Independence Day is a family-friendly holiday, which means planning a celebration that will appeal to the young and old alike. While a backyard barbecue and fireworks display are all most adults need for a good time, your little ones will need something more to stay entertained. So we’ve rounded up a bunch of fun and interactive 4th of July activities for kids.
Take it outside
Spend the day in the sun before settling in for the fireworks show after dark. There are all kinds of fun Fourth of July activities you can do right in your own backyard or at a local park. With these exciting ideas, the whole family will want to get in on the action!
๐ Inflatable 4th of July Fun
If you have the space and the budget, you can’t go wrong with renting party inflatables. Most companies have an assortment of setups that will suit any age, from toddlers to teens. You can set the little ones loose in a bounce house or on a giant inflatable slide. Or, have the bigger kids duke it out in a gladiator jousting ring or obstacle course.
๐ฆ Make a Splash
Beat the summer heat with some water-based games and activities the kiddos will love. If you’re having a pool party, use various pool floats to make relay race games or bull-riding challenges โ who can stay on the longest? If you don’t have a pool, water balloon games would make for a super fun 4th of July!
A lesson in history
It’s always good to remember the reason you’re celebrating Independence Day. Be sure to incorporate some 4th of July activities for kids to learn about the history of the holiday. As long as it’s combined with the things kids love, they won’t feel like they’re back in school.
โ๏ธ Red, White, and Glue
Nothing keeps little minds engaged like some hands-on activities. You can set up easy 4th of July crafts using simple materials like construction paper, toilet paper rolls, and paper plates. Have them count the stars and stripes as they create American flags and talk about the history of the Statue of Liberty as they build her iconic crown and torch.
๐ฅธ Get Into Character
Make learning fun with live entertainment! You can hire a historical character or storyteller to read a book about the 4th of July, complete with costumes and fun voices. A children’s theatre group or puppet show would also be a fun way to depict the history of our country for important lessons combined with lots of laughs.
The fair’s in town
If your town isn’t hosting a big 4th of July festival, you can just create one yourself! With some unique entertainment and interactive performers, your epic celebration will be the talk of the town. And it’ll keep the little ones busy until it’s time to watch fireworks!
๐๏ธ Step Right Up
No fair would be complete without interesting booths to interact with. Face painting is always a popular 4th of July activity for kids. They can get red, white, and blue star-spangled designs like flags and fireworks on their faces. For older kids, hire a caricaturist to create cartoon drawings with a patriotic flair.
๐ด This Place Is a Zoo
Any time you have animals, you can guarantee smiles on the faces of every child around. Outdoor 4th of July celebrations are the perfect opportunity to add a little wildlife to your party. Keep it simple with a petting zoo of basic farm animals, or get exotic with a reptile show. You could also have pony rides if you have little ones brave enough to jump in the saddle.
There are all kinds of exciting things to do for the 4th of July. Whatever activities you choose, you’re sure to have a spectacular Independence Day. Just have fun and be safe! โค๏ธ๐ค๐
Heather is the Content Manager and a GigSalad veteran of 15+ years. She loves helping event planners create unforgettable celebrations and talent make a living doing what they love. When not at work, she enjoys reading romance and fantasy books, bingeing TV shows, playing board games, and spending time with friends.