"It’s hard to believe the Fourth of July is already around the corner. While you’re prepping for a long weekend full of backyard parties, neighborhood parades, and firework displays, it might also be fun to fit in some easy Independence Day-themed activities with the kids.
From DIY crafts and simple treats to cute activities to make and do with the little ones, we’ve rounded up 30 ways to help you and your family bring the celebrations to life in new, creative ways this July 4th. Many of the projects listed below can be done with items you probably already have around your house—no expansive craft closet required! And for some super-simple fun, we’ve even linked a few free, printable activities that your LOs will love. Read on for 30 fun and easy Fourth of July activities to do with your kids.
Fourth of July Activities and Crafts
1. Salad Spinner Art Star Banner
This cute and patriotic banner can be splatter painted using something you might already have at home: a salad spinner! String the cut-out stars onto some twine and you’ve got both a fun kids activitiy and piece of Fourth of July party decor.
2. Tissue Paper Flag
Upcycle old tissue paper with this easy craft that only requires cardboard or construction paper, red, white, and blue tissue paper, and glue. It’s a do-able activity for little ones and helps them practice their fine motor skills, too!
3. Fourth of July Rockets
Recycle old cardboard tubes from paper towels or toiler paper rolls with this craft that allows kids to let their creative sides shine with their rocket designs!
4. Fourth of July Scavenger Hunt
Whether you’re hosting a July 4th party or heading over to someone else’s house, this free printable scavenger hunt can be a simply fun way to get your kiddos engaged in the festivities.
5. Red, White & Blue Coffee Filter Flowers
You probably have some extra coffee filters somewhere in your kitchen cabinets, so why not use them to make this easy craft? Plus, the DIY flowers can later be displayed as a festive centerpiece on your Independence Day dinner table!
6. Patriotic Firework Handprint Craft
Memorialize your little ones’ tiny handprints with this activity that only requires a few supplies: construction paper, glue, glitter, and paint!
7. Patriotic Paper Plate Crown
Help your child shine like Lady Liberty herself with this patriotic paper plate crown that they’re sure to love wearing during the long holiday weekend.
8. Star Sun Catchers
Not only does this craft leave you with some festive Fourth of July decor for your home, but it’s also a great activitiy to do with kids during a rainy summer day (or anytime!).
9. Fourth of July Free Printable Activities
This pack of free printables includes everything your family needs for an enjoyable (and educational) afternoon including scissor practice, pre-writing templates, and more.
10. Duct Tape Parade Stick
Are you attending a Fourth of July parade in your area this year? If so, be sure to make these DIY parade sticks that your littles can proudly wave on the sidelines as patriotic floats go by.
11. Firework Paper Plate Craft
A great activity for kids to practice their fine motor skills, this craft only requires paper plates, colorful yarn, scissors, and a hole punch.
12. Star Luminaries
Spruce up your backyard (or front porch) decor with these pretty glass luminaries that your kiddos can help paint. Simply add tea light candles when you’re done crafting and you’ve got a cute and practical way to display your family’s art skills all summer long.
13. Patriotic Rock Painting
Remember painting rocks when you were a kid? Introduce your children to this nostalgic activity in honor of Independence Day.
14. Shaving Cream Fireworks
An easy craft for toddler or preschool-aged kids, this DIY simply requires shaving cream, paint or food coloring, toothpicks, and construction (or printer) paper.
15. American Flag Popsicle Stick Craft
Nothing screams summer quite like a popsicle stick craft. This easy activity comes with a free template to help your littles create their DIY American flag.
16. Fourth of July Puffy Slime
Kids looove slime, so why not make a patriotic version in honor of July 4th? (Need a hack for getting slime out of clothes? Click here for our step-by-step guide!)
17. Fourth of July Word Search Printable
A great activity for older kids, have them search for Independence Day-themed words including “America,” “Liberty,” “Sparklers,” and more with this free printable.
18. Patriotic Wreath
Another fun family activity that’s best for older kids, this tutorial walks you through how to create a patriotic wreath that would be great for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and more.
Fourth of July Treats
19. Firecracker Cutout Cookies
If making a yummy treat is more your family’s definition of a fun activity, use this recipe to create delicious cutout cookies to enjoy at home or bring to a July 4th party.
20. Patriotic Sparkler Cake Pops
If your littles love Starbucks cake pops, try making this DIY version at home in a patriotic version that’s perfect for the Fourth of July.
21. American Flag Sugar Cookies
Another activity that results in a tasty treat, these delicious sugar cookies are topped with vanilla frosting (either homemade or store-bought), sprinkles, and red licorice.
22. Fireworks Pancakes
Start your long weekend festivities off right with these firework pancakes that are just as fun to make as they are delicious to eat.
23. Red, White & Blue Chocolate Chip Cookies
Little bakers will love this recipe. Not only is it a classic family favorite, but it has a fun, patriotic twist everyone will love. These are perfect for bringing to the neighborhood barbecue.
24. Vanilla Pudding Fruit Dip
Have a kiddo who can’t get enough fruit? Make their summer snacking even tastier with this fruit dip that is easily made festive with some colorful sprinkles.
25. American Flag Pie
It doesn’t get much more American than a classic pie recipe with a flag cutout on top! Kids who enjoy baking will love throwing on their apron and helping craft this masterpiece.
26. Snow Cones
Nothing says summer quite like snow cones, and now you can make your own! The best part about this recipe is that it can be kid-friendly, or you can make it boozy for the parents by adding a hint of vodka.
27. Angel Food Flag Cake
As much fun as it will be to whip up this angel food cake, it will be even more fun to decorate it together like an American flag.
28. Star-Spangled Cookies
Recipes that double as an art project always get our stamp of approval. Kiddos will love snacking on these tasty cookies as much as they love decorating them for the holiday.
29. Tie-Dye Cake
Craft the perfect festive afternoon for your kiddos by tie-dying shirts before whipping up this adorable tie-dye cake (or cupcake!).
30. American Flag Rice Krispie Treat
Rice Krispie treats are always a good idea. They’re light and delicious, making them perfect for the hot summer months. This recipe dips them and makes them festive and adorable.
Brett Nicole Hayden, Assistant Editor
As the Assistant Editor, Brett works with the editors of The Everymom on the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, and pitching and contributing her own articles. Her favorite topics to write about are culture, relationships, and living. She’s also The Everymom’s resident baby names and family movies expert!