Aren’t we all a bit of a kid on the 4th of July? Give me all the streamers, popsicles, black snakes, and hot dogs! The 4th of July is just plain fun–it isn’t fancy or stressful! (Except when 20 children are all doing arm circles with sparklers within inches of each other’s faces…) It will forever remind me of cousins and fireworks…It’s the magic of summer rolled into one spectacular day! (And of course–celebrating our freedom, our country, and everything good about the U.S.A.) My kids start asking when the festivities begin as soon as they wake up…So if you need some ideas to keep your kiddos busy for a few minutes while you whip up the potato salad–I’ve got you covered! I’m sharing my 4th of July for Kids Game Pack (FREE Printable)! And of course, fun ways to keep them occupied before the fireworks begin!
Put Them in Charge of Decorating!
My kids LOVE decorating for holidays! (In fact, I trick my twins into cleaning their room by telling them that we need to decorate!) Maybe it’s all the HGTV? Anyway…it can be hard for some of us perfectionists–but let your kids decorate for the 4th of July! Here’s some simple ideas kids love:
- Decorate bikes with streamers
- Put flags and pinwheels in the landscape and garden
- Tie outdoor bows around lawn furniture
- Hang decorations around dining room chandeliers or fireplaces
- Fill vases with small flags
We have collected a few inexpensive things over the years–I literally open the box and put my kids in charge of the decorating!
Get Dressed Up!
Kids love to show their spirit! We raid Target and the Dollar Store for hats and headbands–but one of the very best projects I ever did with my kids was make 4th of July skirts (for my now teenage daughters)…I know you’ve seen these on babies–but they’re actually really fun for bigger kids to wear over some shorts for the 4th of July!
I am completely UNCRAFTY…Friends, I can hardly be trusted with scissors. But I can handle this project–which means you can too! (Or your kids–if they are old enough!) Here are 2 posts from lovely ladies much craftier than me, outlining the basic procedure!
How to Make a 4th of July Toddler Tutu
DIY No Sew Tutu for Little Girls
Let Them in the Kitchen
- Give your kiddos some goodies to decorate! Sprinkle to their heart’s content!
- Put them in charge of setting up the drinks, plates, napkins, etc… (Honestly–after years of helping me set-up for parties, my teenagers can host a party like nobody’s business!)
- Give your preschoolers play doh to pretend bake with you! (Add gems and stars to make it extra fun!)
Games!
Here’s a great list of games from Real Simple to keep the kids busy all day!
And finally…Here’s my FREE 4th of July for Kids Games Pack! I’m printing these off to have ready when my little guy wakes up (asking when we get to do fireworks)! (Here’s the Answer Key!)
Enjoy celebrating with your precious people! Happy 4th, Sweet Friends! May God Bless the USA…
With Love,
Jen xo
P.S. If you are looking for some menu inspiration! Don’t miss my favorite family recipes and 20 Cool Summertime Treats!