30 Fun 4th of July Family Activities + Kids Crafts (2024)

The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, is a perfect time for families to come together and celebrate America's birthday with a variety of fun activities and events. Whether you're spending the long weekend at home or heading out to enjoy community festivities, there's something for the entire family to enjoy. From patriotic crafts to fireworks displays, here's a collection of ideas to help you plan a memorable July 4th celebration with your family this year.

Where is the best place to spend the 4th of July?

If you're wondering where the best place to spend July 4th is, you can't go wrong with celebrating in your own backyard or heading to a local beach. Both spots are perfect for the whole family, offering a great way to enjoy the long weekend. Here are some other ideas for families planning a 4th of July celebration:

Enjoy Live Entertainment

Many communities offer live entertainment during their Independence Day events. Enjoying live music and performances is a great way to soak up the holiday spirit and have a great time with loved ones

Visit an Amusement Park

For a thrilling day of fun, consider spending your July weekend at an amusement park. Many parks offer special Independence Day events, including fireworks shows and live entertainment. It's a great opportunity to enjoy a variety of rides and attractions, making it a perfect way to celebrate.

Attend a Local Festival

Many towns and cities host local festivals to celebrate Independence Day, featuring a variety of activities like live music, food trucks, and fireworks shows. Check out events in your local area for a day full of festive fun!

Plan a Family Vacation

The long July weekend is a great time for a family vacation. Whether you choose to visit an amusement park, a national park, or a historical site, traveling together can create precious memories. Head to destinations that offer special Independence Day events to make the trip even more memorable.

Enjoy a Day at the Beach

If you're lucky enough to live near the coast, spending the day at the beach is a perfect way to celebrate July 4th. Pack a picnic with the best bite-size fruits, snacks, and your favorite drinks. Enjoy beach games like volleyball or a sandcastle-building contest. As the sun sets, find a spot to watch nearby firework shows for a magical end to the day.

Plan a Picnic with Food Trucks

For those who prefer not to cook, visiting food trucks is a perfect way to enjoy a variety of tasty treats. Many parks and community centers host food trucks during Independence Day celebrations, offering everything from gourmet hot dogs to ice cream. Grab a blanket and find a spot under a sturdy tree for a relaxing picnic.

How do you throw an awesome 4th of July party?

Throwing an awesome 4th of July party is all about bringing together great company, delicious food, and creative activities. With a bit of planning and some fun ideas, you can host a memorable celebration that the whole family will enjoy.

Organize a Neighborhood Block Party

This fun idea can include a variety of activities such as potluck dinners, live music, and even a golf cart parade decorated with patriotic themes. It's a great way to strengthen community bonds and celebrate the holiday with neighbors.

Host a Backyard Barbecue

A backyard barbecue is a great way to gather family and friends for a day of tasty treats and fun games. Fire up the grill and prepare a great 4th of July menu with classic items like hot dogs, hamburgers, and potato salad. Don't forget to incorporate red, white, and blue decorations to add a patriotic touch to your setup!

Decorate with Patriotic Themes

Get into the holiday spirit with decorations like American flags, red, white, and blue balloons, and star-spangled banners. A festive atmosphere always makes the celebration more fun!

Make Patriotic Snacks

Incorporate the colors of the American flag into your holiday menu with patriotic snacks and treats. Use food coloring to dye popcorn red, white, and blue, or make a layered fruit salad with strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream. Ice cream is also a must-have on a hot July day, and you can easily add a patriotic twist by topping it with colorful sprinkles or fruit.

Cool Off with Water Balloon Games

In the middle of summer, there's no better way to beat the heat than with water balloon games. Organize a water balloon toss or a full-on water balloon fight to keep both kids and adults entertained. This simple activity is a hit with small children and older kids alike, making it a family-friendly thing to do on July 4th.

Host a Friendly Sports Tournament

Get everyone moving with traditional Fourth of July games like sack races, three-legged races, or a game of horseshoes. You can also organize traditional outdoor games like baseball, soccer, or volleyball. For an added challenge, set up a friendly competition with prizes for the winners.

Create a Patriotic Photo Booth

Set up a photo booth with patriotic props like American flags, red, white, and blue hats, and star-spangled banners. Photo booths can provide hours of entertainment and create great memories.! Encourage guests to take photos and share them on social media with a special hashtag.

