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Aloha April! 10 Holidays and Observances Heading Your Way

Passover, grilled cheese day, and library week too

By Macaroni KID Fremont March 27, 2024

April is a time of renewal, from Easter and Passover to flowers blooming — in all their spring glory — in our yards. But along with that, April also has its share of other holidays, awareness initiatives, and events.

Read on for 10 April holidays, events, and observances that you might want to know more about:





Autism Awareness Month 

One in 59 children born in the United States is on the autism spectrum. It is the fastest-growing developmental disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read tips for talking to your kids about autism, from a mom whose son is on the spectrum. April 1-30 



Children's Bureau Learning & Coordination Center

National Child Abuse Prevention Month

All families need help sometimes. Commit in April to learn new ways to strengthen child and family well-being. The most important thing we can do to help children thrive is to support families before they reach a crisis. Learn more from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. April 1-30 




April Fools' Day

Kids are all about April Fool's Day! Here are seven ideas for fun (and harmless!) April Fools' Day pranks to play on your kids. Have fun! But always watch your back. April 1





National Library Week

Libraries are at the heart of our communities and schools, providing a public space where all community members can come together to connect and learn. Take your child to get their very own library card this week! Check the event calendar here to find all of the local library happenings. April 7-13





National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

A great day to serve this perennial kid favorite for dinner! Ooey gooey goodness. "Adult" it up, if you must, by adding toppings like bacon, tomatoes, spinach, or portabella mushrooms. Here are delicious twists on a classic sandwich to try. April 12




Day of Silence

The Day of Silence is a national student-led demonstration where LGBTQ+ students and allies take a vow of silence to protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ+ people in schools, followed by Break the Silence rallies to bring attention to ways their schools and communities can become more inclusive. Join in for the full day, or for three minutes of community silence and solidarity at 3 p.m. ET. Find more, including lessons and activities, here. April 12



National Park Week

Celebrate America's treasured parks! National Park Week is a time to explore amazing places, discover stories of history and culture, volunteer, and explore a national park near you! There are some fee-free days - find out more here, plus 3 tips on visiting with kids. April 20-28





Earth Day

This is a great day to assess how your family impacts the environment and think about small changes you can make to help our environment. Here are 7 ways your family can change the world. And be sure to check the event calendar here to find local Earth Day events. April 22




Passover

Passover, also known as Pesach — the Hebrew word for Passover — is celebrated during the spring, the time of rebirth. This holiday also celebrates social justice, freedom, and equality — very relevant concepts today. Here is an easy recipe for matzo ball soup ... delicious. April 22-30



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Pay It Forward Day 

Mark this day by letting your kids come up with an act of kindness as a way to "pay it forward." It's a great way to show them that even small gestures of kindness matter — and ripple outward. Want to know more about the concept? Read "Pay It Forward," a novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde. April 28