Skip to content

Top Navigation

Parents Parents
  • GETTING PREGNANT
  • PREGNANCY
  • BABY NAMES
  • BABY
  • TODDLER
  • BIG KID
  • FUN
  • HEALTH
  • PARENTING
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAY
  • News & Trends
  • Raising the Future
  • OUR MAGAZINES
  • Podcasts
  • Kindred
  • MORE

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore Parents

Parents Parents
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      Find a chore your kid loves to do, and start a habit of wanting to help out that'll last a lifetime. Read More Next
    • Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Parenting is so much easier with good pals. Learn to overcome friendship hurdles and bond with women who get you. Read More Next
    • How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      Do you struggle to put your kiddo to bed—or keep them there? Read on to find out how to sleep train toddlers, preschoolers, and big kids. Read More Next
  • GETTING PREGNANT

    GETTING PREGNANT

    See All GETTING PREGNANT
    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant, During Every Phase of Your Cycle

    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant, During Every Phase of Your Cycle

    When sex coincides with your most fertile days, your chances of getting pregnant increase. Get to know each phase of your cycle to help you conceive (or avoid) a pregnancy.
    • Ovulation
    • Reproductive Age
    • Maximizing Your Fertility
    • Pre-Pregnancy Health
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Dealing With Infertility
    • Genetics
  • PREGNANCY

    PREGNANCY

    See All PREGNANCY
    9 Signs That Labor Is Approaching

    9 Signs That Labor Is Approaching

    Anxiously awaiting your baby’s arrival? Learn to recognize the signs of approaching labor, which signal that your little one might make an appearance soon.
    • Signs of Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy Week-by-Week
    • Giving Birth
    • Labor & Delivery
    • Pregnancy Symptoms
    • Due Date Calculator
    • Pregnancy Complications
    • Fetal Development
    • Gender Prediction
    • Baby Showers
  • BABY NAMES

    BABY NAMES

    See All BABY NAMES
    These Baby Names Are Predicted to Be Popular in 2022

    These Baby Names Are Predicted to Be Popular in 2022

    From Bridgerton to travel destinations, learn what's inspiring the baby name trends of 2022.
    • Baby Girl Names
    • Most Popular Names
    • Names by Origin
    • Twin Names
    • Baby Boy Names
    • Names by Religion
    • Celebrity Baby Names
  • BABY

    BABY

    See All BABY
    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    Caring for a baby with a wet or dry cough? Listen for wheezing, hacking, or barking first, then read on to find out what's normal and when it's time to worry.
    • Newborn Care
    • Crying Baby
    • Health
    • Baby Development
    • Safety
    • Gear
    • Breastfeeding
    • Diapers
    • Sleep Issues
    • Feeding
    • Nursery
  • TODDLER

    TODDLER

    See All TODDLER
    • Preschool Activities
    • Behavior & Discipline
    • Toddler Development
    • Milestones
    • Potty Training
    • Starting School
    • Health
    • Safety
    • Childcare
  • BIG KID

    BIG KID

    See All BIG KID
    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    Mean kids aren't just a middle-school problem. The trouble has trickled to the youngest grades. Learn how to spot it—and how to protect children of all ages from bullies at school.
    • Education
    • Health
    • Food & Nutrition
    • Bullying & School Problems
    • Child Development
    • Safety
    • Manners & Responsibility
  • FUN

    FUN

    See All FUN
    17 Budget-Friendly Kids' Birthday Party Ideas

    17 Budget-Friendly Kids' Birthday Party Ideas

    A fun celebration doesn't need to cost a pretty penny. Throw a memorable bash with these clever cost-cutting kids' birthday party ideas.
    • Birthdays
    • Indoor Activities
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Printable Coloring Pages
    • Kids' Entertainment
    • Best Toys
    • Holidays
    • Family Vacation Ideas
  • HEALTH

