Knock knock. Who’s there? It’s National Tell a Joke Day!
August 16th is the perfect time to tickle your funny bone because it’s National Tell a Joke Day. We all know how good a giggle can make us feel, but there are some real world reasons why joking around is good for our kids’ health. Studies show that humor can help reduce stress and make social interactions easier for children, helping them learn how to diffuse conflict and make friends more easily. It also promotes language and literacy skills while developing kids’ creativity.
This National Tell a Joke Day, enjoy some of our favorite jokes below. And keep scrolling for side-splitting activities, educational resources, and more to get the whole family laughing!
Ha-Ha’s for the Whole Family!
What time is it when an elephant sits on your fence?
Time to get a new fence.
What did the left eye say to the right eye?
Between us, something smells!
What’s Curious George’s favorite dessert to share?
A banana split!
How do ducks learn to fly?
They just wing it.
What do you call a T-rex after she goes to sleep?
A dino-snore.
What happens when you tell an egg a joke?
It cracks up!
Ernie, do you want some ice cream?
Sherbert!
Activities, Resources, & More
Why Being Funny is Good for Your Family
Grades PreK-3
Joking around with your kids can benefit nearly every aspect of their development. Here are some tips to tickle your kid’s funny bone and crack them up at every age.
Funny Books for Kids
Grades PreK-4
There’s nothing like a good laugh! We aim to please with this selection of funny books for kids ages 0-9 that’ll have you laughing out loud. Whether it’s a giant pickle stuck in a roof or a writerly duck who tricks a farmer (again!), the unexpected situations and hilarious stories will bring you a smile.
Mega Wow | Telling Jokes with Balloon Rockets!
Grades K-3
Are you ready for some Mega Wow? Join your host Katie Nguyen and her special guest Bennett as they tell each other jokes with balloon rockets!
Laugh-o-Graph – The Electric Company | PBS KIDS Lab
Grades 1-3
Create a laugh graph to rate your child’s favorite jokes and figure out which one is the funniest. This activity from The Electric Company will help children master graphing, data collection, and analysis.
Rewriting Situation Comedy | Great Performances: Merry Wives
Grades 6-12
What makes a story funny? This lesson spills the beans on what makes a situation comedy tickle your funny bone.