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. April 1-30
Autism Resources in our area:
Caregiver Support Group by UMHB Counseling Students provides support for caregivers of children and teens with Autism
Heart of Central Texas Independent Living provides services for anyone with disabilities; including, advocacy, transition, peer support, and training.
Children's Special Needs Network hosts community events and provides reimbursement for medical supplies and services, camp scholarships, and conferences.
Fort Hood Area Parents of Special Needs Children is a Facebook group that has almost 1,000 members to answer any questions about services and schools in the area.
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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! Check our event calendar for local events! 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. We are fortunate to have very wonderful children's programs at our libraries, so check the Libraries category in the events calendar for virtual and in-person storytimes. 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
Go the extra mile and get your burger between two grilled cheeses at Galaxy B&G in Killeen! (It's called Galactic Madness and the combo with fries is only $9.99 on Mondays!)
If you have any food truck catering needs, Over the Plate has a food truck available for events and she makes the most delicious Grilled Mac & Cheese! It has pulled pork and mac & cheese between two slices of buttery bread and I'm drooling just thinking about it. Check out her cooking classes, too!
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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
I know we're super close to Austin, the most LGBTQ friendly city in Texas, but if you know of any LGBTQ resources in our immediate area, please send them to mackidkilleen@macaronikid.com so I can share them.
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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
Take a day trip to Waco Mammoth National Monument to see real-live mammoth fossils and explore the 108 acres of hiking paths while you try to imagine how the plants you see survived during the Ice Age!
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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
