34 Super-Fun 4th of July Activities to Entertain the Whole Family
Fun things to do with a side of red, white, and blue 🇺🇸
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Who’s ready for the best holiday of summer? The 4th of July, aka Independence Day, is right around the corner, which means it's time to start planning how you want to celebrate. Luckily, there’s no shortage of super-fun 4th of July activities and things to do to help you show off your patriotic spirit.
You could go the classic route and celebrate with tried-and-true 4th of July traditions, such as a blowout 4th of July cookout, complete with appetizers, salads, drinks, desserts, and homespun patriotic decorations, and then cap the evening off by watching a fabulous fireworks show near you. More in a playful mood? Try some 4th of July games, such as a water balloon toss or watermelon bowling. If you’re ready to get away from it all, our favorite places to go for the holiday include some of the most charming small towns dotting this country from coast to coast. Or, you can take it easy. Hang a flag, run through a sprinkler with the kids, and brush up on some 4th of July facts (did you know that our cheeky American ancestors celebrated the first Independence Day in 1776 with mock funerals for King George III?).
So there’s no need to feel beholden to the same old same this year! Plan a long holiday weekend filled with new (to you) old-fashioned 4th of July celebration ideas that the whole gang is guaranteed to love. Let the festivities begin!
Top 4th of July Activities
Curate a Patriotic Playlist
Set the mood from the moment you wake up by queuing up a batch of patriotic songs. (P.S. For a little more twang, try our list of the most patriotic country songs.)
Celebrate in a Small Town
From fresh farmstands to festive parades every townsperson seems to attend, America's best small towns are some of the most excellent places to celebrate the 4th of July. If you're thinking about a holiday getaway this year, why not try the best small town in your state?
Plan Patriotic Outfits
Whether you choose breezy summer sundresses or shorts-and-shirts combos in pops of red, white, and blue, it always adds extra fun to the holiday when the whole gang dresses in theme. Post a pic of the group on Instagram with a patriotic caption.
Win a Water Balloon Toss
To throw, cup your balloon and toss underhanded. As you and your partner space further apart, increase the height of the balloon's arc and aim for it to peak halfway along its journey. To catch, position yourself directly underneath the balloon in an athletic stance and use two hands or the crooks of your elbows to cradle the balloon into your lap with a soft swoop.
Try Square Dancing
This classic American dance form is just as fun in the backyard as it is at a town hall.
Savor Summer Tomatoes
America's most popular summer produce can be the star of your 4th of July cookout with one of these wonderful tomato recipes.
Shop Small
America's birthday is the perfect reason to shop at a locally owned general store for all your cookout sundries and supplies. Lost River Trading Post in Wardensville, West Virginia (pictured) sells goods from more than 300 American artisans.
Make Your Own Ice Cream
Always wanted to make your own ice cream? Now's the time! And lucky for you, we've got easy ice cream recipes in every flavor.
Plan a Game Night
After the burgers have been eaten and the fireworks display is done, settle in for the evening with a fun game the whole family can play. (Rummy, anyone?)
Hang a Flag
And teach the kids about American flag etiquette in the process, including the proper way to fold it when you take it down.
Watermelon Bowling
Make the quintessential summer fruit part of your 4th of the July festivities with a friendly backyard game of watermelon bowling. (We recommend these refreshing watermelon recipes too!)
RELATED: 37 DIY Outdoor Games for Family Fun
Cut Flowers for the Table
Head out to the garden in the morning when it's cool and snip blooms for your 4th of July table. Bonus points if you have blue hydrangeas to complement a patriotic color scheme!
Craft a Patriotic Wreath
Create this easy and festive DIY decoration with red, white, and blue cardstock.
Get the tutorial at Blooming Homestead.
Throw a Family-Friendly Fourth U-Pick Party
Visit a berry-picking farm near you, then head home and turn the fruits of your labor into fruity desserts. When the baking is done, head outside to enjoy the sweet treats—like blueberry whoopie pies, blackberry tart, and raspberry-pistachio semifreddo—under blue skies.
Make a Water Park at Home
Break out the sprinklers and the garden hose to create a water park in your very own backyard. You can also create a simple obstacle course, which will keep kids entertained (and cool!) for hours.
Take a Hike
Hit the local nature trails, or—with 4th of July falling on a long weekend this year—make a day trip out of it. See our definitive guide to the 50 best U.S. hikes including one in your state.
Go Camping in Your Backyard
Can't make it to a real campsite this year? Try a little backyard tent camping instead. Once your cookout's died down, watch fireworks from the comfort of sleeping bags and cap off the night with some (not super scary) ghost stories before sleeping under the stars.
Watch a Patriotic Movie Outside
Weather permitting, set up an outdoor movie theater and cozy seating on your lawn, then sit back and relax with some of the best 4th of July flicks. Of course, if it rains, you can easily move the festivities, popcorn and all, into the family room.
Create a Care Package for Our Service Men and Women
Set aside time during Independence Day weekend to create a care package to send to members of the military. UPS offers free kits and you can see a list of things to include via organizations like Soldier's Angels.
Plan a Soda Float Social
Country Living contributor Lauren Akins helped dream up this genius summer idea, which is perfect for fending off the July heat and keeping your crew refreshed. Channel the 4th of July from decades past with glass soda bottles and a vintage-inspired bar cart.
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