My dorm room in my second year in college was right next to the R.A. He was nice enough, but a stickler for the rules and could even be a little authoritarian at times. My roommate and I got in trouble all the time for minor noise infractions. One night we decided to prank him. There was a trash can full of recycled soda cans on our floor. After everyone went to sleep we stacked the soda cans in front of his door up to the doorknob. Our hope was they would crash down when he opened the door. Then we’d come into the hallway and tell him to keep it down. Instead, he woke up at 4 A.M. needing to go to the bathroom. The cans didn’t move. He had to run and jump over them to get to the bathroom. The cans collapsed when he got back to his room, but it didn’t wake anyone up, including us.
Our R.A. ended it up laughing about it. What I didn’t realize is that it started a pranks war on our floor that created some of the best memories from my time in college. Playing good pranks on your family, if done correctly, is a great way to lighten the mood in the house and create laughter. There must be an element of surprise for the prank to be successful. Remember though, your goal is laughter not hurt feelings. The sky is the limit when it comes to creating fun pranks, but here are 4 fun suggestions to get you started.
1. The Ketchup Volcano
We give you fair warning that this prank is messy! You’ll need a ½ full bottle of ketchup and some baking soda. First, turn the bottle upside down allowing the ketchup to run to the top (critical). Next, put (2) spoonful’s of baking soda in the bottle as soon as you turn it right side up (Make sure the ketchup is still on the sides of the bottle). Put the cap back on and allow time for the ketchup to run back down and cover the baking soda. Do not shake the bottle! The vinegar in the ketchup mixed with the baking soda creates a volcano waiting to happen. When your victim goes for the ketchup, and this is a perfect prank to play on a teenage son because he’s most likely to take it the best, he will grab the ketchup and shake it. When he opens that cap, stand back.
2. The Repugnant Peanut
You will need a bag of chocolate peanuts and your camera. Film yourself as you suck the chocolate from each peanut and spit them into a bowl. While watching TV with your victim, offer the peanuts as a snack. After your victim eats the peanuts, show him the video. YUCK!!! If that seems too gross for you, serve clean peanuts and only make your victim think you gave them the nasty ones.
3. The Hidden Alarm Clock
This is a simple prank and all you need is an old fashioned wind up alarm clock. On a weekend night (not a school night), set the alarm for 3 am and hide it in the room of your victim. Maybe put it in a dresser drawer slightly cracked open. They will be tearing apart the room in a sleepy fit trying to turn it off.
4. The Bedtime Switcheroo
This one is perfect for a parent with younger children who sleep heavy. Wait until the kids are fast asleep and then move them into each other’s beds. Make sure you are there when they wake up. The look on their sweet confused faces when they look around is priceless. Then give big hugs and laughs and let them know it was only a game.
Sound off: What are some of your favorite pranks?
Check out the All Pro Dad team discussing free and easy ways to have fun with your kids in this podcast:
