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 40 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 40 fun and easy Fourth of July activities to do with your kids.
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.
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.
27.
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.
28.
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!
29.
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.
30.
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.
31.
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.
32.
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.
33.
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.
34.
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.
35.
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.
36.
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.
37.
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.
38.
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!).
39.
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.
40.
4th of July Flag Pretzels
This festive treat takes only 15 minutes to make, and the kids might love decorating the pretzels, too.
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
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Patty Schepel, Editorial Assistant
As the editorial assistant, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, inputting freelance articles, and more. When she’s not working, you can find her spending time with her family, training for half marathons—she ran one 16 weeks pregnant—traveling, cooking, reading a rom-com, and keeping her sourdough starter, Rose, alive.
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