25 Fun Things to Do on the Fourth of July With the Whole Family
Celebrate America's birthday with these great activities.
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Independence Day is one of America's biggest holidays. Parades, fireworks, family vacations — you name it, July 4th weekend is always jammed packed with summer activities every family can take part in. But if don't have anything specifically planned and you're looking for some fun things you and your crew can do for the 4th of July, you're in luck! We've rounded up some great ideas (many of them are free!) to help you celebrate America's birthday.
If you're staying local, take in a parade or host the ultimate backyard BBQ (our grilling guide will turn you into a pro), or if you want to head out of town, take a trip to the beach or visit a national monument. There are also plenty of things to do from the comfort of your own house (in the A.C.), including mixing up some patriotic cocktails or baking some red, white and blue desserts. You can also host a 4th of July movie marathon.
Regardless if you're flying solo or you have a big group of family and friends, these are the very best things to do on the 4th of July.
Bake some patriotic desserts.
You can't celebrate America's birthday without some red, white, and blue desserts! After baking some of the best cupcakes, brownies, and 4th of July cakes, the whole family can join in on the festive decorating — or even compete in a friendly bake-off.
RELATED: 30 Festive 4th of July Cupcakes to Celebrate America's Birthday in Style
Have a backyard movie night.
Level up your standard movie night by setting up a screening — and some cozy seating — right out on your lawn, then picking out an All-American movie that's perfect for the holiday. Don't forget the popcorn!
RELATED: The 25 Best Patriotic 4th of July Movies to Watch This Holiday
Go camping in your backyard.
It's not a 4th of July celebration without a campfire and some s'mores! If you can't make it to a real campsite this year, try a little backyard camping instead — just set up a tent (along with a great cookout, of course), and cap off the night with some scary stories around the fire.
Have a game night.
Looking for something that's fun for the whole family? Organize a game night with some of the best board games — and if you want to make it on theme with the holiday, try out some special patriotic games (like 4th of July bingo or some American-themed trivia).
Have a jam session.
It's no party without great music, so get some sing-a-long tunes going with your favorite patriotic songs on the guitar (or even just on the speakers). Belting out "Party in the U.S.A." is a must, obviously!
RELATED: 15 Patriotic Fourth of July Songs You Need to Add to Your Playlist
Get a backyard barbecue going.
Fire up the grill for some great eats! Hot dogs and burgers are essential, of course, but don't forget the tasty apps (and some festive drinks to cool off in the heat).
RELATED: 59 Easy 4th of July Recipes Your Family Will Devour
Get crafty with the kids.
What better way to keep the little ones occupied than with a fun holiday craft? Plus, these easy-to-make flower pots double as a great 4th of July decor!
Have a backyard picnic.
It's obvious that spending the 4th of July outdoors is ideal, so why not bring food and drinks right to your backyard? You'll appreciate the sunshine and get a good meal in, too.
Make a splash in the pool.
Celebrate the fourth while sitting in a pool float with a drink in hand! It's the perfect way to spend a sunny day with the whole family.
RELATED: 15 Ultimate Swimming Pool Games to Play This Summer
Get active outdoors.
Go for a hike, a long walk, or even a family bike ride this Independence Day. Bonus points if you all have red, white, or blue bikes!
Light up some sparklers.
If you can't make it to a fireworks show this year, light it up with some sparklers — they're like a much safer, hand-held version of fireworks! Plus, they make for a fantastic photo op (especially if you have some fun, festive 4th of July nails to match).
See the fireworks.
Of course, you might still be able to enjoy some fireworks safely from your home this year — in which case, don't forget to sit back and enjoy (and practice good fireworks safety)!
RELATED: Here's Everything You Need to Know to Stay Safe This 4th of July
Watch a parade.
Check with your community board to find out what time your local July 4th parade will kickoff. After that, invite some friends over and fire up your grill!
Do a little shopping.
Want to justify spending a little money over the long weekend? Realize you're helping boost the economy when you take advantage of the amazing 4th of July sales.
Mix up a themed-cocktail.
Beat the summer heat with everything from boozy slushies to colorful red, white and blue shots.
RELATED: 30 Refreshing 4th of July Drinks That Are Perfect for the Summer Heat
Take some family photos.
Have everyone dress up in their best red, blue and white getups and do a family photoshoot. When you're done, be sure to use one of these festive 4th of July Instagram captions for your post.
Get a patriotic nail design.
Stars and stripes are a classic choice, but you can also opt for polka dots and more summery decals, like a popsicle! Need some inspo? We've got a whole list of nail designs.
Play some baseball.
Why not celebrate America's birthday by taking part in America's favorite pastime? An alternative to playing is taking in a local game.
Watch Hamilton
Learn about American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton in the most entertaining way possibly ... by streaming the Award-winning musical on Disney+.
Visit a national monument.
What better way to celebrate our country than to immerse yourself in its history? The Washington Monument on the Reflecting Pool has been the background for some of America's most historic events, such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.
Amina is a product review writer and editor who worked as an editorial assistant in the Good Housekeeping Institute from 2018 to 2020, writing original content based on GH Lab experts' product testing and analysis. Amina graduated from Montclair State University with a B.A. in communication studies and journalism.
Hannah Jeon is an Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention, where she covers expert-driven commerce content for all things health, beauty, and wellness. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Good Housekeeping, she earned her bachelor’s degree in creative writing and psychology from Johns Hopkins University. When she’s not on the hunt for all the best products online, you can often find her trying out new food spots in New York City or clicking away behind a camera.
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