Ready for the best family-friendly 4th of July activities?
The 4th of July is a day of celebration and family fun. With all excitement surrounding the 4th of July, I thought it would be a great time to share all the activities there are to do!
It’s a time for barbecues, fireworks, and spending time with loved ones.
There are so many activities to choose from (and most of them are free). Whether you’re looking for something low-key or more adventurous, there’s something for everyone.
Start the day off with a patriotic breakfast, decorate your home with red, white, and blue decorations, and then head out for some outdoor fun.
With so many options available, you’re sure to find something that everyone in your family will enjoy.
Let’s get started with best family-friendly 4th of July activities!
Outdoor Activities
There are plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors while celebrating America’s independence. One of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors for an independence day celebration is to head to a park or beach.
Many parks and beaches have a special and free events going on and activities planned for the holiday. Some things might be live entertainment, parades, and fireworks displays.
Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day soaking up the sun and enjoying the festivities!
Fun Things To Do At The Beach On The Fourth Of July:
Build a big patriotic sand castle with your family and friends! Have someone ‘judge‘ (bonus points if the judge is a stranger!) whoever castle is the best and offer up a prize for the winning team!
Bury your parents or siblings in the sand!
Find seashells and rocks! You could make this into another competition! Whoever finds the most rocks or shells will win something fun! The sky’s the limit!
Bike Rides and Hikes
If you’re looking for something a little more active, consider going for a bike ride or hike. Many cities and towns have bike trails and hiking trails that are perfect for a family outing. Not only will you get some exercise, but you’ll also get to enjoy some beautiful scenery along the way.
When out on your bike rides and hikes, think about things you can do in nature together:
Create nature sculptures
Make your very own shirt for the occasion?
Have a bike race. Nothing is more memorable than racing against loved ones.
Decorate your bikes with some red, white, and blue decorations (but be sure to keep all decorations away from the tires!)
Picnics and Cookouts
What’s more American than a 4th of July picnic or cookout? Head to a park or beach with a grill and some food, or have a picnic in your own backyard! Make sure to include some classic American dishes, like hot dogs, hamburgers, and potato salad. Don’t forget the red, white, and blue decorations!
Sparkly Backyard Cookout Ideas
Set up little food trucks or little stations with tables that each have different kinds of food. All you have to do is grab a plate and visit each station!
This keeps your backyard picnic engaging. Plus, you get to experience different types of foods all in one spot, in your backyard!
Have your friends and family members bring a favorite dish. Add in a beer garden for adults.
Create a small stage for a mini-concert. Invite family and friends them to sing or play an instrument for your backyard cookout! Hey, a free concert and some patriotic music are always the best!
Rotate cooks so one person is not always taking the heat!
Parades and Fireworks Display
I love going to our local Independence Day parade and fireworks show. Our city always has EPIC things to do and a wonderful fireworks display at the very end!
Nothing says the 4th of July like an annual parade! Check local event listings for parades in your area.
Parade tips:
Many cities and towns have their own parades, complete with floats, marching bands, and more.
Get there early to grab a good spot.
Bring your folding chairs and sunscreen.
Wear patriotic hats and don’t forget the face painting before you head out to the festivities!
Fireworks displays are a must-see on the 4th of July
Many cities and towns have their own shows. Some displays are free, while others require tickets or admission fees.
Arts and Crafts
If you are looking for a way to get creative this 4th of July with the kids, set up an arts and crafts table outdoors.
RELATED: 4th of July craft ideas
What a great way to get the whole family involved in the festivities!
Here are some ideas:
Chalk Art
Chalk art is a great way to get outside and enjoy the summer weather while creating something beautiful! Here are some fun things you can create using chalk! (If you are looking for a fun homemade chalk recipe, you can find one at the end of this blog post!)
- Create a patriotic sidewalk mural with red, white, and blue chalk.
- Draw your own fireworks display with bright colors and bold lines.
- Write out the lyrics to your favorite patriotic song in fancy lettering.
Creative Art Projects
If you’re looking for a more structured activity, there are plenty of creative projects that are perfect for the 4th of July. Below are my favorites!
Patriotic Snack Book (because snacks are EVERYTHING!)
Flashy Fireworks Headdress (what person doesn’t love to wear a flashy headdress?)
Star Spangled Pool Floatie (How cute and fun is THIS?!)
No matter what type of art or craft you choose, the most important thing is to have fun and let your creativity shine. So gather your supplies, get your family together, and let your imagination run wild this 4th of July!
Outdoor/Indoor Games
The 4th of July means playing games! If it is a nice pleasant day outside, ditch the family room and enjoy the fresh air!
Here are some games we love to play!
Cornhole: A classic game that’s perfect for all ages. Set up two boards with holes in them and take turns throwing bean bags to score points.
Water Balloon Toss: Refreshing warfare for a hot summer day. Pair up and toss a water balloon back and forth, taking a step back after each successful catch. The last pair standing wins!
Red, White, and Blue Tag: A patriotic twist on the classic game of tag. Choose one person to be “it” and have them chase the other players. When they tag someone, they have to call out “red,” “white,” or “blue.” The tagged player then becomes “it” and has to chase the other players.
Want indoor activities? Board games, and coloring pages are great options too!
Here are some of our faves:
Patriotic table games: Did you know about 4th of July Bingo Game Cards, Outset Media American Trivia Game, or Freedom of Speech – Funny Board Game? There are SO many patriotic board games on Amazon! Gather the family around the table for some friendly competition! Check out this Jenga-esque game!
Coloring pages: I just happen to have one here for you!
There are just so many fun things to do on the Fourth of July. From arts and crafts to watching the fireworks show at the end of the day with your family and friends, there is always something magical and exciting to do!
No matter how you choose to celebrate, make sure to take some time to reflect on what makes our country great and the sacrifices that have been made to protect our freedom. Happy 4th of July!
What activities do you enjoy doing on the fourth of July? I would love to hear all about your favorite things to do. Leave me a comment below!