    HEALTH

    See All HEALTH
    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    Here’s everything you need to know about the disease that originated in Wuhan, China.
    • ADD & ADHD
    • Allergies
    • Autism
    • Cold & Flu
    • Coronavirus and COVID-19
    • Cough
    • Down Syndrome
    • Emergency Aid
    • Fever
    • Medication & Vitamins
    • Obesity
    • Rashes
    • Stomach Aches
    • Vaccines
  • PARENTING

    PARENTING

    See All PARENTING
    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    Everything you need to thrive at home as a family.
    • Positive Parenting
    • Parenting Style
    • Celebrity Parents
    • Family Dynamics
    • Divorce
    • Home
    • Adoption
    • Just for Mom
    • Money
    • Toy Recalls
    • Stroller Recalls
    • Moms Run the World
    • The Stay at Home Guide
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    • Family Recipes
    • Baby Food
    • Toddler Finger Food Recipes
    • Hints & Tips
    • Healthy Eating
    • Birthdays
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Meals
    • Food For Pregnant Women
  • HOLIDAY

    HOLIDAY

    See All HOLIDAY
    44 Fun Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids, Preschoolers, and Toddlers

    44 Fun Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids, Preschoolers, and Toddlers

    Spend an afternoon making these Valentine's Day cards, decorations, and edible projects. Bonus: Each one can double as a homemade gift for someone special!
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Memorial Day
    • Father's Day
    • 4th of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
  • News & Trends
  • Raising the Future
  • OUR MAGAZINES

    OUR MAGAZINES

    See All OUR MAGAZINES
    • Parents
    • Parents Latina
    • Ser Padres
  • Podcasts

    Podcasts

    • We Are Family Podcast
    • That New Mom Life Podcast
    • Pregnancy Confidential Podcast
  • Kindred
  • MORE

    MORE

    • Newsletters
    • Contests
    • #ParentsIRL
    • Adulting
    • First Year Playbook
    • Celebrate Your Way

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Family Life
  3. Holiday
  4. 4th of July
  5. 20+ Fun 4th of July Activities for the Whole Family

20+ Fun 4th of July Activities for the Whole Family

By Debra Immergut,  Lynn Zimmerman ,  Joy Howard and Christina Hibbs July 14, 2015
Skip gallery slides
Pin
A Doggie Doodle Dandy
Credit: Gretchen Easton

Celebrate July 4th with this collection of great games, decorations, crafts, and more — all perfect for an Independence Day party!

Start Slideshow

1 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Straw-Spangled Wreath

How to make it:

  • Print our Straw-Spangled Wreath template for the center on card stock. Cut out the circle, then trace it twice on corrugated cardboard. Cut out both circles.
  • Make several rings of tacky glue on one cardboard circle and attach striped paper straws, alternating red and blue and leaving 2 inches of space in the center. Thread a 1-inch straw piece onto a long length of fishing line or string and knot the ends. Attach the straw piece with tacky glue to the center of the cardboard circle.
  • Add rings of glue over the straws and gently press on the other cardboard circle. Let the glue dry.
  • With a glue stick, attach the card stock center. Trim the straws to different lengths as shown. Hang with the fishing line.

1 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

United We Stand Game

A steady hand leads to success in this carnival-inspired challenge, in which players try to set a bottle upright using a ring on a string.

How to set it up: Use red and blue washi or decorative tape to embellish two 18-inch wooden dowels (we cut a 3-foot dowel in half), 2 cleaned and dried plastic bottles (we used 12-ounce soda bottles) and both rings of a 3-inch embroidery hoop. Use one color for each 3-piece set. Tie each hoop to its matching dowel with a 28-inch length of string. Place 1/2 cup rice in each of 2 ziplock bags. Add 12 drops red food coloring to one, blue to the other. Seal each bag and shake until the rice is evenly tinted. Snip off a corner of each bag and funnel the rice into its matching bottle. Screw on the caps.

How to play: Mark spaces on a flat playing surface with child-size hula hoops or use chalk to draw two 24-inch circles. Lay a bottle in the center of each. At "Go," players use their rods to right their bottles. If a player's bottle rolls out of the circle, he must retrieve it and start over. The first to stand his bottle up wins.

