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 and events.
Here are 10 special holidays and events families can mark in April:
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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. Want to know more about autism? Read "The Warner Boys: Our Family's Story of Autism and Hope" by Ana and Curt Warner, whose twin sons were diagnosed with autism at 5 years old.
If your little one has been diagnosed with Autism and you live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder, Union, or York Counties, The Autism Society of Greater Harrisburg Area has a new Locator Device Grant! Through the Grant, they are able to provide families with financial support for obtaining a device that will track a wandering child. You can apply online or offline, go to http://autismharrisburg.com/locator.php for instructions for both methods.
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April Fool's Day
Kids are all about April Fool's Day! Make them giggle by adding googly eyes to everything in your fridge or pantry. Have fun! But always be wary. April 1
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Easter
This holiday marks the date Christians believe Jesus was resurrected. It's also a day kids look forward to because the Easter bunny visits. We are so excited that Georgie Lou's has announced that they will be hosting the Downtown Carlisle Bunny Hop again this year! Check our event calendar for all our local Easter Egg Hunts! April 4
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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. Our local libraries only just re-opened after the pandemic closures and are full of activities for the kids! April 4-10
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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. April 12
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Ramadan
Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of prayer, reflection, community, and fasting from sunrise to sunset. It is observed as a commemoration of Muhammad's first revelation and its annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Ramadan lasts about a month, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next. April 12-May 12
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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 17
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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! April 17-25
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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. April 22
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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
