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This post is all about the best 4th of July activities!
The Fourth of July approaches, and this means one thing and one thing only: it’s time to get planning. There is something so special about crafting the perfect patriotic party. Think summer fun, read, white, and blue decor, and delicious food. What’s not to love about America’s birthday?
And while some classics will never go out of style – I know I will never get tired of a good Fourth of July parade, there are so many creative ways to approach a Fourth of July celebration. Especially if you’re hosting a pretty varied crowd, you will need to think of ways to entertain everyone.
So, in this post I’ve rounded up 20 amazing activities to take your 4th of July party to the next level. Whether you’re hoping for a fun and interactive family-friendly event or the ultimate get-together for your girls, get ready to become the hostess of the year!
Table of Contents
20 4th of July Activities You Need to Try
1. Backyard Movie Night
Turn your backyard into a dreamy open-air theater. Think twinkle lights, foldable chairs, cozy cushions, and the night sky.
Of course, make sure to include some strong 4th of July references in your decor as well. Consider using themed popcorn buckets and candy bags for your snacks.
You’ll also want to opt for American classics like The Sandlot, Lincoln, or Top Gun for your movie of choice. There is no better way to celebrate America than revisiting some of its cultural icons!
2. Red, White & Rosé Picnic
There is something so casual and slightly nostalgic about good food and engaging conversations over gingham picnic blankets.
Grab your favorite people and host a beautiful picnic with fresh fruit, artisan cheese, and chilled rosé. You can then complete your American color palette with some red or blue foods (like a berry tart!) for a chic patriotic twist.
Bonus points if you can find a prime location to also view the firework displays later in the evening.
3. Backyard Campout
Forget about packing up kids and friends and traveling out of town for the long weekend. All you need for a cute 4th of July camp is some tents, inflatable mattresses, and your backyard.
This is a much easier and safer alternative to a camping night out, especially with children or for young teens. Additionally, it will make your job much easier as a hostess, keeping everything you need readily available and cutting down on planning efforts.
4. Firecracker Piñata
This activity is the perfect choice for a last-minute party highlight. Fill a cute piñata with confetti, mini flags, candy, and glow sticks. You can then let the kids (and adults!) whack it open. It is fun for the kids and slightly therapeutic for the parents!
For an extra touch, you could even include a special sticker or gift card and have your guests compete to find it once the piñata is broken open.
5. Cornhole Tournament
Nothing screams backyard picnic games like a little friendly cornhole tournament. This is such a classic activity you’ll be able to whip out year after year. Make sure to set the right atmosphere with a cute scoreboard, some patriotic music, and a snack-filled buffet.
The losing team helps with the backyard clean-up! 😉
6. DIY Sparkler Bar
For this craft, you’ll need to create a designated area where guests can grab sparklers, decorate their handles with ribbons and personalized tags, and pose for that perfect fireworks display boomerang. Simple but so fun!
7. Star-Spangled Tie-Dye Party
Personally, I love party favors that can actually be enjoyed by my guests well after their return home. And nothing is more special than a DIY item of clothing. You can combine the two in a patriotic tie-dye party.
All you have to do is pick up some white tees, red and blue dye, and rubber bands from the grocery store (I am sharing some links below if you want to save time), and let the mess begin!
It’s one of my favorite 4th of July crafts. This is something that everyone, regardless of age or skill level, can enjoy.
8. 4th of July Bingo
Think game night meets 4th of July party. For this activity, you’ll have to design your own bingo cards or print some of the beautiful templates available online. You’ll want to look for options that include American symbols like Uncle Sam, a hot dog, an American flag, etc.
Of course, include a few different prizes for each round. It doesn’t need to be extra or expensive – even something as small as cute stickers or delicious candies can work perfectly well!
9. Water Balloon Baseball
It’s like baseball… but wetter, more fun, and with way fewer rules. Sub in water balloons for balls, grab plastic bats, and let the chaos ensue. This outdoor game is a hit (quite literally) set to keep everyone fresh and entertained even in the hottest of days.
Also, make sure to give your guests a heads up so that they can bring a change of clothes!
10. Popsicle Taste Test Challenge
Looking for a simple but engaging challenge that both kids and adults can participate in? Pick a multi-flavor pack of popsicles (bonus if there are a few red, white, or blue options) and do a blind taste test with scorecards. You’ll be surprised at how confused people can get even by the more common flavors!
