Every year is packed with the big, traditional holidays we all know and love, but tucked between those dates are dozens of wonderfully quirky celebrations just waiting to be discovered. From National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day to Talk Like a Pirate Day, these offbeat occasions bring a spark of surprise to our calendars.
As we look ahead to next year, embracing these playful holidays can be a simple way to add joy, creativity, and connection to our routines. They offer a chance to pause, smile, and do something a little unexpected. Whether that’s sharing a silly activity with your kids or adding a fun twist to your weekly schedule.
In this month’s blog, we’ll dive into some of the most delightful, underrated holidays coming up and explore how you can celebrate them in meaningful (or just plain entertaining) ways. Get ready for a year sprinkled with whimsy, laughter, and plenty of moments worth remembering.
January
Make winter a little less dreary with Popcorn Day on January 19. Your children can look forward to throwing a bag of popcorn in the microwave and popping on a movie, or you can show them how to make it stovetop style and experiment with fun toppings.
Next up is Backwards Day on January 31. The meaning of Backwards Day is totally up to your children. Need a few ideas for embracing Backwards Day? How about calling your children their names backwards, wearing your shirts backwards, or even walking backwards?
February
The month of Valentine’s Day includes plenty of other days to spread the love, from Thank Your Mailman Day on February 4 to Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17.
March
March 14 is National Pi Day (3.14!), which is a great opportunity to show school-age kids that math can be fun. For younger children, this can be National Pie Day. They won’t mind!
March 20 is World Storytelling Day, a global holiday celebrating the art of oral storytelling. Your kids can take turns making up their own stories, and you can chip in with a few of your own.
April
National Siblings Day falls on April 10 and is a great time for brothers and sisters to show each other they care. Shortly after on April 18 is International Juggler’s Day, which means it’s time to get out the Hacky Sacks or balled-up socks and start practicing!
May
As the weather warms up and summer nears, your children may be so thrilled they could dance…like a chicken! Yep, Dance Like a Chicken Day, May 14, is the time to flap your wings and do the chicken dance.
After that comes Pizza Party Day on May 15. While children rarely need an excuse to eat pizza, it’s nice to give them one every once in a while. You can celebrate by holding a make-your-own mini pizza party where kids can pick their favorite toppings.
June
Encourage your children to start this month off on the right foot with Say Something Nice Day on June 1. After that is International Picnic Day on June 18, a great opportunity for the family to get outside and get some sun together.
July
Celebrate all the cousins in your family with Cousins Day on July 24. If you can’t visit a cousin or two, why not have your children send a handmade card or make a phone call?
The last day of the month, July 31, is Uncommon Musical Instrument Day, which is sure to be filled with the sounds of kazoos, hang drums, and hurdy-gurdies!
August
On Book Lovers’ Day, August 9, organize your family’s bookshelves before popping over to the local bookstore. A few days later, on August 13, don’t forget to celebrate all the lefties in your family with Left-Handers day!
September
Every once in a while, it’s okay to have a second helping of dessert. On September 4, Eat an Extra Dessert Day, it’s actually a must. On September 9, give some love to all those teddy bears that got your kids through tough and moody moments by celebrating Teddy Bear Day.
October
For whatever reason, balloons seem to brighten up any room. With Balloons Around the World Day on October 1, your children can enjoy an excuse to bring home some balloons even when it’s not their birthday.
Next up is World Teacher Day on October 5, a time to honor the teachers in our lives with a great big “Thank You!”
November
November 20 is Universal Children’s Day, when children across the world join together to promote awareness of children’s welfare and, more often than not, indulge in some sweet treats.
November 21 is Family Volunteer Day, the perfect opportunity for families to work together to support their communities or neighborhoods, which strengthens the community and the family
December
Day of the Ninja, which falls on December 5, is a time to watch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and learn about the history of the medieval Japanese secret agents that inspire our modern understanding of the stealthful ninja.
Everyone has an ugly sweater they just can’t get rid of for one reason or another. December 18 is when we can all wear those ugly sweaters proudly thanks to Ugly Sweater Day!
If not all these holidays float your boat, there’s plenty more to choose from and plan a whole day around. With a couple creative and even wacky things to look forward to each month, you and your children can set the intention to have a fun year in 2026!
