It’s hard to believe 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 activities with the kids.
From patriotic crafts and festive treats to Fourth of July games to play with your the little ones, we’ve rounded up 50 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 Fourth of July activities that your LOs will love. Read on for 50 fun and easy Fourth of July activities to do with your kids.
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Fourth of July Activities and Crafts
1. Windsock Toilet Paper Roll Craft
This Fourth of July-themed windsock will be the perfect decor to add to your backyard BBQ this year. The kids will be able to say, “I made that!”
2. DIY Confetti Poppers
Grab confetti, recycled toilet paper rolls, and balloons, and have your very own fireworks show with DIY confetti poppers. It’s fun for the whole family!
3. 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.
4. Paper Roll Firework Craft
If the kids aren’t able to stay up late enough for the firework show this year, no problem. Set up this creative firework craft with recycled toilet paper rolls to give the kids a show of their own.
5. 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!
6. 4th of July Pinwheel Craft
Skip the store decorations and make your very own holiday pinwheels instead. Display them outside or bring them to your neighborhood parade.
7. Fourth of July Rockets
Recycle old cardboard tubes from paper towels or toilet paper rolls with this craft that allows kids to let their creative sides shine with their rocket designs!
8. 4th of July Handprint Art
Look back years from now at how little the kids’ hands used to be with this Uncle Sam and eagle handprint art activity. A little bit of mess is definitely worth some nostalgic art pieces.
9. 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.
10. 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!
11. 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!
12. 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.
13. 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!).
14. 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.
15. String Art Star
With your help, of course, make a string star on the Fourth of July with the kids. It will keep them busy, and no masterpiece will look exactly alike.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. Patriotic Rock Painting
Remember painting rocks when you were a kid? Introduce your children to this nostalgic activity in honor of Independence Day.
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. 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!)
23. 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.
24. 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
25. Patriotic Pops
Beat the summertime heat with patriotic pops made with frozen yogurt and an array of red, white, and blue fruit, like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
26. No-Bake Cheesecake Jars
Have the kids make their very own no-bake cheesecake jars. They can enjoy crushing the graham crackers for the base and choose their own toppings. Don’t forget to top it with the best part—whipped cream!
27. 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.
28. Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries
It’s an easy, bite-sized treat that the little ones can munch on in between all your Fourth of July activities.
29. 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.
30. 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.
31. 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.
32. 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.
33. 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.
34. 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.
35. 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!).
36. 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.
37. 4th of July Flag Pretzels
This festive treat takes only 15 minutes to make, and the kids might love decorating the pretzels, too.
38. Watermelon Sugar Cookies
What feels more summer than enjoying a fresh watermelon outside with family? The best part about this recipe is—even if you don’t like the fruit—you can still enjoy these cookies! They may even help any pickier kiddos get more comfortable with trying the real thing.
39. Firework Cookies
What’s better than a treat to commemorate the best part of every Fourth of July celebration, the fireworks? These cookies are festive and fun, and leave plenty of room for your kiddos to help decorate.
40. Red, White, and Blue Cookie Sandwiches
Easy, festive, and delicious, these should be added to your list of fan-favorite desserts to make with your kiddos this Fourth of July. They include a hefty serving of frosting everyone (especially the little ones) will appreciate.
Fourth of July Outdoor Activities
41. Draw some patriotic sidewalk chalk art
This is a great low-cost option that utilizes supplies your family probably already has lying around. Find that bag of chalk and get you and your kiddos’ creative wheels turning. Whether it’s a giant American flag or a beautiful firework scene, the whole family will love getting involved.
42. Organize a backyard bike parade
This can be as involved or as low-effort as you’d like. You can help your kiddos decorate their bikes with Dollar Store streamers and balloons, and then sit back and let them create the magic. Or, you can get other parents and kids from the neighborhood involved and host a larger, on-theme parade. Totally up to you!
43. Have a glow stick dance party after sunset
Need a kid-friendly, safe alternative to a backyard firework display? Run to Target and grab some glow sticks. Then, turn up the music and watch as your little ones create life-long memories. The best part about this one is that the glow sticks can be used for multiple activities. They’re also a great companion for a backyard movie marathon or nighttime scavenger hunt.
