Summer is the perfect time for cookouts, camping, and relaxing by the pool. What better way to celebrate the season than on the 4^th of July, a day filled with patriotism and fun for American families across the country. If you want to have a blast this Independence Day, check out these extra-special 4^th of July activities.

Bake a Flag Cake

Serving a patriotic flag cake on the 4^th of July is a delicious way to celebrate – and it’s quick and easy, too! You can find many variations of this dessert online, but here’s a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

• Prepared pound cake or vanilla cake, homemade or store-bought
• Whipped topping or frosting
• Blueberries
• Sliced strawberries

For a quick no-bake version: Arrange slices of store-bought pound cake in a rectangular shape to create the bottom layer of the cake. Add slices of strawberries and whipped topping evenly across the cake. Top with more slices of pound cake. Frost the entire cake and decorate it with sliced strawberries and blueberries to form the American flag.

You can also bake your own vanilla cake (from scratch or a box) and decorate it with strawberries and blueberries.

View Some Fireworks

If it’s legal in your state and safe to do so, feel free to purchase some fireworks for your own home display. Make sure you’re setting them off responsibly, and always clean up afterwards.

If home fireworks aren’t your thing, many towns and municipalities will host impressive fireworks displays during the holiday weekend. Do a little research beforehand to find the best viewing spot, and don’t forget to bring something comfortable to sit on!

Arts and Crafts

To keep the little ones occupied, try a fun 4^th of July craft or art project. Here are some examples:

• Flame-free Fireworks
• Patriotic decorations (hang red, white, and blue paper stars, fans, streamers, balloons, or a wreath)
• Red, white, and blue pinwheels
• Decorate t-shirts or banners using fabric paint or pens
• Make an American flag using strips of construction paper, tissue paper, or paint

Pretty much any fun arts and crafts project can be tailored to suit an Independence Day theme, so use your imagination!

Backyard Camping

If you can’t go to a real campground this 4^th of July, try camping in your backyard (or even your living room!). Pitch a tent, light the fire pit and roast some marshmallows, and tell ghost stories. End the night with some sparklers or televised fireworks display and voila – a festive 4^th of July you’ll remember for years to come. You can even bring Lottie along for the fun – she’s got her very own camping gear!

Lawn Games

No summer gathering is complete without some lawn games. Bean bag toss or cornhole, horseshoes, or frisbee golf are all quick and easy games to play that are more fun with a crowd. If you’re short on supplies, grab a piece of chalk and play tic-tac-toe or hopscotch on the driveway or sidewalk. If you have some patriotic balloons, see who can keep it in the air the longest!

Patriotic Paper Airplane Tournament

Some towns will host impressive flyover displays with real aircrafts for their 4^th of July celebrations, but you can make your own at home. Decorate your paper airplanes to look like American fighter jets or color coordinate them with red, white, and blue. See whose plane can fly the farthest or stay in the air the longest! For more about paper airplanes, check out our blog post here.

4^th of July Parade

Nothing quite says Independence Day like a festive stroll around the block. Attend your town’s holiday parade, or throw one of your own! Decorate bikes, scooters, or wagons with red, white, and blue crepe paper and decorations. If you’re short on participants, get the teddy bears involved. Dress them up in patriotic outfits and show off your parade to the neighbors!

Cook Something New

Favorite 4^th of July foods include burgers and ‘dogs, of course. But don’t forget about grilling some tasty veggies! Corn on the cob, grilled peppers, or colorful zucchini are always delicious options. You can also whip up a new potato salad recipe, or try some campfire cooking.

Learn About History

This summertime holiday is about fun, freedom, and celebrating American independence. It’s also a perfect time to learn about American history, and why we celebrate in the first place. Depending on where you live, your local historical society can be a wealth of knowledge for learning all about what Independence Day means for your friends and neighbors. Here are some other resources to get started learning all about the 4^th of July and what it means to be an American.

Start a New Tradition

Independence Day is all about family, friends, and celebrating classic American traditions. Your traditions don’t have to be expensive or elaborate. Even something as simple as taking a walk through your neighborhood can turn into a fun holiday memory. You can also prepare a special holiday drink or bake a special dessert. The possibilities are endless!