  • RELATED: More July 4th Craft Ideas

2 of 24

3 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mini Marching Drum

Join the big parade or stomp around the backyard to the beat of this recycled coffee can.

How to make the drum: Trace a 10 1/2-inch circle on a Tyvek sheet (we used a mailing envelope) and cut it out. Lay the circle over the open end of a 27.8-ounce coffee can. Secure it about 2 inches from the rim with rubber bands. Pull the Tyvek taut and trim the excess. Use strips of clear tape to hold the Tyvek in place and remove the rubber bands. Cover the edges of the Tyvek with colored duct tape, using a single strip around the perimeter of the can. Use more duct tape to embellish the rest of the can. Measure and cut a length of ribbon for the neck strap and knot its ends. Tape the ribbon ends (just above the knots) to the side of the drum.

How to make the mallet: Cut the neck from a 12-inch balloon. Stuff the remaining piece with half a paper towel sheet. Squeeze a bit of white glue into the balloon and insert the tapered end of a chopstick. Secure it with a strip of duct tape and let it dry.

 

3 of 24

Advertisement

4 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Star Spangled Wind Socks

Show your stripes (and stars) with twirly paper wind socks.

4 of 24

5 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Hats Off to America

Set up a crafting station where kids can turn plastic cups into custom caps, and creative sparks are sure to fly. Along with 18-ounce disposable cups, we put out sparkly pipe cleaners, pom-poms, card stock, glue dots, tacky glue, and tape. If you like, you can print our templates for brims.

To keep hats on heads, cut 18-inch lengths of elastic beading cord and knot the ends. Use duct tape to secure the ends, just below the knots, to the inside of the cups.

5 of 24

6 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet & Salty Sparklers

Layered with white chocolate and studded with sprinkles and M&M's, our pretzel treats add flare to any party spread.

How to make them: Cover a baking sheet with waxed paper. Melt 1 cup of white chocolate chips in a medium, heat-safe bowl according to the package directions. Use a spoon to drizzle 1 pretzel rod at a time with chocolate (you'll have enough chocolate to make a dozen), then lay the rod on the prepared sheet and scatter it with red and blue sprinkles and M&M's. Chill the pretzels in the refrigerator until the chocolate sets, about 15 minutes.

  • RELATED: 4th of July Dessert Recipes

6 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Red, White & Cool Cubes

Tricolored spritzers offer a refreshing way to celebrate the Fourth. Make several trays of ice cubes with beverages colored red, white, and blue (we used cranberry juice, water, and Powerade Mountain Berry Blast). To serve, place the cubes in separate buckets and let guests make their own drinks with plain seltzer.

7 of 24

8 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Air Mail Ballots

The votes are in, and this simple flying disk game is a runaway winner. Cut a 5- by 13-inch rectangle into a cardboard box as shown (an adult's job). You'll want a box that's at least 18 x 18 x 24 inches. Cut another rectangle on the opposite side of the box for retrieving the flying disks. Seal the box with tape, then attach card stock and scrapbook paper decorations with glue dots.

How to play: Designate a throwing line and give each participant three tries to toss a heavy-duty plastic plate or flying disk into the slot. The first player to score an agreed-upon number wins.

8 of 24

9 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fourth of July Confetti Popper

This reusable popper lets you launch paper "fireworks" during Fourth of July parades and barbecues — or wherever confetti is needed.

How to make it: 

  • Cut the top 2½ to 3 inches from a clean plastic bottle and discard the rest.
  • Cover the cut edge with tape.
  • Stretch the mouth of a party balloon over the bottle's opening. Work the neck of the balloon over the threads of the bottleneck, as shown at right.
  • Cut paper into confetti, then pour the pieces into the popper.
  • Hold onto the bottleneck with one hand, and pull down on the bottom of the balloon with the other. Let the balloon snap to launch a shower of confetti.

9 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

July 4th Confetti Popper

Instructions for making a colorful Fourth of Julyconfetti launcher.

