What better way to celebrate the birth of the United States of America than with a party? There isn’t one. Your party could include your immediate family, extended family, or invite friends for a larger celebration. Here are some ideas to make this year the best 4th of July ever.
Decorations
You can buy the traditional red, white, and blue flags, banners, balloons, and streamers. But why not get your kids involved and make something unique. Try making red, white, and blue paper chain by cutting strips of paper about one inch wide and six inches long. Glue the ends of the first strip together. Then loop the next strip through and glue the ends, continue until your chain is the desired length. You could also have your children make paper versions of the different flags that the United States has had through the years. US Flag.org has examples you can copy.
Food
What’s more American than hamburgers and hotdogs? Okay, maybe apple pie, but you can’t eat that for dinner. Since it’s summer a barbeque is the perfect meal idea. If you are having a large group asks family and friends to bring a salad or dessert to accompany the hamburgers and hotdogs. Make sure that you have plenty of ice to keep the drinks cold and don’t leave anything out too long that could spoil in the heat or place ice around the dishes.
Activities
What is a party without some type of activity? A boring party of course, and since this is supposed to the best 4th of July party ever it is important to have some great activities.
Sing-a-long – Get out the guitar and sing some patriotic songs like “The Star Spangled Banner” (make sure you stand up), “My Country Tis of Thee”, “This Land is Your Land,” or “Yankee Doodle”.
Colonial Charades – Play a game of charades by acting out some of the events from colonial times and see if people can guess what they are. Events could include the Boston Tea Party, George Washington crossing the Delaware, Paul Revere’s ride, Benjamin Franklin and the kite experiment, Salem witch trials, Squanto teaching the settlers to plant corn, signing of Declaration of Independence, Patrick Henry. You might need to give a short description of each event for those who aren’t up on their history and allow speaking if the group can’t guess the event.
Crafts – Let the kids create a craft to take home. Some ideas include tri-corner hats, paper flags, fireworks, or other patriotic craft.
Appreciate America – When each guest arrives have them write down one reason why they appreciate or love the United States and then later read them.
Fireworks – Pile in the car and go watch some fireworks. Or you can have your own firework show, buy the fireworks yourself or ask everyone to bring some to share.
Revolutionary War Skits – Get the kids and adults to participate in different skits that feature scenes from the Revolutionary War. Possible skit themes could include the Boston Tea Party, signing of Declaration of Independence, George Washington crossing the Delaware, Paul Revere’s ride, Battle of Bunker Hill, or other events. Provide props like a stick horse, tri-corner hat, Indian headbands, boat oars, paper and feather (for the quill), or whatever else you have that would work. Give each group the information about the event, give them about 10 minutes to put the skit together, then enjoy watching each other act.