Skip to main content

15 Fun Things To Do On The 4th of July With Family

Seasonal | July 2, 2023 Share to Facebook Share to Twitter
things to do on the fourth of july

Oh the things to do on the 4th of July! As the holiday is rapidly approaching, a sense of anticipation and excitement is bubbling up across the country. From the red, white, and blue waving majestically in our front yards to the delicious aroma of barbecued burgers, hotdogs, and live music, the Fourth of July Celebration is a core part of our American history.

Independence Day Celebration is a time for us to come together and bask in the warm glow of family, fun, quality time, and the July festivities.

Grab your sunblock, and your most patriotic attire, and gather your tribe, because we are about to share an explosion of ideas on how to light up your 4th of July with joy, laughter, and love.

Related Read: Fourth of July Sales Guide 2023

4th Of July Weekend: Family-friendly Ideas  

The 4th of July, or Independence Day, is the perfect time to gather your loved ones and enjoy the hot summer day. Gather your family and enjoy the summer day with grilling, beach fun, sparklers or a beautiful fireworks display!

Here are some ideas for things to do on the 4th of July.

1. Host a 4th of July BBQ

Backyard barbecue? Yes, please. Also known as America’s most popular BBQing holiday, the 4th of July, is a day of great grilled food, family, and friends, in your own backyard. Popular 4th of July BBQ favorites: Burgers & Hotdogs, Chicken, Corn on the Cob, Potato Salad, and Pumpkin Pie. Find some mouth-watering BBQ recipes here.

Don’t forget to load your favorite summertime music playlists!

2. Have Fun with Sparklers  

 No 4th of July celebration would be complete without sparklers. Light them up and watch as children (and adults.) marvel at their glow. Just remember safety first – keep water nearby just in case.

Embrace patriotic songs like “The Star-Spangled Banner” during your family gathering. Sing along together as part of your celebrations.

3. Attend a Local July 4th Parade

Recommended GIF: https://giphy.com/gifs/MovistarPlus-movistarplus-susi-free-susifree-YX4PTRWOC78JXQkZSS 

Don’t overlook other aspects such as attending local events like a July parade if one is happening nearby. Parades often feature marching bands playing patriotic tunes while floats adorned in red, white, and blue pass by creating a vibrant spectacle worthy of America’s birthday. 

Related Read: Walmart 4th of July Sales Deals

4. Enjoy the July Fireworks

We all know the thrill of a spectacular fireworks show and the Fourth of July fireworks will leave you and your family in awe! Kids will love the amazing lights and loud bangs – just make sure you take a set of earplugs or headphones with you for little children as they can get really noisy.

Keep It Cool 

Amid the heat of summer, commemorating our nation’s freedom isn’t just about fireworks and anthems; beating the high temps is a must. With temperatures soaring, finding ways to cool down becomes as essential as celebrating our nation’s independence. A water balloon fight can be a great way to cool off while having some fun.

5. Organize a Water Balloon Fight

A water balloon fight can be an exhilarating activity for both kids and adults alike, providing much-needed relief from high temperatures while keeping everyone entertained.

  1. Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need plenty of water balloons – enough for each participant to have at least ten. Also consider getting buckets or large containers to hold filled balloons.
  2. Filling Up The Balloons: This task should ideally be done by adults or older children who can handle faucets safely. Fill up your balloons until they’re round but not overly tight – you don’t want them bursting prematurely.
  3. Pick Teams: Divide into teams if you’ve got a big group, or keep it every person for themselves if there are fewer participants.
  4. Lay Out The Rules: Make sure everyone knows where they can and cannot go during the battle (to avoid accidents) and establish any other rules necessary for fair play.

The laughter, excitement, and inevitable drenching make this one of those fun things that will create lasting memories on this special day. Plus, there’s nothing like cooling off on a hot summer day with some good old-fashioned water warfare.

6. Plan a Family Beach Day

On the 4th of July, coastal areas transform into a lively celebration hub, drawing families from all corners. An early start allows for the best beach spots, ideal for a day of sandcastle building, frisbee games, and rock pool exploration. Don’t forget a patriotic-colored kite, a perfect day spectacle preceding the evening fireworks. 

