Make the Most of Your Fourth of July With the Family With These Superfun Ideas

Fourth of July has been one of my favorite holidays since I was a kid. I have wonderful memories of visiting the beach or lake almost every Summer, watching fireworks out over the water, and enjoying a variety of BBQ specialties with my parents, siblings, and friends. It's one of those holidays I look forward to all Summer.

Now that I have a child of my own, finding ways to enjoy the holiday with my husband and son is extremely important to me. Our Independence Day celebrations will probably involve fewer adult beverages, and we'll call it a night a bit earlier than we have in the past, but there are still so many ways to make this holiday extra special for our family. Read on for some easy, fun, and memorable ways to spend the Fourth of July with kids — I know I'll personally be participating in quite a few this year!

Enjoy a fireworks show.
Getty | Jill Lehmann Photography

Enjoy a fireworks show.

No matter where you are, there's always an opportunity to enjoy a fireworks show. Visiting a local show is a great way to get your kids excited about the holiday. Or if you've got bedtimes to consider, tune into a fireworks show on TV — just as awe-inspiring.

Craft a festive beverage.
Unsplash | Whitney Wright

Craft a festive beverage.

An on-theme mocktail that the entire family can enjoy is a great way to celebrate. Maybe try a pitcher of watermelon sangria? Even just serving lemon-lime soda with a dash of grenadine will get you in a patriotic mood.

Attend a parade.
Getty | Ariel Skelley

Attend a parade.

Find a mini American flag for everyone, and head over to a local parade. If you don't see any being advertised, gather a group of neighbors and create your own! You can even challenge the kids to craft their own floats.

Throw a patriotic party.
Getty | Ariel Skelley

Throw a patriotic party.

Celebrating the Fourth of July with other people is one of the best ways to get in the holiday spirit. Round up some of your local friends and family, and enjoy a day and night of barbecuing and fireworks.

Get to the beach.
Unsplash | Megan Leong

Get to the beach.

Sun, sand, and waves are the perfect pairing for this Summer holiday. Your kids will love splashing in the water right up until the fireworks start. Even better — take the week off and make it a family vacation!

Dress up with silly accessories.
Unsplash | Frank McKenna

Dress up with silly accessories.

Hit up the costume or dollar store and go all out with silly and crazy accessories for the whole family. Glasses, necklaces, headbands — anything goes! Your kids will have a blast goofing off . . . and you'll get plenty of Instagram-worthy photos.

Decorate the house.
Unsplash | Camylla Battani

Decorate the house.

Sure, the Christmas decorations may be packed away, but Independence Day gives you an opportunity to get those streamers back out (red, silver, or gold are universal holiday colors!). Add a few Fourth of July-themed banners, and you're set to celebrate.

Light up some sparklers.
Unsplash | Trent Yarnell

Light up some sparklers.

Depending on the age of your children, getting a box of sparklers they can safely hold themselves is tons of fun. Just be sure to follow all safety warnings, and talk through safety measures with your kids before lighting them up.

Attend an air show.
Unsplash | Phillip Berndt

Attend an air show.

Cities all over the country organize Independence Day air shows that you can buy tickets for in advance. If you're unable to see one in person, check out a YouTube video of the Blue Angels with your kids — you're all guaranteed to be entertained.

Eat a pretty popsicle.
Unsplash | Daniel Hjalmarsson

Eat a pretty popsicle.

Beautiful and flavorful popsicles are the ideal treat for this Summer holiday. Make your own tasty creations (like firework popsicles or striped berry chesecake pops), or head to the store and grab a box of red, white, and blue rockets instead.

Fire up the grill.
Unsplash | Paul Hermann

Fire up the grill.

July 4 and barbecues go hand in hand. Open up that grill and get cooking with some flame-seared family favorites. Everyone will enjoy sitting outside taking in the fresh air while eating some yummy food.

Hop in the pool.
Unsplash | Joe Calata

Hop in the pool.

Slap on the sunscreen and bathing suits, and enjoy an afternoon of floating around your neighborhood pool. Chances are, you'll be able to find a large group of family members or friends to join you!

Decorate Your Food
Unsplash | Jay Wennington

Decorate Your Food

Make every item patriotic, even your hot dogs, with mini flags and decorations. Your kids will love having the ability to "play" with their food and get involved in the holiday.

Watch a patriotic movie.
Unsplash | Charles Deluvio

Watch a patriotic movie.

In case of inclement weather, or if your family needs a break from the sun, pop in a film that celebrates the USA. You can find several patriotic movies on various streaming platforms, or try one of these ideas that the entire family can enjoy: National Treasure, Forrest Gump, or The Sandlot.

Lay out a slip-n-slide.
Unsplash | Kelly Sikkema

Lay out a slip-n-slide.

Want to enjoy the water but can't get to the beach or pool? Slip-n-slides are an optimal fit for any flat backyard with access to a hose. It'll keep your kids entertained and moving (and cool!) all day long.

Head out for a hike.
Unsplash | Holly Madarich

Head out for a hike.

If the beach and pool are not your style, pack up some snacks and get the entire family moving on a nature-friendly hike. We've got a beautiful country out there!

Put together a playlist.
Unsplash | Sai Anagini

Put together a playlist.

Get your kids involved and create a summertime playlist you can blast during your party that everyone can dance and sing to all day long. A mix of patriotic songs, country favorites, and pop chart-toppers will be the perfect soundtrack for your day.

Enjoy a picnic.
Unsplash | Brit Geiser

Enjoy a picnic.

You don't have to spend a lot of money to make an outdoor meal feel special. Spread out a large blanket in the grass, serve up some finger foods and beverages, and you're good to go! Just don't forget the bug spray.

Hang out at an amusement park.
Unsplash | Dan Gold

Hang out at an amusement park.

Ride the rides, eat cotton candy, and play some games at your local amusement park or boardwalk. Bonus if it has some water attractions to keep you cool!

Go for a family bike ride.
Unsplash | Frank McKenna

Go for a family bike ride.

Pump up those tires and get the entire family out for a bike ride. It's a great way to bond and burn off the burgers you'll be enjoying from the grill later in the day!

Rock out at a concert.
Unsplash | Annie Spratt

Rock out at a concert.

Live music is one of the best ways to enjoy a Summer afternoon. Find a local concert that you and the family can all attend together, and dance till you drop!

Run through the sprinklers.
Unsplash | Mi Pham

Run through the sprinklers.

Sprinklers can provide hours of entertainment for your kids and keep everyone nice and cool during this hot Summer holiday. Crank up the water, and run wild.

Whip up a fancy breakfast.
Unsplash | Alexandra-Kusper

Whip up a fancy breakfast.

Set the tone for the day, and start with a decorative and patriotic pancake or waffle breakfast for the family. It's tasty, filling, and totally festive.