7 Fun Fourth of July Activities for Kids

There is really no wrong way to celebrate the Fourth of July and there’s really no shortage of how you can celebrate, but we have decided to compile a small list of fun activities you and your kids can enjoy for years to come. Perhaps these may become yearly traditions, but whether they do or not, we are sure they will be memorable.

1. Go Camping! 

Camping is quite the adventure for avid campers and newbies to camping. You can go big and head to a campground near home or you can take baby steps and camp in your backyard if you are new to camping. Regardless of where you decide to camp out, the 4th of July holiday is a perfect occasion to get outside to tell stories around a fire, make s’mores, and look up at the stars. If you venture outside your yard, hiking is always a relaxing activity to do during the day. And of course, there is so much more you can do if there is a lake or river where you are camping. 

2. Create a Waterpark at Home 

We know what you may be thinking – “Oh, but our water bill!” 

That thought is completely understandable, but it is for a special occasion and the kids would LOVE it. It’s also fairly effortless if you’ve got sprinklers and a hose. In just seconds you can create a mini splash pad in your own front yard or backyard. If you want to take it one step further, you can also add a slip and slide and blow up some water balloons. Even if you have a pool, you can still include these other water activities. That would definitely keep your kids and the neighbors’ kids entertained while being outside on a hot day. You and the other adults on your guest list may even want to join in on the fun. 

3. Enjoy a Patriotic Picnic  

If you are set on having something intimate, why not grab your picnic basket with patriotic paper plates and utensils and head for the park or your backyard. You can pack sandwiches, a fruit and veggie tray, and a patriotic dessert to enjoy on a picnic blanket or table. Believe it or not, even your older children would enjoy the change of scenery for a meal even if they won’t admit it to you.

4. Make Red, White and Blue Desserts 

If you’re wanting to do fun and patriotic dessert recipes for the 4th of July, we’ve got some simple and delicious recipe ideas you and your kids will enjoy making and eating. Fruit Sparklers are a definite crowd favorite because they make you feel like you are holding firework sparklers and they’re also refreshing. All you will need is a star-shaped cookie cutter, bamboo skewers, blueberries and watermelon. The watermelon would be the star and what child does not like watermelon or stars for that matter? 

For a less healthy treat worth the calories, you can also create a tray of American flag brownies with whipped cream, blueberries and strawberries for a wonderful way to celebrate 4th of July. Your guests will thank you for making your dessert fun and festive!

5. Watch or be Part of a Parade 

Your town, the town over or your neighborhood will likely be hosting a 4th of July parade. That said, why not grab some portable chairs, portable fans and mini flags to catch a fun parade. You may also be able to join in the parade. Some will allow families to walk or ride bikes down the designated streets in your neighborhood so be sure to check your local events to see when and where parades will be happening and get your festive gear on.

6. Make a Festive Craft

Making crafts is what makes being a kid or kid at heart so great, especially when they are festive crafts. There are plenty of crafts you can do, including creating mini flags with popsicle sticks or making a 4th of July noise maker. Kids of all ages love making noise and what better way to do that than with a homemade noise maker. All that is needed is red, white and blue paint, glitter or any other supplies you have to decorate your paper towel tube noise makers, and the sound effects can be from dried pasta or anything else you can rattle and shake. Now that’s quite an awesome sensory experience! 

7. Catch Some Fireflies 

There is no time like July and the 4th ​​to catch fireflies! Kids absolutely love catching these bugs and watching them light up. When catching fireflies, most people put them into mason jars. The trick is to move slowly and calmly and then place the lid on top of the jar to keep the firefly inside. If you plan on keeping the fireflies that you have caught, keep the inside humid and damp by placing a few drops of water, flowers or grass and a piece of apple inside. Watch them light up and then release before bed or in the morning. 

Speaking of fireflies, be sure to check out our latest video on fireflies aka nature’s fireworks at The Learning Experience’s Bubbles and Friends YouTube channel here.