As dusk falls, the beach becomes a picnic haven. Gather around a fire pit, enjoying grilled treats and refreshing salads, all in anticipation of the night’s main event. Fireworks, illuminating the sky from various locales, provide a stunning conclusion to a memorable day spent between surf, sand, and sky, celebrating family bonds and national pride.

Indoor Activities Ideas

The 4th of July is a time to celebrate our nation’s freedom. But sometimes, the hot summer day can be too much to bear. If you’re looking for ways to escape the heat and still have fun, consider engaging in some creative indoor crafts related to America’s birthday.

7. Creative Crafts Ideas 

Celebrate Independence Day from the comfort of your home with a variety of indoor craft activities that the whole family can enjoy. 

These crafts not only offer a fun-filled indoor celebration but also stimulate creativity and teamwork among family members. No matter how you choose to celebrate, these crafts will help honor our nation’s independence while creating lasting memories.

8. 4th Of July Bingo 

Infuse fun into your day with a festive game of Bingo. There are numerous downloadable versions online, but if you’re feeling creative, grab some construction paper and stickers, and craft your own unique Bingo cards. Don’t forget to visit your nearby dollar store to stock up on small prizes for your winners. It’s a simple and enjoyable way to keep the celebratory spirit alive, even indoors.

9. Beer Pong

For a grown-up twist on the festivities, consider the classic party game of beer pong. Divide your table into two sides, with red Solo cups representing one team, and blue ones for the other. Equip players with permanent markers to personalize their cups with their own patriotic flair – think stars and stripes. This themed beer pong game injects a playful spirit of competition into your celebration, adding to the fun and camaraderie of the day.

10. Hunt for Online Shopping Deals

The 4th of July is not just about fireworks and barbecues, it’s also a fantastic time for online shopping. Many retailers offer special sales to celebrate Independence Day, making it a perfect occasion to snag some great deals. Turn it into a fun activity by conducting an online scavenger hunt for the best bargains. Who knows, you might end up finding the deal of the year while enjoying the holiday!

Related Read: 4th of July Party Ideas & Decorations {link to post once live}

Culinary Celebration Ideas

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with an array of delectable delights that go beyond the traditional barbecue fare. 

11. Grilled S’mores

Sandwich gooey marshmallows between graham crackers and chocolate for a delicious Grilled S’more treat. Yum.

12. All-American Picnic Basket

Pack traditional favorites like fried chicken, potato salad, and watermelon slices for a patriotic picnic. Don’t forget the patriotic songs.

13. Flag Cake

Bake a rectangular sheet cake, frost it white, and arrange blueberries in the top left corner for stars. Use sliced strawberries or raspberries to create red stripes. Delicious and festive. Try this delicious recipe

Extend Your Celebration into the Full Weekend

Why limit your celebrations to just one day? Make the most of the summer season and enjoy a weekend full of bonding with your loved ones, while exploring our nation’s historic sites. You can extend your festivities over the weekend by planning road trips or camping under the stars near historic landmarks. This allows more bonding time with loved ones while appreciating our country’s rich history.

14. Plan Road Trips to Historic Landmarks

For a fun and educational summer experience, why not plan a road trip to some of America’s most iconic historic landmarks? Whether it’s Mount Rushmore, the Statue of Liberty, or Gettysburg National Military Park, these places offer an opportunity for families and friends alike to learn about our nation’s past while making new memories together. Don’t forget those patriotic songs like “The Star-Spangled Banner” that will set the mood right. Discover the 25 Best Road Trips in the USA

15. Camp Under the Stars During the Long Weekend

A great way to take advantage of this long weekend is by spending a night or two camping under the stars. Not only does this provide an escape from city life, but it also offers a unique chance for stargazing and enjoying nature at its finest. Here are some great campgrounds known for their spectacular starry views. Pack up your tents and sleeping bags along with plenty of water balloons – they might come in handy during those warm July nights. Where To Sleep Under The Stars In The US National Parks?

Related Read: Tips for Traveling with Young Kids

Wrapping Up The Star-Spangled Excitement

As we wave our flags high, lighting up the summer sky with sparkling colors and hearty laughter, let’s embrace the myriad ways the 4th of July unites us. 

This Independence Day, whether you’re frolicking on the sun-kissed coast, crafting indoors, capturing perfect photos, playing a round of patriotic bingo, or diving into the virtual world of online shopping, there’s a universe of fun waiting for you and your family. 

More to read

View all
syw.com