The 4th of July is a time to celebrate America’s independence. For many, this holiday is about barbecues, picnics, and spending time with family and friends. However, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy on this patriotic holiday. Here are 50 fun things to do on the 4th of July.
Why do we celebrate Independence Day on July 4?
This holiday, we celebrate America’s independence from Britain. On July 4, 1776, the 13 American colonies declared themselves independent states, no longer under British rule. This holiday commemorates that momentous day in American history.
July celebration or July festivities
On the Fourth of July, we celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This holiday commemorates the day when the United States of America declared its independence from Great Britain.
Celebrations ranged from fireworks display parades and concerts to relaxed family celebrations or barbecues. July 4, 2022.
What is the best place to celebrate the 4th of July?
San Francisco has been rated one of America’s top destinations to celebrate July 4 because of its beautiful weather as well as its many attractions. San Francisco is second in the country in the attraction category and second in the weather forecast.
Things to do in 4th of July:
Here are 50 fun things to do on the 4th of July activities:
Have a Beach Cookout
This year, enjoy a classic July 4th by dining al fresco at the beach. Watch the sunset over the water while telling stories around the bonfire, eating burgers, and singing patriotic tunes.
Go camping
Camping always feels like an adventure, even if it’s just in your backyard. Make the most of the 4th of July holiday by getting outside and enjoying all the fun activities that come with camping, like making s’mores, telling ghost stories around a fire, or going for a sunrise hike. This could also be a great opportunity to explore some of America’s most treasured landmarks: its National Parks.
Make some s’mores.
Making s’mores together as a family is a great way to spend time together, especially when the weather is nice enough to be outside. After the fireworks display are over, try out some fun, creative s’mores recipes for a crowd-pleasing activity.
Host a backyard competition.
Why not host a game of family soccer or badminton tournament to keep everyone entertained and outside all day long? It’ll be a fun way to spend some quality time with your loved ones while getting some fresh air and exercise. Add some 4th of July flair to your event by scheduling fun crafts and meals for half-times and other breaks. You can even add in various prizes for the winners (and losers).
Try a new sport.
Sometimes a big holiday like the 4th of July is a great time to try out a new activity with your family. Experiment with trying kayaking, paddle board yoga, or pilates to switch things up. It’ll be a fun challenge and later, you can reward yourself with a refreshing red, white, and blue ice pop.
Go Fishing
Think about what Independence Day means to you while enjoying the peacefulness of nature. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch something good to grill up at your evening barbecue!
Go hiking
What better way to celebrate America’s vast and varied landscape than by planning a hike on a national holiday? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or you’re looking for an easy, beginner-friendly trail, a July day spent outside is always a good idea.
Make a Patriotic Wreath
Decorate your home with a patriotic wreath this Independence Day! With a little DIY, you can give it a homemade twist that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, it’s a great way to show your patriotism all summer long!
Visit a Historical Landmark
You don’t need to live in Philadelphia or Washington, D.C., to visit historical landmarks and buildings. So many cities and towns across the U.S. have their own landmarks! This photo from Galveston, Texas, shows the 1861 Customs and Court House building where Abraham Lincoln read the emancipation proclamation.
Make homemade popsicles.
What’s more American than indulging in a cool, refreshing popsicle on a hot summer day? This 4th of July, take your patriotism to the next level by hosting your very own popsicle tasting party. Who knows, it might just be the coolest food trend yet.
Visit a National Park
You’ll be grateful for the land you live on after a day trip to a national park.
If you’re looking for a low-key 4th of July, why not use your day off to explore a new neighborhood park as a family? It’s a great way to spend some quality time together and get some fresh air! Pack a picnic to make the experience extra special, or try out a new ice cream shop on the way home.
Make a waterpark at home.
With a few sprinklers and a hose extension, you can turn your backyard into a waterpark. The kids will have hours of fun playing water games. And let’s face it, enjoying a cold drink in a kiddie pool on a hot July day is fun no matter your age.
