4th of July Activities for the Whole Family

Like almost everything in 2020, the 4th of July is likely to look a little different in this age of social distancing. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't break out your best 4th of July party ideas! Even if this year's 4th get-together is just limited to immediate family, you can still create a photo-op worthy day. We're talking grilling assorted meats, making s'mores, waving sparklers, camping out in the backyard— you know the works!

But what about if you have major traditions—like visits to community pools or park-side fireworks? We know. It's tough when everything is so uncertain. But why not amend your plans and focus more on family this year? In lieu of a parade, go on a family bike ride (with bikes decked out in 4th of July party decorations). Instead of heading to the ballpark, consider putting together a baseball game in the front yard, or skip the theater and set up a backyard movie night to watch The Sandlot. You can also give everyone in the family a dish to make and a summer party idea to execute. This holiday will still be one for the books thanks to any one of these family-friendly 4th of July ideas!

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 (live or virtual!) from the comfort of sleeping bags, and cap off the night with some ghost stories before sleeping under the stars.

Take a Family Bike Ride

No neighborhood 4th of July parade this year? No problem! You and your immediate family can have your own parade by decorating your bikes with flags, streamers, and ribbons, and setting off for a few casual laps around the block. Wave high to your neighbors and show off your patriotic wheels!

Throw a Family Pool Party

Gather the kids and cool down in the water on the hot summer day. If you don’t have a pool, get out the hose and sprinkler, and make your best front yard water park!

Spark up the Sparklers

Whether you’ll be able to see fireworks or not, you can enjoy smaller classics like sparklers, bang snaps, snakes, tanks, roman candles, smoke bombs, or bottle rockets! For younger children, you can choose fire-free options like silly string, confetti poppers, and snappers.

Stage a Hot Dog Eating Contest

Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest is one of the most American traditions out there. You and your family can stage your own contest in your backyard!

Make DIY Decorations Together

Decorate your home (inside and out) with DIY red, white, and blue decorations. Get the whole family to pitch in and make their own statement pieces.

Enjoy S’mores around the Campfire

Head for the fire pit armed with all kinds of fixings you can use to enhance your ingenious s’mores recipes. Sit around the fire and enjoy the chocolatey goo!

Throw a Family-friendly Fourth U-Pick Party

Visit a berry picking farm, and turn the fruits of your labor into some delicious desserts! When the baking is done, head outside to enjoy the sweet treats under blue skies.

Watch a Movie Outside

Weather permitting, set up an outdoor movie spot (even if you just scoot your tv so you can see it through the window!) cozy seating on your lawn or porch, then sit back and relax! Whether you watch a patriotic classic or a family favorite, it will be a movie night to remember.

Play Patriotic Games

Spark some fun family competition with Independence Day inspired games, like stars-and-stripes tic tac toe, or tossing red white and blue water balloons. Should the weather not pan out, you can keep kids entertained inside with patriotic coloring pages and crafts.

Go for a Family Picnic

Grab your picnic basket and head for the backyard. This is the best time of year to enjoy a simple alfresco meal with your family. Let each family member pick and make their favorite picnic treat!

Bake a Red, White, and Blue Treat

Show your patriotic spirit by whipping up some tasty stars and stripes themed desserts. (Tip: Frosting is always a good way to get your kids in the kitchen!)

Play a Little Baseball

With the MLB schedule postponed until later in July, it’s up to you and your family to have your own friendly game. Don your jerseys, break out the mitts, find a ball, and batter up! It’s time for your homage to America’s past-time.

Eat Barbecue with Family

Gather the kids together and make a plan to create the ultimate backyard barbecue. Get decked out in red, white, and blue and make patriotic dishes that you can enjoy all day long!