies!

You can find all these looks online (or in store) at Spirit Halloween, the largest Halloween specialty retailer in the country. There are more than 1,425 locations nationwide and more opening every spooky season. The countdown is on to October 31!

—Sarah Shebek

Feature image courtesy of Spirit Halloween

 

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With so many large crowd events cancelled, we’ve all been missing out on some fine fair food. But Pringles is here to help.

The brand just introduced a limited edition flavor––Wavy Deep Fried Pickle! Only found at Dollar General, this crunchy, acidic and sour snack is available this month.

photo: Courtesy of Pringles

Gareth Maguire, senior director of marketing for Pringles shares “The Pringles brand prides itself in delivering insanely accurate flavor combinations that are both familiar and delicious. With the debut of Pringles Wavy Deep Fried Pickle, fans can experience their favorite, iconic fried appetizer flavor in an entirely new, easy to snack form.”

The limited-edition Pringles Wavy Deep Fried Pickle are only available at Dollar General stores starting in April 2021, while supplies last. For more information, follow @PringlesUS on Instagram, @Pringles on Twitter and check out Facebook.com/PringlesUS.

––Karly Wood

 

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Are pickles your favorite? Now Disneyland has a menu item you can’t miss! As if a trip to the theme park wasn’t a treat in itself, you can take a break from the attractions and nab a hot dog stuffed in a pickle with a panko crust.

You read that right! The Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs Cart in the Downtown Disney District has panko-crusted hot dogs neatly stuffed inside a whole pickle. While this might sound sort of odd, it’s all your fave flavors rolled into one.

photo: Disney Parks Blog

Not only does Disneyland have this kind of crazy corn dog delight, you can get the panko-covered dream with a side of peanut butter. For those of you who haven’t tried the super-secret taste sensation of peanut butter and pickles—it’s a flavor profile you need to know. Forget about PB and J, PB and P (that’s for pickles) is a tasty treat you’ll crave.

Just in case a panko-crusted fried pickle covered hot dog with a sweet and salty side of peanut butter isn’t your idea of fab foodie fun, check out the Disney Parks Blog for more taste sensations coming to Disneyland this month.

—Erica Loop

 

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Disney Baby and Petunia Pickle Bottom recently teamed up for a brand-new collab. The Love Mickey Mouse line is a collection of backpack-style diaper bags—and it’s available right now!

The Petunia Pickle Bottom and Disney Baby Love Mickey Mouse line includes the META ($169), Method ($159) and Boxy Backpack ($220). Along with the diaper bags, the line also features the Nimble Diaper Clutch, Sip & Snap bottle holder and Cool Pixel Plus.

Love Mickey Mouse is a line filled with fashionable, but functional, picks. Look for backpack linings covered in a “Love Mickey” graphic.

The sweet pattern also covers the bags’ accessories and the backpacks’ exteriors also feature Mickey Mouse outlines in tonal shades of grey.

If you’re not into a pink or blue baby bag, you don’t have anything to worry about with this line. The backpacks and accessories have a gender neutral color scheme. This makes the line perfect for every new parent and every new occasion you’ll experience with your new little love.

Find the Love Mickey Mouse line of backpacks and baby bag accessories online at Petunia Pickle Bottom here.

—Erica Loop

Photos courtesy of Petunia Pickle Bottom and Disney Baby

 

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