If you’re feeling extra crafty, you could even make the popsicles yourself from scratch. This will let you choose more unusual flavors and keep the ingredient list super clean.
11. Patriotic Grazing Board
Get ready to level up your snacking game with a stunning charcuterie board featuring strawberries, blueberries, brie, pretzels, and mini flags.
It’s a great way to keep the snack table pretty and full of variety to meet everyone’s taste.
12. 4th of July Photo Shoot
If you and your friends love to take photos, the 4th of July is the perfect occasion to indulge in a fun and patriotic photoshoot.
Get ready together and then set up a simple but impactful photo area with streamers, balloons, and a giant American flag backdrop. Add props and don’t be afraid to get cheeky with your signs. For instance, you could add something like “Land of the Free, Home of the Babes.”
Bonus points if you have your favorite group photo professionally printed and framed. It can make for a lovely party favor and a special way to commemorate a beautiful girls’ day.
13. DIY Flower Crowns
Who says flower crowns are just for festivals? They are an incredibly fun craft to make that can help you bring out your most girly and creative side.
Start by purchasing a flower crown kit and then have fun adding some ribbons, a fresh flower selection, and other hair accessories. Of course, make sure to save some time for photos at the end!
14. “Red, White & YOU” Spa Day
Set up a VIP experience for your girls at home with face masks, patriotic nail polishes, and silky pajamas. After all, there is nothing between than a girls’ night in, some time to unwind, and great conversation.
You’ll also want to set out some snacks and craft a signature cocktail for the evening. This 4th of July drink is a favorite of mine.
15. 4th of July Crafts Workshop
Break out the glue stick gun, scrapbook paper, and paint! From star garlands to mini canvas flags, themed crafts are a fun way to keep everyone entertained.
You can either choose a single project everyone can replicate or let your girls choose their own craft and bring their own supplies.
The goal is not to spend hours working on a complicated craft, but rather to enjoy this cute hobby while having fun with your friends and celebrating America’s birthday!
16. Cookie Decorating Station
Set up sugar cookies, royal icing, and sprinkles. This is where the whole family can get involved and enjoy the fruits of their own labor and creativity. Or maybe it will just be a fun, total mess.
Either way, it’s adorable, and no matter how ugly, the cookies will always be delicious to eat! I call that a win-win situation.
17. Gourmet S’mores by the Firepit
One of the best ways to wow your guests is to elevate the classics. For instance, you can level up your s’mores game with fancy chocolates, flavored marshmallows, and graham crackers.
Bonus points if you also set up a cute s’mores bar to make all of your supplies readily available and well-organized.
18. Independence Day Scavenger Hunt
Hide mini flags, stars, or quotes from a founding father around your yard. Use clues, riddles, and a map. This twist on a scavenger hunt is perfect to break the ice if you’re hosting a party full of people who haven’t met before!
19. Patriotic Ceramics Workshop
Another crafty activity for the more creative crowds. Consider setting up a ceramics workshop in your own backyard. You can paint your own mugs, plates, candle holders, or thematic figurines.
Trust me, nothing says unforgettable memories like a slightly lopsided but utterly unique and special dinner plate or tree ornament. Of course, make sure you’re labelling everyone’s work so you can return it in the following days.
20. 4th of July Brunch
Why wait for the fireworks finale and an evening party when you can kick off the day with mimosas, pancakes with strawberries and blueberries, and delicious food?
Invite your favorite people, wear your best flowy dress, and toast to a fabulous long holiday weekend by elevating your Sunday special.
To Conclude: Choosing The Best 4th of July Activities.
This post showed you 20 amazing 4th of July activities!
Whether you’re headed to throwing a July 4th rager at home, meeting friends at you local city parks with your lawn games and lawn chairs in tow, or visiting your favorite amusement park—remember this: the best part of the Fourth of July festivities isn’t the fireworks extravaganza (though that’s a close second). It’s creating those tiny, sparkly, joy-filled moments with people you love.
From face painting and food trucks to live entertainment and dancing under the fireworks show, this annual event is all about celebrating how lucky we are to live in a sovereign nation where fun and freedom are always a good idea.
Happy 4th of July, and let me know what activities you end up choosing for your celebrations!
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