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Fourth of July Fun 🇺🇸

Holly Parker

Happy Birthday, America!

The Fourth of July always feels like the heart of summer around here, and feels even more special with this year being the 250th celebration! It’s one of the most fun holidays in my opinion. The days are long, the kids can’t wait to be outside, and the whole day seems to revolve around simple things—good food, sticky popsicle fingers, catching fireflies, sparklers, and staying up way past bedtime to watch fireworks light the sky.

It doesn’t have to be packed with expensive plans or a perfectly decorated backyard to be memorable. Some of the sweetest celebrations happen right at home, with the people we love most.

If you’re looking for a few simple ways to make the day feel extra special, here are some of our favorite Fourth of July activities, read-alouds, and homemade recipes to enjoy together.

Kid-Friendly Fourth of July Activities

You don’t need elaborate plans to create a fun holiday.

Red, White & Blue Rice Box

It’s as easy as throwing rice in a bin and tossing in some scoops. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but I do love a great theme, so dyed rice always makes its way into the play. You can find my “how to” dye rice here!

Patriotic Play Dough

A fine motor gold mine for little hands. 🙌🏼

PLAYDOUGH RECIPE: 
•2 cups flour
•4 tsp cream of tartar
•¾ C salt
•2 cups warm water
•2 tbsp oil

1. Mix dry ingredients in a saucepan. Add water, oil, and food coloring (food coloring if only making one color batch). 
2. Continuously stir over medium heat until mixture forms a ball. 
3. Lay on parchment paper to cool enough to knead with hands
4. Knead with hands until smooth (split and add coloring now if doing multiple colors).
⭐️ Store in a zip lock bag to keep fresh!

Red, White & Blue Nature Hunt

Challenge children to find things outside that match each color.

Examples:

  • Red, white and blue flowers
  • White clover
  • Blue skies
  • Ladybugs
  • Clouds
  • Bluebirds & cardinals

Bring along a basket and make it a scavenger hunt.

Firework Craft

An oldie but goodie fire work painting

  • Toilet paper roll(s)— with one end cut in slits and fanned outward
  • construction paper
  • Red white and blue finger or tempura paint
  • Stickers
  • Glitter

They’re festive without the fire. 🎆

Patriotic Scissor Cut Tray

Scissor practice using different mediums of “paper” to cut.

Fourth of July Read-Alouds

Curl up during the afternoon heat with a few patriotic stories.

Favorite Read Alouds

These books open great conversations about our nation’s history in age-appropriate ways.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Links are available at no cost to you.

Family Recipes to Make Together

One of the sweetest ways to celebrate is by inviting little hands into the kitchen.

Homemade Hamburgers

Perfect for your backyard cookouts. Find my go to recipe here.

Patriotic Blueberry Torte

The is one will always be dear to me. I remember always making this delicious dessert every 4th, with my Grandma June. Graham cracker base, sweet cream cheese filling with blueberries and whipped cream. YUM. Find the recipe here.

Blueberry Torte is a 4th of July tradition in our home!

Festive Berry Fro-yo Pops

Layer a dollop of yogurt & berries on a parchment lined cooking sheet over popsicle sticks, or fill your favorite popsicle molds:

  • Sliced Strawberries or raspberries
  • Vanilla yogurt
  • Sliced Blueberries

Freeze overnight for an easy patriotic treat.

Sweet and Salty Boards

Grab a dish, and fill it with all things red, white and blue! You can cut fruits and veggies into stars using these cute cutters!

Red, White & Blue Berry Trifle

Layer:

  • Angel food cake
  • Whipped cream
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries

It’s beautiful, easy, and always a crowd favorite.

As fireworks light up the sky, hold your little ones close. Watch their faces light up with wonder. Laugh together. Eat one more s’more. Stay outside a little longer than usual.

These are the moments that become family traditions—not because they were elaborate, but because they were shared.

Home isn’t made beautiful by perfection. It’s made beautiful by the love, laughter, and memories created within its walls.

Happy Fourth of July, from our home to yours. May your day be filled with gratitude, simple joys, and time spent with the people you love most.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” — Galatians 5:1

Xo,

Holly

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