National Pancake Day

Kids are guaranteed to flip for a gratis short stack of pancakes at any IHOP location on February 5. In return for their golden, syrup-drenched breakfast, families are invited (but not required) to make a donation to the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals or another local charity. Sound like another silly holiday, along the lines of National Kazoo Day? Think again: IHOP's celebration has its roots in the English pre-Lenten tradition of Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday—the holiday we know as Mardi Gras. All ages.