4th of July Activities for Kids: Treats, Games, and Family Fun

4th of July Activities for Kids: Treats, Games, and Family Fun

In the United States, we celebrate our country’s independence on July 4th—and is one of the biggest holidays celebrated across the country. For many Americans, the 4^th of July is a day to celebrate , enjoy good food and fun, and create joyful memories with friends and family.  

Let’s take a look at 4^th of July activities for the whole family with:

• Best firework shows in the United States for you and your family to enjoy.
• Kid friendly 4^th of July treats  
• Active and engaging outdoor activities  
• 4^th of July themed crafts  

No 4^th of July holiday is complete without fireworks! If you're looking for a dazzling end to your 4th of July celebrations, here are some of the top fireworks displays across the country:
 
- New York City, NY – Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks: One of the most iconic shows, with fireworks launched from barges along the East River.

- San Francisco, CA – Fireworks Over the Bay: Watch dazzling fireworks light up the sky over the San Francisco Bay, with great views from Fisherman’s Wharf, Crissy Field, or a bay cruise.  

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- San Diego, CA – Big Bay Boom: Fireworks light up the waterfront from multiple barges in San Diego Bay.

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- Nashville, TN – Let Freedom Sing!: A free event that includes live music and one of the country’s largest fireworks shows.

- Philadelphia, PA – Wawa Welcome America Festival: A weeklong celebration that concludes with a spectacular fireworks finale.

- Seattle, WA – Seafair Summer Fourth: Fireworks over Lake Union make for a scenic and family-friendly celebration.

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- Chicago, IL – Navy Pier Fireworks: One of the Midwest’s most iconic Independence Day celebrations, offering a vibrant show over Lake Michigan with music and lakefront views.

- Austin, TX – H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks: A Texas-sized celebration with live patriotic music and a spectacular show over Lady Bird Lake.

Sweet and Simple 4th of July Treats

One of the best parts of the 4^th of July is the food! Engaging your children with kid-friendly cooking this 4^th of July is a fantastic way to celebrate the holiday, and to build memories as a family.  

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Patriotic Fruit Kabobs

Who doesn’t love food on a stick? These are super simple to make and perfect for little helpers (with adult supervision).
Instructions:
- Pre-cut strawberries, bananas, and blueberries
- Have kids alternate strawberries and bananas on a skewer, topping with a few blueberries
- Display in the shape of an American flag or firework burst!

Red, White & Blueberry Lemonade

A refreshing drink that looks as good as it tastes.
Instructions:
- Fill a clear pitcher with lemon juice and sugar.
- Add blueberries to bottom of your glasses. Add ice to the cup.
- Fill glass halfway with lemon and sugar mixture. Top remaining half with sparkling water and diced strawberries. Enjoy!

Sweet American Flag Cake

If your kids are a bit older, baking can be a fun afternoon activity.
Instructions:
- Use your favorite sheet cake recipe (or boxed mix)
- Frost with cream cheese or vanilla icing
- Decorate with rows of sliced strawberries and blueberries to form a flag

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Active & Engaging 4th of July Games

After the treats, get the kids moving with outdoor games that bring out their patriotic spirit—and burn off a bit of sugar!

Backyard Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of red, white, and blue items for kids to find. Include fun prompts like:
- Find something that sparkles
- Spot a star shape
- Bring back a flag!

Red, White, and Blue Water Balloon Toss

A favorite on hot summer days. Fill up an assortment of red, white, and blue water balloons with water. Turn it into a game by tossing the water balloons into each other. Make the game even more challenging by increasing the distance between the players after every throw!

‍Glow Stick Ring Toss

Perfect for evening play before the fireworks begin. Use glow stick bracelets as rings and water bottles as the target.

American History Bingo

Engage young children in a fun game of patriotic bingo! This engaging game helps young children recognize different shapes, colors, and symbols. For older children, help them expand their knowledge of US history with a fun game of US history bingo!  Check out online bingo and word search templates.  

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Creative Crafts for Quiet Time

Firework Painting

Use forks or straws to flick red, white, and blue paint onto dark paper. Add glitter for sparkle! It’s art that mimics the night sky.

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Handprint Flags

Kids love getting messy with paint. Let them stamp red and blue handprints onto white paper to create their own flags.

Coloring Station

Set up a table with 4th of July coloring pages—flags, eagles, and fireworks galore. Great for toddlers or to keep kids busy while waiting for food.

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Teach Kids the Meaning Behind the Celebration

While the day is full of fun, it’s also a great opportunity to share the “why” behind the festivities. Try these educational, kid-friendly ideas:
- Story Time: Read books like “The Fourth of July Story” or “We the Kids”
- Write Your Own Declaration: Let kids create their own "freedom" statements—like "No bedtime!" or "More dessert!"
- Flag Facts Quiz: Did you know the U.S. flag has been updated 27 times? Make a trivia game to share fun historical facts

Celebrate With Your Au Pair

If you're hosting an au pair this year, the 4th of July is the perfect day to share American traditions - and learn about theirs, too.

Ways to include your au pair:

• Collaborate on a dish: Ask your au pair to cook or bake a treat from their home country to contribute to the holiday.
• Share traditionsL Talk about how their home country celebrates independence or other national holidays.
• Lead an activity: Invite them to teach a game of craft to your children that was part of their own childhood celebrations.

Wrap-Up: A Memorable 4th for the Whole Family

Celebrating the 4th of July with your children and au pair is about more than sparklers and sweets—it’s about connection, creativity, and making memories together. By combining delicious treats, active play, meaningful conversations, and hands-on fun, your family can enjoy a full day of celebration that’s exciting and enriching for everyone.
 
From all of us at AuPairCare, Happy Independence Day!

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