10 of 24

11 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Star-Spangled Yard

Give your lawn some flour power this Fourth of July with a simple stencil and a dusting of flour. Draw a star shape on cardboard and cut it out. Lay this stencil on the lawn and spray the grass with water from a spray bottle. Leaving the stencil in place, use a flour sifter to cover the damp star shape with flour. Remove the stencil and repeat to fill your yard with a galaxy of stars.

11 of 24

12 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Stately Striped Wreath

Tufts of tulle are the secret behind this easy-to-make door decoration.

How to make it: Cut 35 strips each of red and white tulle that measure about 6 by 15 inches (we started with a 2 1/4-yard piece of 54-inch-wide tulle in each color). Alternating colors every five lengths, knot the tulle strips around a 12-inch wire wreath form (A and B). Line up the knots so that they're even, then fluff the ends. Curl an 8-foot length of blue star garland by winding it around a marker. Tie the garland in two circles to the middle of the wreath with small pieces of tulle.

12 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

All-American Bandanna Garland and Place Mats

How to make the place mat: For each place mat, apply a thin, 2-inch-wide strip of tacky glue across the center of a cloth place mat (ours is 19" x 14"). Press a white bandanna into place on top, then attach the rest with more glue; trim excess. Measure and cut three 2-inch-wide strips of red bandanna and glue them to the mat. Add a 6-inch square of blue bandanna to the top left corner. Clean with a damp cloth, as needed.

How to make the garland: For a 12 1/2-foot garland, cut one red, one blue, and one white bandanna into four equal squares. Following the diagram, fold each square as shown, then iron the folds to crease them. Secure the two long folds with glue dots, then fold the remaining flap over a 12 1/2-foot-long ribbon and secure the flap with more glue dots.

Ideas by Kristin Harrison 

13 of 24

14 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lady Liberty Crown

No glue is needed for our cleverly designed head-piece made from craft foam and a headband. Just trace our Lady Liberty Crown template on a 12- by 18-inch sheet of green craft foam and cut it out. Make a slit at the base of each spike where noted on the template, then thread the spikes through the openings as shown. Slide the spikes onto a thin plastic headband.

Idea by Lynn Zimmerman

14 of 24

15 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rhythm Rousers

Create simple quacking noisemakers, and the kids can be all abuzz at the parade.

How to make it: First, snip two 1 1/4-inch lengths from a plastic drinking straw. Stretch a wide rubber band lengthwise around a jumbo craft stick. Slide one straw piece beneath the rubber band 1 1/4 inches from one end. Lay the other straw piece on top of the rubber band 1 1/4 inches from the opposite end, as shown, then sandwich it with another craft stick. Secure the sticks with more rubber bands. Embellish the noisemaker with stickers if you like.

15 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rocket Toss

Partygoers will have a blast playing this classic carnival game made from recycled metal cans and homemade "rockets."

How to set it up: For the cans, adhere strips of red, white, and blue duct tape to six clean, empty 15-ounce metal cans, covering any sharp edges. For thinner lines, simply overlap the tape. To make the rockets, use a funnel to fill three small socks with rice (we used about 1/2 cup in each) and tie them off with a hair tie or a rubber band. Thread a 3-foot length of sheer ribbon through each tie and knot it in the center to secure it.

How to play: Arrange the cans in a pyramid. Standing several feet away, each player gets three tries to knock down all the cans with the rockets.

16 of 24

17 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Popcorn Cones for Crackerjack Kids

Serve up a delicious homemade version of good old Cracker Jack in easy-to-grab holders. To make each, roll a sheet of scrapbook paper into a cone shape, securing the seam with double-sided tape. Attach "Surprise Inside" labels with more tape. Hide a small trinket inside.

17 of 24

18 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Hangout to Hang Up

This color-happy tent offers a perfect space for chilling out and goofing off. Hang lengths of paper streamers over a straight, low branch or clothesline. Tie the streamers' ends to stakes or broomsticks laid on the ground. Outfit the tent with a comfy blanket, pillows, and paper party decorations.

