Need some fun ideas to celebrate the Fourth of July with your kids? This holiday is rich with tradition and meaning, so it’s a perfect holiday to get your kids involved. Mix up some education and fun this season with these cool Fourth of July activities.
- Create Napkin Rings and Name Cards
If you’re the type that likes to decorate the table before a big party or family meal, get your children in on the action with decorative crafts. Get out some red, white and blue construction paper, a glue stick and tape to make some creative table designs. Make templates they can trace and be sure to use kid-friendly scissors. Let their imagination run wild and keep them busy while you keep cooking!
- Teach them About the Flag with a Coloring Page
There are dozens of coloring templates available to print out and have your kids color. Some coloring pages and coloring books are educational and teach your kids the principles of the American Revolution. One of the simplest lessons you can teach them is about the origin of the flag. Let them know why the flag looks the way it does, who made it and why we fly it today. If you are planning to install some flags to celebrate Fourth of July you can find the best flagpole installation instructions here.
- Have a Fourth of July Sing-a-Long
There are a lot of fun songs to teach your kids for Fourth of July. Songs like “You’re a Grand Ol’ Flag,” “Yankee Doodle Dandy” and others like “America the Beautiful” and “The Star Spangled Banner.” Teach them the origin of these songs and why we sing them centuries later.
- Craft Your Own Fourth of July Shirts
The Fourth of July is a fun time to get crafty with shirts. Go to the local craft store and buy some sponge stamps with fireworks, stars, the American flag and more. Simply set out a tarp outside and have them stamp their shirt to their heart’s content. If painting isn’t your thing, get your family some fun Fourth of July t-shirts. Grab women’s American flag tank tops, shorts and baseball caps to beat the heat.
- Make a Red, White and Blue Jell-O Dessert
Let your kids create a yummy festive dessert. The Red, White and Blue Jell-O dessert is a classic staple of Fourth of July Festivities, and it’s easy for kids to help make! For this dish, grab a 3 quart serving bowl, cake mold, or individual serving cups. These are the ingredients you need:
- 1 package berry blue gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water
- 5 cups cold water
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
- 1 cup heaving whipping cream
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package raspberry gelatin
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 small container of CoolWhip
Let your kids stir the liquid Jell-O and drop in the berries. Put the dish in the fridge in between layering the Jell-O and watch their amazement when they see the jiggling finished product.
- Host a Mini Parade
If you live on a block with a lot of kids, try organizing a block parade. Have the kids decorate their bikes or wagons with streamers, pinwheels and all sorts of decorations that they can show off on their block. Involve the parents by dressing up in fun and festive costumes and lead the parade with a drum major Uncle Sam.
- Play T-Ball or Kickball
Celebrate the day with America’s favorite pastime. Get a game of T-ball or kickball going with your family’s kids or the neighbors to play an American tradition.
- Water Balloon Fight
There’s no better way to cool off in the sweltering heat than with a water balloon fight. Break out the slip n’ slide, the sprinkler fan and some festive water balloons to get your rug rats out and active. After some fun in the sun, they’ll be hungry and ready for a tasty burger or hot dog.
The Fourth of July is a great time to get the kids involved in traditional summer festivities. Take the opportunity to educate and spend quality time with your kids this season with some Fourth of July activities.
