By TMoM Team Member Katie Moosbrugger
There’s no question the 4th of July will look different this year, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be celebrated! While most Independence Day parties, parades and fireworks shows have been cancelled, we did find a few happening around the Triad! Visit our Event Calendar here to scroll through events happening on the 4th and throughout the month of July.
For the majority of us celebrating at home, below are 44 ideas to consider which will be just as fun as the usual sanctioned events around town. Enjoy!
Activities
1. Red, White & Blue Scavenger Hunt
Click here for ideas and printable cards
2. Start a neighborhood parade
You can do this on foot, on bike, or in your car
3. Turn your backyard into a water park
Pull out the slip ‘n slide, sprinklers, hoses and inflatable pools
4. Pull out the sparklers
5. Organize a water fight
6. Go camping/hiking/fishing
Click here for tips and local places to consider
7. Set up a family picnic
Click here for our directory of local parks – perfect picnic places
8. Race for Krispy Kreme donuts
Set up a short fun run for the kids, and have them eat a donut on every lap and/or when they are done
9. Compete in a pie eating contest
10. Get the kids to race bikes around the neighborhood
11. Organize a sack race
12. Coordinate a hula hoop contest
13. Brave an egg toss
14. Race for coins in flour pies
Fill up a pie dish with flour and hide coins at the bottom. Have competitors keep their hands behind their back as they blow away the flour. First one to unveil their coins wins.
15. Build a fire and cook s’mores in your backyard
16. Host a backyard movie night
Here are links for family patriotic movies: Click here and here
17. Set up glow-in-the-dark fun for kids
Click here for ideas
18. Organize a patriotic costume contest
You can find several creative and festive items at the Dollar Store
19. Release lighted Chinese paper lanterns into the night
20. Play corn hole
21. Write a thank you note to the military
Honor someone you know, or find a member of the military here
22. Donate to a charity that honors veterans
Use this site here to find a charity to support
23. Go blueberry picking
Many local farms are already open. Click here to see our list.
24. Head out of town
Visit our directory of Day Trips here for ideas
Crafts
25. 4th of July Slime
Visit this link for details: simpleplayideas.com/4th-july-activity-make-slime
26. Fizzing Fireworks
Visit this link for details: toddlerapproved.com/2012/07/fizzing-fireworks
27. USA Wreath
Visit this link for details: craftaholicsanonymous.net/diy-4th-of-july-wreath-tutorial
28. Patriotic Flower Pot
Visit this link for details: lollyjane.com/stars-stripes-patriotic-flower-pot
29. 4th of July Napkin Holders
Visit this link for details: landeeseelandeedo.com/4th-july-party-idea-patriotic-utensil-holders
30. Paper Confetti Poppers
Visit this link for details: happinessishomemade.net/diy-confetti-poppers-for-4th-of-july
31. Paint Patriotic Rocks
Visit this link for details: pinterest.com/RockPainting101/patriotic-rocks
32. Marble Painting Fireworks Craft
Visit this link for details: kidfriendlythingstodo.com/fireworks-marble-painting-easy-fun-kids
33. American Flag Handprint Art
Visit this link for details: pinkstripeysocks.com/2014/05/american-flag-hand-print-heart-art.html
34. Patriotic Tie Dyed Towel
Visit this link for details: livefreecreative.co/diy-tie-dye-american-flag-towel
Fun Food & Drinks
35. Firecracker Pretzel Rods
Visit this link for details: spicysouthernkitchen.com/firecracker-pretzel-rods
36. Red, White and Blue JELL-O Ice Cubes
Visit this link for details: shakentogetherlife.com/red-white-blue-jell-o-ice-cubes
37. Mini Stars Berry Pies
Visit this link for details: countryliving.com/food-drinks/a21348015/mini-stars-berry-pies-recipe
38. Patriotic Cookies
Visit this link for details: prettyinpistachio.com/red-white-and-blue-fondant-sugar-cookies
39. Bake a Flag Cake
Visit this link for details: browneyedbaker.com/flag-cake-recipe-from-scratch
40. Watermelon Feta Flag Salad
Visit this link for details: tasteofhome.com/recipes/watermelon-feta-flag-salad
41. Red, White and Blue Slushie
Visit this link for details: someofthisandthat.com/jell-o-slushy
42. Watermelon Blueberry Cooler
Visit this link for details: tasty-trials.com/2012/06/new-babies-and-fourth-of-july-cocktail.html
43. Patriotic Punch
Visit this link for details: dessertnowdinnerlater.com/patriotic-punch
44. Star Spangled Spritzer
Visit this link for details: celebratingeverydaylife.com/star-spangled-spritzer-july-4th-holiday-cocktail-recipe
* More recipes can be found in our blog “Kid Friendly 4th of July Recipes” and “Fun Fourth Food“
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