How do you teach kids about the fourth of July?

Teaching kids about the Fourth of July can be fun and educational. By incorporating engaging activities and interesting facts, you can help them understand the significance of the holiday while sparking their curiosity about American history.

Start the Day with a Patriotic Parade

Begin your Independence Day celebration by attending a local July parade. This fun way to kick off the holiday spirit features floats, marching bands, and plenty of American flags.

Create Patriotic Crafts

Get creative with a variety of patriotic activities that are perfect for the whole family. Set up a tie-dye t-shirt station using red, white, and blue colors, or make a batch of patriotic slime with little bins and blue markers. For a fun craft that doubles as a decoration, create a patriotic wreath or flower crowns. These activities not only provide a great opportunity for kids to develop their fine motor skills but also add a festive touch to your 4th of July decor.

Organize a Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of patriotic items for participants to find, such as mini American flags, red, white, and blue balloons, or historical figures like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. This friendly competition can be a great activity to keep kids engaged and entertained throughout the day.

Host a Declaration of Independence Reading

Gather friends and family for a reading of the Declaration of Independence. This can be a powerful and educational experience that reminds everyone of the historical significance of the holiday. For added fun, have participants dress up as historical figures like George Washington or teach them patriotic songs like the star-spangled banner.

How can I celebrate July 4th at home?

Celebrating July 4th at home can be just as exciting as any big event. With a few easy Fourth of July activities and some festive spirit, you can create a memorable Independence Day celebration right in your own backyard.

Host a Patriotic Movie Marathon

If you prefer to stay indoors, hosting a patriotic movie marathon is a great activity. Choose movies that celebrate America's history and values, such as National Treasure

Enjoy a Fireworks Display

No Fourth of July celebration is complete without a spectacular fireworks display. Many communities host fireworks shows that light up the night sky with bright stars and colorful explosions. For a more hands-on experience, consider setting off your own fireworks in your backyard, ensuring you follow all safety guidelines.

Create a Backyard Camping Experience

Set up tents in your own backyard for a fun camping experience without leaving home. Share ghost stories around a fire pit, make s'mores, and enjoy the sounds of summer. This is a great activity for small children who may not be ready for a real camping trip yet but still want to enjoy the adventure.

Make Flower Crowns

For a creative and beautiful craft, make flower crowns using red, white, and blue flowers. This activity is great for kids and adults alike and can be a lovely accessory to wear throughout the day.

30 Patriotic Craft Ideas to Make on 4th of July

From DIY decorations to fun activities, these kid-friendly 4th of July activities are perfect for celebrating America's birthday with the whole family.

1. Popsicle Stick Uncle Sam

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How cute is this popsicle stick Uncle Sam craft from Darcy and Brian? It's also a great opportunity to teach your kids about historical figures.

2. Patriotic Tic-Tac-Toe Lawn Game

*Image Credit vis* *Hey Let’s Make Stuff*

Full instructions

Create a fun game for the whole family with this patriotic tic-tac-toe lawn game. Hey Let's Make Stuff provides a fantastic tutorial to make your July 4th celebration more interactive.

3. American Flag Punch Pinata

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This American flag punch pinata from Made with Happy is a great way to add excitement to your Independence Day celebration. It's a fun game for kids and adults alike.

4. Patriotic Popsicle Garland

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Add a touch of red, white, and blue to your decorations with this patriotic popsicle garland from Six Clever Sisters. It's a simple activity that yields charming results.

5. Shaving Cream Fireworks

*Image Credit Via* *I Can Teach My Children*

Full tutorial

Create mesmerizing shaving cream fireworks with this tutorial from I Can Teach My Child. It's a great way to combine fun and learning for kids of all ages.

6. Star Suncatcher

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Make beautiful star suncatchers with Kids Activity Zone's easy-to-follow guide. This craft is perfect for capturing the bright stars of July 4th.

7. 4th of July Parade Wands

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Wave your patriotic spirit high with these 4th of July parade wands from Eighteen 25. They are perfect for the July parade or your backyard celebration.

8. Flag Ring Toss Game

*Image Credit via* *Girl and a Glue Gun*

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A Girl and a Glue Gun's flag ring toss game is a fun way to get everyone involved in a friendly competition. This game is perfect for kids and adults.

