The 4th of July is a special time of year where we gather with friends and family to celebrate our country, and those who have fought, and continue to fight for us. It is also a time of trips to the beach, yummy BBQs and splashing in the pool with those you love. (Hopefully you’re lucky enough to know someone who has a pool!) A lot of the time however, 4th of July parties and BBQs are planned around the adults who will be in attendance. Let’s look at five fun at the top five DIY activities 4th of July activities for kids that are sure to get them in the patriotic mood this year.
Confetti Launchers
I don’t think there is a kid out there who does not love something that explodes, shooting out colorful bits of paper. For this activity you will need toilet paper tubes, decorated or colored paper, markers, tape, paper, balloons and scissors. Probably most things you have around the house already, right? First, cut out small bits of square paper that will be used for the confetti. When you have enough, place them in a container and put them to the side. Next, have the kids decorate the tubes any way they want. After that, take one of the balloons, cut it in half, and tie the end into a knot. Last, take the larger end of the balloon you have cut and tied, and wrap it over one end of the tube. Make sure it is secured with tape. The balloon should be stretched tight, but should not bend the tube. Now, all you have to do is stuff the tubes with confetti, point the tube, pull back on the balloon and you have got a colorful confetti launcher!
4th of July DIY Scavenger Hunt
Kids of all ages LOVE scavenger hunts; you can print one off the internet or make one of your own. Just think of things that will be available on the 4th and make a list! Simple as that! Some ideas are: sparklers, different colored fireworks, a hamburger, a hotdog, a ladybug, a flag, ice cream, a lightening bug, the list can go on! Have the kids run around and try to check as many off the list as possible! You may even want to come up with a fun prize for the winner, and this can be something simple as well.
Balloon Toss
All you need to do for this activity is get some red, white and blue balloons, and fill them up with water. Have the kids get together with a partner, and have them all stand in a line opposite their partner. Each time the kids catch the balloon without it popping, they move back a step, away from their partners. If the balloon pops, or it is dropped, that team is out. The team that wins is the one that lasts the longest without popping or dropping their balloon.
Relay Races Anyone?
This is another one of the five fun DIY 4th of July activities for kids that really going to get them moving. You can do a typical relay race, or you can bring it to a bigger level and set up an obstacle course. Use hula hoops, streamers, sidewalk chalk, bikes, etc. Basically whatever you can think up that will make this a fun and goofy activity. The more ridiculous the things that the kids have to do, the better it will be! Just don’t make it too difficult; the object is to make it fun, not hard. Demonstrate the race for the kids before they start. Time each of the kids as they go through the course, and the one who wins is the one who makes it through the obstacle course the quickest.
Safe and Fire Free Fireworks
Not all of us can get to a big firework display, and it is illegal and dangerous to set any off in residential neighborhoods. Now, you can make your own! All you need to do is cut up some more confetti pieces, and use a funnel to fill the balloons about a quarter of the way with the confetti. Blow them up, and hang them up all over the house and when it’s time, let the kids go around and pop them! You will get a big, colorful explosion without any fire! Sure, it may be a bit messy, but it is cheap and fun, and guaranteed to put a smile on those faces!
Make this holiday special by trying out these top five fun DIY 4th of July activities for kids. Keeping kids occupied is always a good thing to do, and this way they will definitely feel like they are a part of all the fun. Plus, it is a great way to get them into the patriotic mood that we should all be in this 4th!
By: Lauren DiDonato
