Ideas for Independence Day Celebrations

Not sure how to celebrate Independence Day this year? Sometimes it does seem like you’ve done it all – or maybe you haven’t done a celebration before. Regardless, you may need some thoughts on getting started. Here are some ideas for Independence Day celebrations.

1. Crafts
A fun and memorable way to celebrate Independence Day is with crafts. You can have a get-together of families with kids or a gathering of adults or teens – there are crafts for just about every age group. Here are some ideas for various age groups.

-For toddlers and preschoolers, “Uncle Sam hat” made from stiff white paper and red, white and blue construction paper.

-Necklaces and bracelets can be made by various age groups. Just have age-appropriate beads in red, white and blue and age-appropriate necklace material (leather, cloth, ribbon, or upholstery thread for older kids and adults, and yarn, cloth, or string for young kids).

-Tweens and teens might enjoy decorating a white canvas tote or white cotton shirt.

-Tweens and teens might also like making their own headbands using stretch cloth and beads.

-Small children might enjoy making a magic wand using a wooden dowel, white craft foam (to make a star), and red, white, and blue glitter.

-Of course, the American flag theme can be applied to many crafts and many ages, from simple coloring pages for young kids to sewing a flag-themed throw pillow or tote.

-Older kids might enjoy Independence Day manicures and pedicures – break out the red, white, and blue nail polish!

2. Cookout or Picnic
What better way to celebrate Independence Day than with a traditional cookout or picnic! A cookout might involve having friends over and playing games, then eating outside. Or maybe you could have a picnic with fried chicken and potato salad. Hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken breasts, and beef kabobs are all classic Independence Day fare.

3. Games
Play some all-American games on Independence Day! Involve the neighborhood and/or family in a game of baseball at your local park. Or fly kites and play Frisbee. American football is another great game for Independence Day.

4. Fireworks
It doesn’t get much more traditional than fireworks. Make a night of it – stake out a place to watch your local fireworks and take the family. If the location is conducive to it, maybe bring a picnic dinner and games to pass the time before the fireworks begin. As long as you are within your community’s laws, you can set off fireworks yourself, too. Or just stick with sparklers and bang-pops and such (as long as you are considerate of your neighbors!).