18 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sparkly Letters

Say it loud and proud in giant sequins. Paint styrofoam letters with acrylic paint (match the colors to your sequins' shades). Use pins to attach giant sequins in overlapping rows, starting at the bottom of each letter and working up.

 

19 of 24

20 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Frosty Fruit Rings

For a cooling healthy treat, save the plastic parts from ring lollipops (or buy a bag and dissolve the candy by soaking it in hot water for around 90 minutes). Use cookie cutters to shape sliced fruit, insert a ring's stem into each shape, then freeze. For an ice-pop version, fill ice trays or candy molds with juice. When a frozen layer has formed (after about 15 minutes), insert a ring's stem in each cube and freeze them for a few hours.

 

20 of 24

21 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Starburst Stamping

For fun fireworks, cover a table with kraft paper or drawing paper (the kind that comes on a roll). Tape 7 bendable straws together with their ends arranged into a starburst. Spread washable red and blue paint on paper plates, then dip and stamp the starburst onto the paper. When the first color is dry, add the second color.

 

21 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Star Power

To create these toppers, wrap plastic headbands with pipe cleaners. For each star, accordion-fold a pipe cleaner into 10 equal segments, then unfold and shape it. Attach it to the headband with another pipe cleaner, trimming as needed.

 

22 of 24

23 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Doggie Doodle Dandy

To dress your canine for Independence Day, cut the collar off an old shirt (be sure it's big enough to button around your dog's neck). With fabric paint and a brush, add stripes. Fold a 2 1/2- by 4-inch card stock rectangle accordion-style and wrap the center with a pipe cleaner. Button the collar onto your dog's neck, then attach the bow with the pipe cleaner ends.

23 of 24

24 of 24

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bike Decoration Station

Set up a table and invite guests to give their cycles an extreme makeover. Show off your handiwork to the whole town in the July 4th parade or just head out for a rowdy group ride on the nearest bike trail.

The supplies: Crepe paper streamer; Card stock or craft foam stars; Zip ties; Small flags; Surveyor's tape (also called flagging tape); Curling ribbon; Tulle ribbon; Sparkly garland wire; Balloons

Decorating tips: Weave crepe paper streamers or place stars between spokes. To decorate handlebars, use zip ties to attach stars and flags and tassels made from lengths of surveyor's tape or ribbon, tied at one end. Add decorative garland wire as desired. Tie a balloon to the rear fender, leaving a few inches of slack so that it flies behind when the bike is in motion.

Safety Note: An adult should supervise decorating and ensure that no object impedes the bike's moving parts, interferes with a biker's vision, or otherwise compromises safety.

 

24 of 24

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Debra Immergut,  Lynn Zimmerman ,  Joy Howard and Christina Hibbs

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 24 Straw-Spangled Wreath
    2 of 24 United We Stand Game
    3 of 24 Mini Marching Drum
    4 of 24 Star Spangled Wind Socks
    5 of 24 Hats Off to America
    6 of 24 Sweet & Salty Sparklers
    7 of 24 Red, White & Cool Cubes
    8 of 24 Air Mail Ballots
    9 of 24 Fourth of July Confetti Popper
    10 of 24 July 4th Confetti Popper
    11 of 24 A Star-Spangled Yard
    12 of 24 Stately Striped Wreath
    13 of 24 All-American Bandanna Garland and Place Mats
    14 of 24 Lady Liberty Crown
    15 of 24 Rhythm Rousers
    16 of 24 Rocket Toss
    17 of 24 Popcorn Cones for Crackerjack Kids
    18 of 24 A Hangout to Hang Up
    19 of 24 Sparkly Letters
    20 of 24 Frosty Fruit Rings
    21 of 24 Starburst Stamping
    22 of 24 Star Power
    23 of 24 A Doggie Doodle Dandy
    24 of 24 Bike Decoration Station

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Parents

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
    • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • From Our Sponsors this link opens in a new tab
    • Affiliate Program this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithParents.com is part of the Parents Network. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Parents. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.parents.com

    Sign in

    View image

    20+ Fun 4th of July Activities for the Whole Family
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.