44. Go on a picnic and park adventure
Nothing screams “Fourth of July” to me quite like a day spent outside enjoying good food around other kids and families. This doesn’t have to be expensive or high-stress. Just head to your local park with a packed meal and spend the day with your loved ones. There may even be some kid-friendly activities hosted by the city!
45. Have a backyard movie night
Even as an adult, I crave the feeling of a movie night under the stars, and what better time to do it than on Fourth of July? Put on a classic, kid-friendly Fourth of July movie, get the snacks rolling, and sit back and relax. This one will keep your kiddos occupied for hours while you, too, can enjoy your night. You can even incorporate some fireworks at the end, if you’re feeling ambitious.
Fourth of July Games
46. Host a red, white, and blue water balloon toss
Nothing feels better than getting outside on a warm and sunny Fourth of July! If your family loves water games, try out an on-theme water balloon toss. This game incorporates some friendly competition into the day while still capturing that magical summer feeling we all love so much.
47. Play a family game of Capture the Flag
Turn a classic kid-friendly game into a patriotic celebration the whole family will love. This can happen in the comfort of your own backyard, or at a local park with other families. It’s especially fitting for families with big kids, tweens, and teens who want something a bit more hands-on and involved.
48. Create a Fourth of July obstacle course
If you’re hosting family with lots of kids this Fourth of July, an obstacle course is a great way to get guests of all ages involved in the day’s festivities. Pair older kids with younger kids for “teams,” and incorporate objects you already have in the house, like cones, pool noodles, and hula hoops. It will be a hit with everyone!
You can include games like:
- Three-legged race
- Wheelbarrow race
- Egg and spoon race
- Water balloon toss
- Cup-filling relay
49. Have a family tug-of-war tournament
Anybody else play this game religiously with their families growing up? Like the themed obstacle course, this one gets everyone involved—little kids, teens, and adults. It’s great for building teamwork skills, while also offering a chance for some low-stakes competition amongst family.
50. Create a slip-and-slide challenge
Whether or not you make this one a competition, your kids will love getting the slide out and enjoying some time in the water. That being said, you can easily add targets to different parts of the slide to level up their experience. You can also decorate the slide with Fourth of July festivities to add an extra touch!
FAQs
What are some easy Fourth of July activities for kids?
Easy Fourth of July activities for kids include outdoor adventures like park picnics and a movie night under the stars, or at-home activities like baking or crafting (toilet paper roll crafts for the win!). These activities require little planning or stress from parents, but are still magical for your little ones.
What are some free Fourth of July activities for kids?
There are tons of Fourth of July activities you can do at home for free! Use ingredients you already have in your house and bake a fun, on-theme treat, like red, white, and blue chocolate chip cookies. If you want to get your kiddos outside, host a fun game in your backyard like an egg and spoon race (I bet you already have those things lying around!). If it’s a hot day, turn on the sprinklers and bring the water park to your backyard.
What are the best Fourth of July activities for toddlers and little kids?
Hands-on Fourth of July activities like crafting and baking are best for toddlers and little kids. Maybe you help them make a fun treat for family, like a tie-dye cake or patriotic popsicle. Or perhaps you pull out some popsicle sticks and markers from the crafting drawer and help them make their very own American flag. Whatever they produce, they’ll feel proud to have done it themselves.
How do you keep kids entertained on Fourth of July before fireworks?
If you need to keep your kiddos entertained before Fourth of July fireworks, consider packing a simple craft to do while they wait, like paper plate crowns or popsicle stick flags. If your kiddos need to run off some steam, you can also pack glow-sticks so they can enjoy a post-sunset dance party with their cousins or friends.
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!
Rebecca Smith, Editorial Assistant
As an Editorial Assistant, Rebecca works with The Everymom team on updating existing content, photo sourcing, pitching original articles, and more. She’s passionate about creating authentic and diverse online content and is thrilled to help women of all ages feel represented.
