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 20+ 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 21 fun and easy Fourth of July activities to do with your kids.
Fun Fourth of July Activities To Do with Kids
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.
Source: The Best Ideas for Kids
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!
Source: The Suburban Mom
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!
Source: Happiness Is Homemade
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.
Source: Moritz Fine Designs
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!
Source: Crafts By Amanda
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!
Source: A Little Pinch of Perfect
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.
Source: The Suburban Mom
8. 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.
Source: Best Friends for Frosting
9. 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!).
Source: The Suburban Mom
10. 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.
Source: A Little Pinch of Perfect
11. 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.
Source: Crafts By Amanda
12. 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.
Source: A Little Pinch of Perfect
13. 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.
Source: Crafts By Amanda
14. Patriotic Rock Painting
Remember painting rocks when you were a kid? Introduce your children to this nostalgic activity in honor of Independence Day.
Source: Me And My Inklings
15. 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.
Source: I Can Teach My Child
16. 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.
Source: Best Friends for Frosting
17. 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.
Source: A Little Pinch of Perfect
18. 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!)
Source: Little Bins for Little Hands
19. 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.
Source: Gluesticks Blog
20. 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.
Source: Happiness Is Homemade
21. 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.
Source: Gluesticks Blog
