25 4th of July Activities That Will Make the Holiday Special and Tons of Fun

  • <p>There's something about camping that always feels like it's an adventure, even if it's just in your backyard. Whether you're in your backyard or at a campsite, use the 4th of July holiday to get outside and make s'mores, tell ghost stories around a fire, or wake up early for a sunrise hike. This could also be a great opportunity to visit some of America's most prized possessions: its <a href="https://www.nationalparks.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:National Parks" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">National Parks</a>.</p>
  • <p>Making s'mores together as a family is a great way to pass the time, especially when the weather is nice enough to be outside. After the fireworks are over, try out some <a href="https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/g2782/smores/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:fun, creative s'mores recipes" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">fun, creative s'mores recipes</a> for a crowd-pleasing activity.</p>
  • <p>Host a family soccer or badminton tournament to keep everyone entertained and outside all day long. You can even add in various prizes for the winners (and losers), and schedule <a href="https://www.womansday.com/4th-of-july/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:fun 4th of July-themed crafts and meals" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">fun 4th of July-themed crafts and meals</a> for half-times and other breaks. </p>
  • <p>Sometimes a big holiday like the 4th of July (a day when many people may be visiting with family) is a great time to try out a new activity with your family. Experiment with trying kayaking, paddle board yoga, or pilates to switch things up. It'll be a fun challenge and later, you can reward yourself with a refreshing red-white-and-blue ice cream. </p>
  • <p>A national holiday can be a great time to finally plan that hike you've been wanting to try. Whether you're a seasoned pro or you're looking for an easy, beginner-friendly trail for the whole family, a July day spent outside is always a good idea. This is also one of the best ways to appreciate America's vast, varied landscape.</p>
  • <p>The 4th of July is typically a <em>very </em>hot holiday (but hey, that's part of the fun!), so cool off by creating homemade popsicles. Try these <a href="https://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/food-drinks/recipes/a12330/fruit-yogurt-swirl-pops-recipe-wdy0714/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:yogurt swirl pops" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">yogurt swirl pops</a>, or one of our other <a href="https://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/food-drinks/g1597/popsicle-recipes/?slide=7" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:favorite popsicle recipes" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">favorite popsicle recipes</a>. </p>
  • <p>Between sprinklers and a fun hose extension, you can create a waterpark in your own backyard. The kids will be entertained for hours (and cooled off) by playing fun water games. And let's face it, enjoying a cold beverage in a kiddie pool on a sweltering July day is fun no matter your age.</p>
  • <p>If you've got a little one who doesn't quite know what the 4th of July is about, use the holiday as a chance to teach them more about American history. There are so many great kids' books about history and historical figures, like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Parks-Ordinary-People-Change-World/dp/0803740859?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10070.g.3009%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:I Am Rosa Parks" class="link rapid-noclick-resp"><em>I Am Rosa Parks</em> </a>by Brad Meltzer and <em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Two-Friends-Anthony-Frederick-Douglass/dp/0545399963?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10070.g.3009%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Two Friends" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Two Friends</a></em> by Dean Robbins.</p><p><strong>RELATED:</strong> <a href="https://www.womansday.com/life/entertainment/g32869047/4th-of-july-facts/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:4th of July Facts That Will Change How You Look at the Holiday" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">4th of July Facts That Will Change How You Look at the Holiday</a></p>
  • <p>Think of this as an Independence Day-themed talent show. Parents and kids alike can learn and perform famous speeches by great Americans such as the "I Have a Dream" speech by Martin Luther King or Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address."</p>
  • <p>If there's one food that represents the 4th of July, it's hot dogs. If you're feeling adventurous, recreate Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Competition, or if you want something a little more tame (and easier to stomach) try a hot dog taste test where you can try out various relishes and mustards. </p><p>RELATED: <a href="https://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/food-drinks/g3033/hot-dog-recipes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:21 Tasty Hot Dog Recipes That Put a Twist on the Classic" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">21 Tasty Hot Dog Recipes That Put a Twist on the Classic</a></p>
  • <p>Take all of those adorable <a href="https://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/food-drinks/g2445/4th-of-july-appetizers/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:red, white, and blue recipes" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">red, white, and blue recipes</a> you made and celebrate with a <a href="https://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/food-drinks/g2196/picnic-food-ideas/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:picnic" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">picnic</a> in the park. To make sure everyone stays cool and happy, bring some games, books, and a portable fan or mister to beat the heat.</p>
  • <p>Get active on your day off and go for a bike ride before all the eating and partying begins. Map out a new trail you haven't tried before or plan some new stops along a familiar route to keep things interesting.</p>
  • <p>If you're lucky enough to live within driving distance of a beach, pack up for a fun day in the sun. If you stay until the evening, expect to see fireworks. Just check with the local authorities first to make sure the beach is open. </p>
  • <p>Looking for low-key 4th of July? Use your day off to explore a new neighborhood park as a family. Pack a picnic as part of the experience or try out a new ice cream shop on the way home to make things extra special.</p>
