As the weather starts warming, the days last longer, too. If you have kids, you'll already be making plans for ways to entertain them while school is out, but there are only so many things that you can do. Going out can get expensive, and you can only spray them with a water gun for so long before it starts to get old. That's where technology can help, and no, this doesn't have to involve a screen, just an Amazon Echo device.

Out of all the digital assistants out there, Alexa is likely the one that you're most familiar with, with a recent CNET survey showing that 27% of US adults use it. After all, Alexa has been around for a long time, and a lot of people use it as a central hub for all their smart home gadgets. It's easy to use, with simple instructions including "Alexa, turn on the lights" and "Alexa, set a timer for five minutes." Amazon's digital assistant can even turn on your TV, play your favorite music, or check your home security cameras. And now that summer's here, it's time for Alexa to add some fun to your daily routine.

There's plenty Alexa can do to keep you and your family entertained, especially if you have kids, young or old. Alexa can tell jokes, read a story to lull the little ones to sleep, or just offer up some random trivia. And Alexa can reference pop culture like Star Wars, play fun games and, yes, even fart to keep the kids giggling.

What we're covering here is a more lighthearted side of Alexa. But it's just one of many ways to use Amazon's digital assistant. This Reddit discussion, for instance, mentions using an Echo device and some smart switches to help an elderly woman keep her verbal skills sharp when she doesn't have anyone to talk with.

Back to those bored kids, though... Here's a list of 83 Alexa commands, involving questions, jokes, trivia and more, that'll help keep them occupied -- even on a long, long summer day.

Funny Alexa jokes

Alexa will tell you a joke if you simply ask. Just say, "Alexa, tell me a joke." You can ask more specific questions for a good laugh, too.

• Alexa, can you tell me a "yo mama" joke?
• Alexa, what happens if you step on a Lego?
• Alexa, do aliens exist?
• Alexa, I've got 99 problems.
• Alexa, how was your day?
• Alexa, how high can you count?
• Alexa, what is the value of pi?
• Alexa, what do you think about Cortana?
• Alexa, is your refrigerator running?
• Alexa, why is six afraid of seven?
• Alexa, do you have any pets?
• Alexa, do you believe in ghosts?
• Alexa, are you blue? 
• Alexa, I like big butts.
• Alexa, why did the chicken cross the road?
• Alexa, how much do you weigh?
• Alexa, can you give me some money?
• Alexa, do you know Siri?
• Alexa, how old are you?
• Alexa, testing 1, 2, 3.
• Alexa, what do you want to be when you grow up?
• Alexa, are we in the Matrix?
• Alexa, where is Chuck Norris?
• Alexa, do you like pizza?
• Alexa, are you married?
• Alexa, can you sing in autotune? 
• Alexa, do you love me? 
• Alexa, give me a kiss.
• Alexa, make me a sandwich.
• Alexa, what do you want to be when you grow up? 
• Alexa, what's your favorite color?
• Alexa, will you marry me?
• Alexa, can you tell me a Star Wars joke?
• Alexa, can you talk like Yoda?
• Alexa, can you rap?

Movie and TV questions for Alexa

Alexa has a vast knowledge of nearly everything, which includes some of the best movies and TV shows of all time. Try a few of these classic lines with Alexa for a fun response.

• Alexa, my name is Inigo Montoya.
• Alexa, I want the truth.
• Alexa, surely you can't be serious?
• Alexa, party on, Wayne.
• Alexa, show me the money.
• Alexa, what's the first (or second) rule of Fight Club?
• Alexa, surely you can't be serious.
• Alexa, more cowbell.
• Alexa, who you gonna call?
• Alexa, you talkin' to me?
• Alexa, who's on first?
• Alexa, I am your father.
• Alexa, these aren't the droids you're looking for.
• Alexa, what is your quest?
• Alexa, may the force be with you.
• Alexa, do want to build a snowman?
• Alexa, do you know the muffin man?
• Alexa, winter is coming.
• Alexa, beam me up.
• Alexa, party time!
• Alexa, supercalifragilisticexpialodocious.
• Alexa, I'll be back.
• Alexa, inconceivable.
• Alexa, do you know Hal?
• Alexa, I've fallen and can't get up.
• Alexa, E.T. phone home.
• Alexa, who lives in a pineapple under the sea?
• Alexa, who shot Mr. Burns?
• Alexa, who loves ya baby?
• Alexa, your mother was a hamster.
• Alexa, who shot first?
• Alexa, who is the best lord?
• Alexa, give me an Alan Partridge TV pitch.
• Alexa, live long and prosper.

Funny trivia with Alexa

Alexa's not only chock full of jokes, but it also knows tons of trivia. Here are some questions to ask.

• Alexa, can you give me a random fact?
• Alexa, can you tell me a movie fact?
• Alexa, what are some interesting history facts?
• Alexa, what are some interesting sports facts?
• Alexa, what are some facts about the US government?

Entertain the kids with Alexa

If your kids always seem to say they're bored, let Alexa entertain them for hours with these fun questions.

• Alexa, can you entertain me?
• Alexa, can you meow?
• Alexa, moo like a cow.
• Alexa, can you bark?
• Alexa, can we play an animal game?
• Alexa, can you tell me a story?
• Alexa, who stole the cookie from the cookie jar? 
• Alexa, do you like green eggs and ham?
• Alexa, can you read me a Kindle book? (It will read you the last book you downloaded to your account.)

For more things you can do with your smart speaker, here's how to play music from any streaming service on your Amazon Echo, five unexpected uses for your Amazon Echo and six unusual Alexa skills you can try with your Amazon Echo today.

Alexa FAQ