Last Updated on July 4, 2025 by Audrey
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Looking for some fun ways to make the most of Independence Day? We’ve got some great Fourth of July activities for you!
The Fourth of July is the perfect time to gather with family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy warm weather, good food, and patriotic fun. This classic holiday is the epitome of all things summer, and my kids always look forward to it! And some of my own fondest childhood summer memories revolve around this time of year, so I definitely like to make the most of it with my own kids.
So whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or planning a low-key day with the kids, here are 20 fun and festive Fourth of July activities that are sure to make the holiday memorable.
1. Launch Rockets
Kick off your celebration by launching rockets into the sky! It’s also a great nod to that line in the star spangled banner. Everyone with me now – “and the rockets red glaaaaaaaaaarrre!”
This has become a unique fourth of July tradition for us and we have so much fun watching them shoot up and chasing them down as they fall from the sky. Alternately, stomp rockets are also a blast (get what I did there? 
)
2. Host a Neighborhood Parade
Encourage kids to decorate their bikes, scooters, and wagons with flags, streamers, and bunting, then ride through the neighborhood! Try these red, white, and blue handlebar streamers, mini American flags, and patriotic bows. Bonus if you play patriotic music as you ride!
3. Play with Sparklers, Pop-Its, and Glow Sticks
Bring on the sparkle! Supervised sparkler fun is a classic part of Fourth of July activities, and Pop-Its or glow sticks make great alternatives for younger kids who aren’t keen on holding a sparkler yet.
4. Make a Red, White, and Blue Snack Board
Fourth of July activities need to include food, and this is a snack that the kids and adults will love! Here are some ideas for each color:
Red – Watermelon, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, salami, pepperoni, licorice
White – White cheddar, crackers, pork rinds, marshmallows, white chocolate -covered pretzels
Blue – Blueberries, blackberries (close enough 
), blueberry goat cheese
Bonus: Cut cheddar slices with a star shaped cookie cutter. Tasty and festive!
5. Read Patriotic Books
For some educational Fourth of July activities, read some books about America and Fourth of July! Here are a few ideas:
6. Water Balloon Fight
Cool down with a red, white, and blue water balloon battle. Pro tip: Fill them ahead of time and keep them in coolers for easy access!
7. Get a Fire Going
Nothing says Fourth of July like roasting hot dogs and s’mores around a backyard fire pit or campfire.
8. Make Tin Can Firework Lanterns
For us, Fourth of July activities always involve crafts! These tin can lanterns are fun to make and perfect for a festive touch! Use a hammer and nail to punch holes in clean, empty cans to create firework or star patterns. (Younger kids may need a little help with this step). Paint them in patriotic colors and add candles for a magical glow!
9. Craft Popsicle Stick Stars
Glue five popsicle sticks together into stars and paint them red, white, and blue. Hang them around the house or string them into a garland.
10. Patriotic Ribbon Wands
Let the kids make these fun ribbon wands to wave around at the parade or fireworks show!
11. Make Red, White, and Blue Popsicles
Kids will love making (and eating!) their own homemade version of the classic red, white, and blue popsicles. Try a recipe like this one! Pro tip: make these in advance and have activities planned for in between as there’s a lot of waiting time for each layer to freeze.
12. America-Themed Lawn Games
Play a round of stars-and-stripes cornhole, red-white-and-blue ring toss, or pin the wig on George Washington. Add prizes for extra excitement!
13. Red, White, and Blue Kabob Sticks
Layer items like marshmallows, strawberries, blueberries, and brownie squares for an easy, kid-friendly snack.
14. Decorate Sidewalks with Patriotic Chalk Art
Fill your driveway with colorful chalk fireworks, flags, and messages like “Happy 4th!”
15. Tie Dye Red, White, and Blue Shirts
Use a kit like this one to make your own red, white, and blue tie dye shirts to wear on the fourth! It’s messy fun with wearable results!
Whether you’re crafting, cooking, or cooling off with water games, these Fourth of July activities are the perfect way to celebrate summer and freedom with the ones you love. Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸
Need more kids activity ideas this summer? Try these easy outdoor activities kids can do at home!
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