Attend a Parade
Who doesn’t love a good Fourth of July parade (Independence Day Parade)? Marching bands, decorative floats, and huge balloons are just a few of the things that make these events so much fun. You can do a quick internet search to find the closest parade to you this holiday!
Read a book about American history.
Use the 4th of July as a chance to teach your little ones about American history. There are many great kids’ books about history and historical figures that can help them understand what the holiday is all about.
Make This Red, White, and Blue Trifle
This dessert is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth! It features all the colors of the American flag and is sure to please the whole crowd.
Rehearse and perform famous American speeches.
This Independence Day-themed talent show is the perfect opportunity for parents and kids to learn and perform famous speeches by great Americans such as Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech or Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address.”
Have a hot dog eating contest.
If you’re looking for food that represents the 4th of July, look no further than the hot dog. For those feeling adventurous, why not try to recreate Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Competition? Or, for something a little more tame (and easier on the stomach), try a hot dog taste test, complete with different relishes and mustards.
Grill Hot Dogs and Burgers
Start your 4th of July off right by firing up the grill! Whether you’re grilling burgers, hot dogs, or trying out a new recipe, make sure you have all the ingredients you need for a fun and delicious day.
Visit Philadelphia
Visit the city where it all began! There are so many historic locations to explore, including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House, and more!
Have a Dress-Up Competition
How do you express your American pride on the 4th of July? Have a patriotic fashion show! The results will be amazing!
Decorate Your Home
If you’re anything like Ree, you love any excuse to decorate. And what better excuse than celebrating America’s birthday! There are tons of stunning DIY 4th of July decorations to choose from.
Rent a Boat
There’s nothing like hitting the water to beat the heat on the 4th of July. A boat ride just makes it all the more fun!
Pack a picnic.
Plan a picnic in the park with all of those adorable red, white, and blue recipes you made. To keep everyone cool and happy, bring some games, books, and a portable fan or mister to beat the heat.
Go for a bike ride.
Make the most of your day off by going for a bike ride before indulging in food and drink. Why not explore a new trail or plan some new stops along a familiar route to keep things interesting?
Make BLT Sliders
What could be more American than a juicy burger? These delicious sliders will be a hit at any 4th of July party!
Go on a Hike
Celebrate America’s special day by exploring its many scenic spots. Spending this day with a group will make it extra special.
Lounge in the pool.
For a hassle-free holiday, sometimes less is more. Make refreshing summer drinks, play some patriotic tunes, and kick back, relax, and soak up some sun. The simplest plans are often the best.
Host a potluck.
If you’d rather stay home on the 4th of July, you can still have a festive celebration by inviting a few friends or neighbors over and having everyone bring a dish to share, just like an old-fashioned potluck. Prepare some of your favorite potluck dishes, plan some fun games for the kids, and end the night with a bang by setting off some sparklers in the street.
Make a festive craft.
Get the kids involved in creating a festive DIY project for the 4th of July! Deck out your home in red, white, and blue with one of these cute wreath projects.
Go Berry Picking
U-pick strawberry, blueberry, and blackberry farms are the best way to make the most of berry season. Once you’ve filled your baskets, use the berries to bake a beautiful summer pie.
Head to the ballpark.
What could be more fun than spending a summer day at the ballpark, enjoying the mild weather and all the delicious food?
Screen a movie outside.
Forgo the movie theater and set up a film screening in your backyard with a portable home projector. Watch patriotic classics like Yankee Doodle Dandy or Independence Day.
Plan a patriotic getaway.
Check out one of America’s amazing landmarks this July 4th. From the Liberty Bell to the Grand Canyon, there are plenty of must-see spots to explore. Just be sure to check what’s open ahead of time.
Learn to Tie Dye
This is a craft that both kids and adults will love. With red, white, and blue fabric dye, you can create a tie-dyed bag or shirt that will be perfect for showing off your skills on the 4th of July.
