50 jokes for kids (and how they can boost your connection)

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA

Looking for a fun way to bond with your child? Sharing jokes is a simple, powerful way to connect. Try these 50 kid-friendly jokes to get your little one laughing.

If you’re a parent, teacher, or work with kids in any capacity, then you know how easily they can get lost in their own world. Before long, it can feel like it’s been a while since you’ve truly connected. And connection is important!

If you’re feeling this, one fun and easy way to feel more bonded to your child is through jokes. Telling a joke that’s so silly it makes you both laugh hysterically can be one of the quickest ways for the two of you to connect.

Humor cuts through the noise and reminds you both how much you like each other. Laughing builds trust and shows your kid that even on the messiest days, joy is still totally possible. So, if you want to bond more, here’s a list of 50 jokes that can help you get here.

 

How jokes can help you strengthen your bond with your kids

Connecting with your kid can be hard when you constantly feel like you’re pulled in a thousand directions. But that’s where jokes come in. They’re little lifelines and joyful portals into your child’s world.

When you share a laugh with your kid, you’re showing them that you’re safe, that you get them, and that you don’t take yourself too seriously. Also, laughing can be like medicine, because it can trigger a cascade of feel-good chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin. This is the same stuff that fuels bonding, reduces stress, and helps build emotional resilience

This means that jokes can help reset a tense moment, rewire a rough day, and even remind your child that joy is always available — even in the mess. Plus, kids learn by copying. When you model humor, you’re teaching them how to handle life’s curveballs with curiosity and grace. 

Read more: Can laughter help your mental health? 10 benefits to know about

 

50 jokes to tell kids to make them laugh

You don’t need to be a stand-up comic to make your child giggle. All you need is a willingness to get a little silly. If you want to connect and laugh more with your kid, here are 50 delightful (and corny) jokes.

1. What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear.

2. Why did the tomato turn red? Because it saw the salad dressing!

3. What did the big flower say to the little flower? Hey, bud!

4. Why don’t eggs tell jokes? Because they’d crack each other up.

5. What’s brown and sticky? A stick.

6. How do you make a tissue dance? You put a little boogie in it.

💙 Shake it out together with the Kids: Work out the wiggles session of the Daily Move with Mel Mah.

7. Why did the bicycle fall over? It was two-tired.

8. What do you call a sleeping bull? A bulldozer.

9. Why did the golfer bring two pairs of pants? In case he got a hole in one.

10. What did one wall say to the other wall? I’ll meet you at the corner.

11. What’s the best way to throw a birthday party on Mars? You planet.

12. Why can’t your nose be 12 inches long? Because then it would be a foot.

13. Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field.

14. How do cows stay up to date? They read the moos-paper.

15. What’s orange and sounds like a parrot? A carrot.

16. Why do bees have sticky hair? Because they use honeycombs.

17. What do you get when you cross a snowman and a vampire? Frostbite.

18. Why was the broom late? It swept in.

19. What’s fast, loud, and crunchy? A rocket chip.

20. What did the zero say to the eight? Nice belt!

21. What kind of tree fits in your hand? A palm tree.

💙 Plant seeds of presence in your child by listening to Mindfulness for Kids (Ages 5-6) with Tamara Levitt.

 

22. Why did the kid bring a ladder to school? Because they wanted to go to high school.

23. What does a cloud wear under its raincoat? Thunderwear.

24. Why are ghosts bad at lying? Because you can see right through them.

25. What do you call a fish with no eyes? Fsh.

26. How do you catch a squirrel? Climb a tree and act like a nut.

27. Why was six afraid of seven? Because seven eight nine.

28. What’s a pirate’s favorite letter? You think it’s R, but it’s the C.

29. What do you call a can opener that doesn’t work? A can’t opener.

30. Why did the cookie go to the hospital? Because it felt crummy.

31. What do you call cheese that isn’t yours? Nacho cheese.

32. How do you organize a space party? You planet.

33. Why couldn’t the pony sing a lullaby? It was a little hoarse.

34. Why did the banana go to the doctor? Because it wasn’t peeling well.

35. What’s the best thing to put into a pie? Your teeth.

36. How do you know the ocean is friendly? It waves.

37. What do you get when you cross a pig and a ninja? Pork chop.

38. What time is it when the clock strikes 13? Time to get a new clock.

39. Why did the student eat his homework? Because the teacher said it was a piece of cake.

40. What’s a cat’s favorite color? Purr-ple.

41. Why did the frog take the bus to work? Because his car got toad.

42. What kind of music do mummies like best? Wrap music.

43. How does the moon cut its hair? Eclipse it.

44. Why did the chicken go to the séance? To talk to the other side.

45. What did the sock say to the foot? You’re toe-tally awesome.

46. Why did the skeleton skip the party? Because he had no body to go with.

47. How do you make a lemon drop? Just let it fall.

48. Why can’t a leopard hide? Because it’s always spotted.

49. What’s a snake’s favorite subject in school? Hiss-tory.

50. What kind of shoes do ninjas wear? Sneakers.

Read more: 101 fun questions to ask your kid to strengthen your bond

 

Jokes for kids FAQs

At what age do kids start understanding jokes?

Kids usually start to understand humor around age 3 or 4, but it’s typically pretty slapstick, like someone falling over. Exaggerated faces and whoopee cushions can also go over well. 

By around age 5 to 7, most kids begin to grasp simple jokes with structure, like knock-knock jokes or riddles.

How does laughing with my kids help bonding?

Laughter fast-tracks emotional closeness in a way that very few other things can. When you and your kid laugh together, you’re reinforcing that this relationship is a safe place. It lets both of you know that you’re allowed to be silly and loved exactly as you are.

Also, studies show that laughing together releases oxytocin, which is the bonding hormone. This can lower your stress, build trust, and make you both feel connected even on the hard days. 

How can I make jokes funnier for my child?

In general, kids respond to energy and not timing. If you sell the joke like it’s the best thing you’ve ever said in your life, they’ll most likely laugh. Often they’re not laughing because the joke’s funny, but because you’re being funny — and that’s even better.

You can also let your kid be in on the act. Invite them to guess the punchline or tell the joke with you, or improve it with their own punchline. 

Here are eight tips for parents to build their child’s confidence if they’re too nervous to tell a joke.

Why do kids love telling the same joke over and over?

Kids love retelling jokes because it gives them a sense of mastery. Repetition is comforting and empowering. There can also be something deeply satisfying about predictability.

Plus, every time they tell a joke, they reinforce confidence, communication, and connection

Are there any jokes I should avoid?

There are definitely jokes you shouldn’t tell. Avoid any jokes that punch down or anything that mocks someone’s appearance, body, background, abilities, or identity.

Jokes with scary themes or that are mean-spirited are good to steer clear of as well. Keep it light, kind, and ridiculous.


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