Are you looking to start some 4th of July traditions as a family? If so, you’ll want to check out these fun activities you can do to celebrate Independence Day together!
Traditions are the best way to celebrate holidays because they provide families an opportunity to bond and create lasting memories. They also provide something for families to look forward to as each new holiday approaches.
With Independence Day just around the corner my kids are already looking forward to our 4th of July traditions. These traditions, that I’m sharing with you, range from a 4th of July parade and outdoor games to red, white and blue food and more!
After learning about these fun 4th of July activities, you are going to be so prepared to make this holiday one to remember.
This post is all about the best 4th of July traditions every family will want to try.
Best 4th of July Traditions
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1. Wear Red, White, and Blue
Start your 4th of July off by getting decked out in red, white and blue attire. Go through your closets and get creative!
2. 4th of July Parade
This 4th of July tradition is definitely a favorite amongst my kids. Many towns hold a 4th of July parade so check your local area to see if there will be one near you. Seeing the festive floats and hearing the bands is always a fun way to celebrate the 4th of July.
Don’t forget to pack chairs or a blanket to sit on and sunscreen. You may want to plan to arrive early in order to find a decent spot to watch.
If you have a baby, toddler or child with sensitive ears you might want to consider bringing noise canceling headphones for them. There is often times firetrucks in the parade and their sirens can be very loud for young kids.
My kids range in age from 2-6 and they all like having the headphones for parades. When they hear the firetrucks coming they put on their headphones and then take them back off after they have passed.
3. Red, White and Blue Drinks
Make a festive drink the whole family can enjoy. If you are looking for an easy drink suitable for the whole family, these red and blue slushies pictured above were a huge hit with my family last year.
All you need for these slushies is ice, club soda, sugar, and one packet of both cherry and blue raspberry koolaid.
First, blend the ice, club soda, and sugar with the packet of blue raspberry and pour the blended slushie into everyone’s cup. Then, repeat this process with the cherry koolaid packet and layer the red slushie on top of the blue.
Voila! It is so delicious and super easy.
4. Red, White, and Blue Food
Similarly, making red, white and blue food can be a fun 4th of July tradition. In the days leading up to the fourth, my kids love to help me come up with food ideas that are red, white and blue that we can eat on the fourth.
Last year, we made waffles for breakfast that we topped with cool whip for the white, strawberries for the red, and blueberries for the blue. We also made a snack tray with white chocolate covered pretzels, strawberries, and blueberries and arranged them into a flag.
When you’re making the festive food have everyone help and work together to make it!
If you are looking for some fourth of July food ideas here are some you could try.
- Watermelon cut out into star shapes
- Raspberry, marshmallows, and blueberry skewers
- Red and blue jello
- Red, white and blue deviled eggs
- Yogurt parfaits with vanilla yogurt, raspberries and blueberries
- Patriotic snack mix with pretzels, marshmallows, red and blue M&M’s, and cheerios
5. Red, White and Blue Dessert
Who doesn’t love dessert? Turn a dessert into a red, white and blue one for a great way to celebrate the fourth. We made red, white and blue monster cookies last year and they were so good. We’ve also tried puppy chow with red and blue M&M’s sprinkled in.
Here is a list of other fourth of July desserts you could try.
- Vanilla cupcakes with blue and red sprinkles
- Red, white and blue trifle using angel food cake, pudding, strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream
- Red, white and blue cheesecake bars
- White chocolate covered pretzels with red and blue sprinkles
- Red, white and blue Rice Krispies
6. Outdoor Games
Add outdoor yard games to your 4th of July traditions. Games are a fun way to spend time together as a family, especially on this summer holiday. If you are looking for some games to get the family together outside here are a few fun ones to try!
Giant Connect 4
7. Bomb Pops
Popsicles are the best way to cool off on a hot summer day so pick up some bomb pops to enjoy as you play your outdoor games. They not only look perfect for the holiday but they are a tasty way to beat the July heat.
8. 4th of July Scavenger Hunt
A 4th of July scavenger hunt is another great family activity. Come up with a list of fourth of July items and then break up into teams or work together to find everything on the list. You could also download and print my free 4th of July scavenger hunt pictured above.
{RELATED POST: FREE 4th Of July Scavenger Hunt Printable For Kids}
9. Cookout
The 4th of July is the perfect excuse to host or attend a cookout. It is a great opportunity to get together with extended family and friends and celebrate our country’s independence.
10. Family Photo
Don’t forget to get a picture of the whole family at some point during your fourth celebration. It will be a great way to document and remember all the fun your family had celebrating the 4th of July for years to come.
11. Fireworks
By far, the best way to end the night is watching fireworks as a family. Check out your local area and see when and where the closest fireworks show will be. Then, take the family and find a spot to watch the beautiful display in the sky.
If you have babies, toddlers, or kids with sensitive ears, you may want to bring those noise canceling headphones again. This way, watching the fireworks can be a pleasant experience for everyone!
I hope you and your family have a wonderful 4th of July! I’d love to hear which 4th of July traditions your family is excited to try!
This Post Was All About 4th Of July Traditions For Families
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