  • <p>Sometimes with holiday plans, less is more. Make <a href="https://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/food-drinks/g828/summer-drink-recipes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:delicious summer drinks" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">delicious summer drinks</a>, play a few patriotic tunes, and kick back, relax, and soak up some sun. Sometimes the simplest plans are the best.</p>
  • <p>Sure, you might have been stuck with the same small group of people for the past couple months, but you can make things feel more like a party by having each person contribute just like an old school potluck. Prepare <a href="https://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/food-drinks/g2303/pasta-salad-recipes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:potluck dishes" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">potluck dishes</a>, plan <span class="redactor-unlink">games</span> for the kids, and end the night with sparklers to light up the street. </p>
  • <p>Plan a <a href="https://www.womansday.com/home/crafts-projects/g2446/4th-of-july-crafts/?" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:holiday-themed DIY project" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">holiday-themed DIY project</a> with the kids to deck out your home in red, white, and blue, like one of these <a href="https://www.womansday.com/home/crafts-projects/g3011/4th-of-july-wreaths/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:cute wreath projects" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">cute wreath projects</a>. </p>
  • <p>Though going to a professional baseball game may look very different this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, there are some teams that are allowing socially distanced, masked fans to participate. Given that most baseball stadiums are outdoors, this could be a particularly fun summer activity. Just be sure to check the <a href="https://www.mlb.com/phillies/ballpark/information/health-safety-protocols" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:MLB's COVID restrictions" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">MLB's COVID restrictions</a> and rules for your local team before purchasing tickets and heading to the stadium.</p>
  • <p>Wake up early and put on your patriotic best, because if your town is hosting a 4th of July parade, you'll want front row seats! Be sure to check with your local newspaper or town website to see if parades will be happening or if there are virtual options.</p>
  • <p>Movie theaters are still closed, but you can <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Backyard-Theater-Outdoor-Entertainment-Blu-ray/dp/B004U7M02K?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10070.g.3009%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:set up a film screening" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">set up a film screening</a> in your backyard with a <a href="https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home-products/g35214198/best-home-projectors/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:portable home projector" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">portable home projector</a>! Watch patriotic classics like <em>Yankee Doodle Dandy</em> or <em>Independence Day.</em></p><p><strong>RELATED:</strong> <a href="https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/g27656502/4th-of-july-movies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:25 Best Patriotic 4th of July Movies" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">25 Best Patriotic 4th of July Movies</a><br></p>
  • <p>Stop by one of America's greatest landmarks on July 4th — from the Liberty Bell to the Grand Canyon, there are plenty of bucket list-worthy spots to explore. Just be sure to double check what's open ahead of time, and wear a mask when you're in public spaces. <br></p>
  • <p>Bust out the drums (a.k.a. pots and pans) and other makeshift instruments, then encourage your kids to sing along to American classics like "The Star Spangled Banner" and "This Land Is Your Land."</p>
  • <p>Whip up <a href="https://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/food-drinks/g2440/4th-of-july-recipes/?" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:food with bright patriotic colors" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">food with bright patriotic colors</a>, like this <a href="https://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/food-drinks/g2440/4th-of-july-recipes/?slide=3" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Berry Crostini With Lemon Ricotta and Honey" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Berry Crostini With Lemon Ricotta and Honey</a>, then relish in your hard work by eating it all.</p>
  • <p>Speaking of food, why not impress your family and quarantine buddies with a summer cookout? Make some of our <a href="https://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/food-drinks/g3020/cookout-menu/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:favorite cookout recipes" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">favorite cookout recipes</a> that'll feed a group.</p>
  • <p>It isn't a 4th of July celebration without fireworks! Watch the sky light up with the entire family by attending a <span class="redactor-unlink">local fireworks show</span>. If your town isn't hosting fireworks this year because of COVID-19, check online for a virtual fireworks show, like the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bN5b11H4_s" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:fireworks show at Walt Disney world." class="link rapid-noclick-resp">fireworks show at Walt Disney world.</a><br></p><p>__________________________________________________________</p><p><em><a href="https://subscribe.hearstmags.com/subscribe/womansday/253396?source=wdy_edit_article" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Subscribe to Woman's Day" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Subscribe to Woman's Day</a> today and get <strong>73% off your first 12 issues</strong>. And while you’re at it, <a href="https://subscribe.hearstmags.com/circulation/shared/email/newsletters/signup/wdy-su01.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:sign up for our FREE newsletter" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">sign up for our FREE newsletter</a> for even more of the Woman's Day content you want.</em></p>
1 / 25

Go camping — even if it's just in your backyard.

There's something about camping that always feels like it's an adventure, even if it's just in your backyard. Whether you're in your backyard or at a campsite, use the 4th of July holiday to get outside and make s'mores, tell ghost stories around a fire, or wake up early for a sunrise hike. This could also be a great opportunity to visit some of America's most prized possessions: its National Parks.

Say happy birthday to America with one of these fun things to do.

Our goal is to create a safe and engaging place for users to connect over interests and passions. In order to improve our community experience, we are temporarily suspending article commenting

Recommended Stories