Batman Day has arrived, and it’s time to celebrate in a big way (it’s Batman’s 80th Anniversary year, after all)! Not everything about the Dark Knight has to be dark—there’s a Batman for everyone. If you need to keep your Batman Day festivities on the lighthearted side as you spend it with kids, we’re here to help. We have three ideas for how to celebrate the big day in a family-friendly way.
Read a Batman Book Together
Whether your kids are reading on their own or love hearing you narrate a book out loud, we have all-ages picks for readers in the family.
If you’re looking to read aloud, toddlers and preschoolers will love to end Batman Day with the Bedtime For Batman board book. Even Batman has to settle down and get ready for bed every night! Or would that be every morning? Preschoolers and early elementary age might also like to hear a tale of the Dark Knight from Batman 5-Minute Stories, perfect for bedtime or any time, or learn more about the Caped Crusader in Batman is Trustworthy from Capstone Publishing.
Middle grade readers must pick up Dear Justice League, which combines humor, hope and heroics to make it the perfect graphic novel for kids. You’ll find Batman in its brightly illustrated pages starring in his very own story about his first day as a hero. If your kids are the type who love to binge-read a series, Scholastic’s Secret Hero Society graphic novels follow the exploits of a young Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent and Diana Prince as they uncover mysteries at their new school in Gotham City.
And finally, if you and the kids adore non-fiction, the Batman Science books from Capstone Publishing are another series you’ll love to dive into together. (Batman uses his brain just as much as he uses his gadgets and fists, after all.) Learn about the science behind the World’s Greatest Detective, the engineering concepts that make his vehicles go and how everything secreted away in his utility belt would work in the real world.
Catch Caped Crusader Cameos on Teen Titans GO!
While we’ve been treated to a variety of versions of Batman over the years, the Batman of Teen Titans GO! remains unique. He and Commission Gordon are BFFs who enjoy sleepovers together, and there’s nothing this Batman loves more than watching TV. There’s no grim Dark Knight here—his laugh is unforgettable and highly contagious. If you’re looking for a Caped Crusader off the Batman path to giggle with on Batman Day, why not sit in on a mini Teen Titans GO! marathon with the kids?
There are four installments of “TV Knight” in the series’ later seasons, and each one is more nonsensical and hilarious than the last. Each episode features Batman and Gordon trying desperately to binge some TV, even though Alfred insists the mischievous pair get a good night’s rest instead.
Looking to stream more than four episodes? In the first season episode “Sidekick,” Robin acts as Batcave-sitter while Batman is away. The Titans crash and trash the Batcave, much to Robin’s dismay, and take turns trying on the utility belt and the other gadgets they find. Robin’s bad day would make a GREAT Batman Day episode.
The Titans return to the Batcave in the fourth season episode “Mo’ Money Mo’ Problems.” Not content to explore just the Batcave this time, they wander up to Wayne Manor and question Robin on what it was like to grow up rich. Robin decides to find out what it’s like to live large, gives the much put-upon Alfred the day off, and the Titans run amok—with Bruce Wayne’s money.
When you’re ready for a screen break, grab the kids for a DIY Batman magnet craft that’s both one-of-a-kind and adorable.
Make Batman Fingerprint Magnets
Glass gems, paint, paper and a magnet transform into the Dark Knight and his loyal confidant Alfred in this family-friendly craft.
What You’ll Need
- Large glass gems (found at craft stores and dollar stores)
- Yellow and white cardstock paper
- Black, white and peach or tan washable paint or stamp pads
- Black permanent marker
- Adhesive magnets
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Clear Glue
Get Started!
Batman
- Begin by tracing a glass gem on the white cardstock. Cut it out.
- Dip a finger in the peach or tan paint and press it firmly in the center of the circle you just cut. Let the paint dry completely.
- Use the permanent marker to draw bat ears and Batman’s cowl. Trace the fingerprint.
- Gently press two dots of white paint on the cowl for his eyes and let the paint dry.
- Squeeze the clear glue around the Batman fingerprint and press it to the bottom of the glass gem. Let the glue dry completely.
- Attach the magnet to the back of the gem, and your Batman is complete!
Bat-Symbol
- Begin by tracing a glass gem on the yellow cardstock. Cut it out.
- Dip a finger in the black paint and press it firmly in the center of the circle you just cut. Let the paint dry completely.
- Use the marker to draw bat ears, wings and tail around the fingerprint.
- Squeeze the clear glue around the fingerprint and press it to the bottom of the glass gem. Let the glue dry completely.
- Attach the magnet to the back of the gem and your Batman logo is complete.
Alfred
- Begin by tracing a glass gem on the white cardstock. Cut it out.
- Dip a finger in the peach or tan paint and press it firmly in the center of the circle you just cut. Let the paint dry completely.
- Use the marker to draw Alfred’s face (don’t forget the mustache!) on the fingerprint.
- Dab a small amount of white paint for Alfred’s hair and let the paint dry.
- Squeeze the clear glue around the fingerprint and press it to the bottom of the glass gem. Let the glue dry completely.
- Attach the magnet to the back of the gem, and Alfred is ready to stand by your side!
No matter how you spend your Batman Day, it will be perfect because you’re celebrating together. Here’s to the next 80 years of the Caped Crusader!
Kelly Knox writes about all-ages comics and animation for DCComics.com and her writing can also be seen on IGN, Nerdist, Geek & Sundry and more. Follow her on Twitter at @kelly_knox to talk superheroes, comics and crafts.