9. Confetti Popper Rockets

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These confetti popper rockets from Alpha Mom are a great way to add a pop of excitement to your Independence Day events. Perfect for kids, they are easy to make and fun to use. ere!

10. Firework Straw Rockets

*Image Credit via* *Fantastic Fun and Learning*

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Launch your own fireworks with these firework straw rockets from Fantastic Fun and Learning. It's a simple activity that provides loads of fun for small children.

11. Fingerprint Stars

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Create beautiful fingerprint stars with Our Kid Things' easy craft. This is a great activity for younger kids to celebrate the 4th of July.

12. DIY Patriotic Bowling Lawn Game

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Enjoy a fun game of bowling with a patriotic twist using Six Clever Sisters' DIY guide. This lawn game is perfect for family gatherings.

13. Patriotic Headbands

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These patriotic headbands from Design Improvised are too cute and a great accessory for a 4th of July party or parade!

14. Patriotic Name Craft

*Image Credit via* *Simple Everyday Mom*

full instructions

Help your kids make their own patriotic name craft with Simple Everyday Mom's guide. It's a fun way to celebrate and personalize your Independence Day decor.

15. 4th of July Sparkle Bottles

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Create some sparkle this 4th of July with these fun sparkle bottles from Jamonkey. They're perfect for younger kids to enjoy the festive spirit.

16. Patriotic Beaded Garland

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This patriotic beaded garland from The Little Things is a great activity for fine motor practice and adds a festive touch to any July 4th decor.

17. Fork Stamped Fireworks

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Create a colorful fireworks display with this fork stamping craft from Toddler at Play. It's a fun way to celebrate with the whole family.

18. 4th of July Pinata Balloons

*Image Credit Via* *Simple Homemade Gifts*

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Add some explosive fun to your celebration with 4th of July pinata balloons from Simple Homemade Gifts. They are a hit with kids and adults alike.

19. Firecracker Tie Dye Shirt

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Make a firecracker tie-dye shirt with Pretty Life Things' easy-to-follow guide. It's a fun and festive way to show your patriotic spirit.

20. 4th of July Handprint Craft

*Image Credit via* *Fun Handprint Art Blog*

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Create a memorable keepsake with this 4th of July handprint craft from Fun Handprint Art Blog. It's a simple and meaningful activity for small children.

21. 4th of July Squishy Stars

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These 4th of July squishy stars from Friends Art Lab are a fun and easy craft for kids. They're perfect for celebrating America's birthday.

22. Paper Plate Flag Craft

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Make a patriotic paper plate flag with Kids Activities Zone's simple craft. This is a great way for kids to celebrate the 4th of July.

23. Patriotic Windsocks

*Image Credit Via* *i Heart Crafty Things*

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These patriotic windsocks from i Heart Crafty Things are a great way to decorate your yard for the 4th of July. They are easy to make and look fantastic.

24. Patriotic Party Poppers

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Add some fun to your Independence Day celebration with these patriotic party poppers from Sunshine Whispers. They're easy to make and fun to use.

25. 4th of July Paper Plate Wreath

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Create a festive 4th of July paper plate wreath with Crafts by Ria's guide. It's a great way to add some holiday spirit to your home.

26. Rocket Flyers

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These rocket flyers from Brain Power Boy are a fun and simple activity for kids of all ages. They are perfect for celebrating the 4th of July.

27. Patriotic Paper Lantern Craft

*Image Credit via* *The Crafting Chicks*

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Light up your celebration with this patriotic paper lantern craft from Crafting Chicks. It's a beautiful and easy craft that the whole family will enjoy.

28. Patriotic Pinwheels

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These patriotic pinwheels from Crafts by Amanda are a great way to add some festive flair to your 4th of July celebration. They are fun to make and look amazing.

29. Salt Painted Fireworks

*Image Credit via* *The Best Ideas for Kids*

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Create stunning salt painted fireworks with The Best Ideas for Kids' guide. This is a fun and educational craft for kids of all ages.

30. DIY Patriotic Bubble Wands

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Make your own patriotic bubble wands with i Heart Crafty Things' simple guide. They are perfect for adding some bubbly fun to your Independence Day celebration.