Who Needs Fireworks? 12 Fun and Safe Backyard Activities for July 4th

Nothing says summertime like cherry pies and vanilla ice cream cones, and it’s easy to give these things a patriotic twist with some red, white and blue food coloring. Another option is to utilize pre-colored ingredients like Jell-O and Kool-Aid. One of the easiest snacks ever created is Kool-Aid poured into ice cube trays and frozen into mini Popsicles!

3. Create a care package.

Are there any veteran organizations in your area? They should be happy to receive some cards or care packages from your little ones. You can also order free boxes from the USPS to mail to soldiers stationed overseas. While this activity doesn’t have to take place in the backyard, it’s easy enough to spread out all of your gifts, snacks and art supplies on an outdoor table so that your kids can learn altruism in the sunshine.

4. Sing your hearts out.

You don’t even need a karaoke machine! There are apps that will let you sing along or guess the lyrics to your favorite songs. You can also dust off your old guitar or build a DIY drum set so that your kids can make their own music. Another option is to create your own choreography for a fun summertime song like Miley Cyrus’s “Party in the U.S.A.” or BTS’s “Dynamite.”

5. Play with kid-friendly fireworks.

It isn’t July 4th without fireworks, but what if comets and bottle rockets are banned where you live? Invest in ground fireworks instead. Most laws are only concerned with explosive aerial fireworks, so anything low and safe is okay, including sparklers, snakes, smoke bombs and party poppers. Just take the party to the street rather than the grass.

6. Host a backyard movie night.

For the price of an outdoor projector, you can have drive-in style movie nights from the comfort of your own backyard. Pull out the sleeping bags; string up some fairy lights; pop a few bowls of popcorn. Your kids will love the change of pace! You can even play an American classic like The Sandlot to fully feed your nostalgia.

7. Have a backyard BBQ.

Why is Independence Day tied so closely to hamburgers and hot dogs? No one knows, but it’s practically tradition to gather around the grill on the Fourth of July, so go ahead and indulge in a wholesome feast. You can also create a DIY dessert table with something like an ice cream buffet that offers an assortment of toppings.

8. Make some arts and crafts.

There are endless possibilities for arts and crafts inspired by the Fourth of July. You can paint flowerpots and tablecloths with the colors of the American flag; you can put the stars and stripes on bags, candle jars, garlands, t-shirts, sun catchers and more. You can even create confetti poppers as “no-fire” fireworks!

9. Go camping.

This is another way to get some use out of those sleeping bags that have been stuffed in the closet for the past year. If you have a fire pit, you can also recreate the quintessential camping experience by roasting s’mores over an open fire. When it gets dark, lay back and see if you can spot any fireworks in the distance; if not, count the stars and name the constellations instead. Retire to your homemade tent or fort when you’re done.

10. Build your own water pack.

This is easiest with a pool, but even if you don’t have one, you can utilize hoses, sprinklers and store-bought water slides to bring the amusement park experience to you. It’s a wholesome and family-friendly way to spend time together. As a bonus, your kids will build lasting memories all while celebrating one of the most important days of the year.

11. Have a picnic on the grass.

This can be a nice alternative to an evening event if mom and dad have to work. Fill your picnic basket with breakfast biscuits or lunch sandwiches; then, spread out a blanket on the grass and eat together like you’re in the middle of a park rather than your backyard. This is another way to enjoy any patriotic cakes or cookies that you’ve decorated, too.

12. Play a game of baseball.

Last but not least, there’s nothing more American than baseball! Create your own stadium to get the kids moving this summer. Even if you don’t have a lot of room, you can put them behind a “home plate” and let your spouse cheer from some “bleachers” nearby. Rattle a box of crackerjacks for the full experience!

These are just a few things to do with your kids on July 4th. Whether you’re looking to race around, play with sparklers, camp under the stars or sing around the campfire, it’s easy to spend some quality time with the little ones when you dream up fun backyard activities for the whole family!