Host a Block Party
It might not be as big as Ree’s town-wide event hosted by The Mercantile, but gathering with friends and neighbors for your own block party can be just as fun. Celebrate with drinks, music, and good food—ask everyone to bring their favorite potluck dish.
Play Ball
There’s no better way to celebrate America’s birthday than by playing America’s favorite pastime: baseball! Gather your family and friends, split into teams, and see who can come out on top in a friendly game. Don’t forget to show your patriotic spirit by wearing your own customized baseball jerseys!
Yes, baseball is a family ball game.
Belt out some tunes.
Get the drums (a.k.a. pots and pans) and other makeshift instruments ready, then encourage your kids to sing along to American classics like “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “This Land Is Your Land.”
Find a fireworks show: watch fireworks display
Fireworks are a must for any Fourth of July celebration! Gather the whole family and head to a local fireworks show to watch the sky light up. If your town isn’t hosting fireworks, check online for a virtual fireworks show – like the fireworks show at Walt Disney World.
Get some sparklers.
Sparklers are so magical, and the 4th of July is the perfect time to play with them once it starts getting dark.
Take a drive around the neighborhood.
One of the best parts of the Fourth of July is driving around and seeing all the patriotic decorations. Why not make it even more fun by enjoying some delicious hot chocolate while you’re at it? Load up the car with family and healthy snacks and grab an ice-cold lemonade. As you go, rate the best-decorated houses.
Go to the movies.
If you’re not into red-white-and-blue-themed activities on the 4th of July, don’t worry. It might be a great day to enjoy the cool air conditioning of a movie theater. Plus, there’s a good chance it won’t be crowded since it’s a holiday.
Bake a Flag Cake
4th of July is everyone’s favorite time to indulge in some delicious dessert. And what could be more patriotic than a simple sheet cake, decorated with all the colors of the American flag? So go ahead and whip up this easy dessert, and enjoy the holiday!
Make Red, White, and Blue Treats
Showcase your patriotic spirit with this gallery of red, white, and blue 4th of July desserts, including these delicious strawberries. From Bridget at Bake at 350!
Make Refreshing Cocktails
Why not try something different at your next bash and serve Ree’s Watermelon Sangria? It’s made by blending an entire melon and four bottles of wine and is sure to get the party started!
Hang an American Flag
Now is the perfect time to display an American flag with pride, whether it’s on a flagpole or waving over your porch.
Have a Water Balloon Fight
A water balloon fight is a great way to cool off on a hot day. Let the kids battle the adults for extra fun!
Spend the Day at the Lake
If you’re looking for a secluded spot to relax, why not pack a picnic basket, some towels, and some inflatable floats for a fun day by the lake?
Dress Up Your Pooch
Let your best friend join in on the fun too! Dress your dog up for the party by tying a bandana around their neck or affixing a bow to their collar. Ree’s Basset Hounds would look great in this get-up!
Free Admission
Many local attractions are offering free one-day admission to active-duty military and veterans this 4th of July. Independence Day is a great time to enjoy free admission and discounts at parks, zoos, aquariums, amusement parks, museums, concerts, and events. Call ahead to confirm, as many venues will offer these deals to families. One can also purchase up to three discounted tickets (for example adult tickets, tickets for family and friends).
See also: The 10 Best Things to do in Capitola city beach town in 2022
Where to Watch the July 4th Fireworks in
-The National Mall in Washington, D.C.
-New York City
-Boston
-Philadelphia
-Chicago
See also: 17 Best Things to Do in Round Rock, TX for a Great Experience
Things to do on 4th of July weekend near me:
1- Have a Movie Marathon
2- Make a Patriotic Playlist
3- Go Kayaking
4- Do Arts and Crafts
5- Set Up the Sprinkler
6- Roast Marshmallows: up to four guests
7- Have a Volleyball Tournament
Conclusion:
No matter what you do this 4th of July, make sure to have fun and stay safe! Enjoy time with family and friends, and take pride in celebrating America’s birthday.