Fourth of July 2020 may not have the big fireworks shows and big family/friends barbeques we are used to, but there are still ways to HAVE FUN and CELEBRATE Independence Day!
Here are 10 ways to celebrate July 4th with your family this year:
1. ⭐Tie-dye shirts!⭐
Every year our family tie-dyes t-shirts for July 4th. It's a fun tradition that the kids (and I) look forward to each year. If you can find a kit at the local craft store, that's great! We were tie-dying long before there were kits sold in stores. After years of perfecting and simplifying, I finally found a way for Tie-Dying made easy!
2. ⭐Decorate!⭐
Pull out your Fourth of July decorations, hang your flag in front of your house OR head to the dollar store to make your house festive! The atmosphere is so important when you want to create a fun day and get everyone in the mood to celebrate. If you aren't headed to your annual bbq, make it a fun celebration with festive garland, red, white and blue plates & cups, fill a jar with red dried beans and add flags for your centerpieces, make a banner using poster board with a cute saying on it... you get the idea. You don't need to spend a lot of money to create fun decorations.
3. ⭐Make crafts!⭐
Add to the excitement of the day having your kids make crafts! It will add to your decorations and get the kids into the holiday mood! Here are some great ideas:
4. ⭐Play Games!⭐
This is the time to pull out those board games that have been put away. Scrabble, Monopoly, Twister, Kerplunk, Headbands, Battleship... make it a game day! There are always laughs and memories made around a board game.
5. ⭐BBQ!⭐
BBQing doesn't have to be labor-intensive or a huge spread. From simple hamburgers & hot dogs, to crockpot/instant pot ribs, pulled pork sandwiches or yummy side salads, get in the kitchen with your kids to make a yummy bbq feast!
- Chicken Pesto Pasta
- Wonderful Watermelon: The Perfect Summer Food, From Salads to Desserts
- My go-to Allrecipes for a ton of fun July Fourth Ideas
6. ⭐Water Play!⭐
This is a fun and easy way to have fun with the kids! Water play doesn't always have to be in a pool. We grabbed an inexpensive sprinkler from Lowes and we had hours of fun running through the water. From water balloon wars to spraying each other with the hose, water time is always a fun time filled with laughter and outdoor play!
Here are 9 ideas for at-home water play!
7. ⭐Make fun snacks!⭐
Bomb pops in the freezer, jello salad in the fridge, cheese and crackers, skewers of strawberries & blueberries with a whipped cream dip - the possibilities are endless. Putting out fun snacks during the day adds to the excitement of the day. Swap out the everyday snacks to a fun themed snack is enough to get anyone in the mood for celebrating!
Try these red, white and blue cupcakes!
8. ⭐Watch movies!⭐
After dinner snuggle up on the couch for a fun movie together. Use Disney Plus to help guide the age range and what is appropriate for your kids. Our family favorites are The Sandlot, National Treasure, Night at the Museum, Goonies, Annie, The Music Man and if you missed the premiere of Hamilton on Disney+ on July 3rd, I highly recommend it for ages 10+!
Here is a list of 80's and 90's favorites to introduce to your kids!
9. ⭐Create your own parade!⭐
Grab some inexpensive decorations at the dollar store and decorate your bikes, wagon, stroller.... then take a walk or bike ride together. It's the one day to make your own parade!
10. ⭐Watch the fireworks!⭐
This year many fireworks shows have been cancelled, but you can still catch Evanston's virtual fireworks show and band concert! You can watch online at evanston4th.org or on Facebook live.
Have a wonderful and safe Fourth of July with your family!
Beth Neely is the Publisher of Macaroni Kid Rancho Cucamonga, CA.
