Lifestyle

Do not let the pandemic squelch your family fun this July 4th! There are many activities you can do with your family that are entertaining, enjoyable and will help you create special memories while staying safe this holiday. Here are ten activities to consider adding to your July 4th itinerary that are simple, family-friendly and fun for all ages.

July 4th parade  

Invite a group of friends or neighbors to decorate their cars using a July 4th theme and schedule a time to drive through areas of town where people might need a little pick-me-up or by assisted living facilities to spread a little patriotic cheer. If possible, call ahead and let key people know when they can expect a July 4th surprise. If you are not up for coordinating a group of parade participants, then decorate your car, don your family in red, white and blue and drive around town as you wave to people and play patriotic music.

Backyard movie night

Enjoy a patriotic movie as a family in your backyard on your deck/patio area this July 4th. Hang a large, white sheet and project a movie on it with an inexpensive projector or bring a television outside for the evening. Check online for a wide range of inexpensive projectors that attach to iPhones and computers. Movie suggestions with a patriotic flare include National Treasure, Yankee Doodle Dandy, The Music Man, The Sandlot, Captain America, A League of Their Own, An American Tail, Annie, and This is America, Charlie Brown. Take a movie intermission to enjoy some fireworks on television. Check local listings for fireworks displays that are broadcast live from across the country. New York City has a spectacular show that is shown on network television each year.

Driveway chalk mural

Bring out a bucket of sidewalk chalk and gather your family in the driveway to create a family mural with a July 4th theme. Let everyone be a part of designing and creating the masterpiece. Position the work of art on your driveway such that people driving by your home can admire your family's creativity. Make sure to include drawings of fireworks, the American flag, stars, and a Happy July 4th message to passersby. 

Patriotic family bike ride or hike

Enjoy some fresh air and exercise this July 4th with a patriotic flair. Decorate your bikes with red, white and blue, wear clothing of the same, and then caravan through your neighborhood as a family. Take the same idea to the trails and enjoy a family hike in festive attire.

Karaoke or sing-along with patriotic tunes

Who does not love a sing-along or karaoke night? Add to the fun this July 4th by only having patriotic tunes on the program. Song suggestions include "Yankee Doodle," "American Soldier" by Toby Keith, "Living in America" by James Brown, "Born in the U.S.A." by Bruce Springsteen, "God Bless the U.S.A." by Lee Greenwood, "Party in the U.S.A." by Miley Cyrus and "America" by Simon and Garfunkel. A quick internet search will bring up many more selections, so you can be sure to find songs that everyone in your family will enjoy singing. 

Backyard fun

July in the south is the perfect time to cool off with water games. Let your children run through the sprinklers, set up a slip and slide, splash in a kiddie pool or fill up some water balloons to playfully throw at each other. Play frisbee, croquet, badminton, horseshoes, corn hole or other outside games as a family. 

Patriotic crafts 

Crafting is a great way to have fun and let your creativity flow. Open your craft cabinet or drawers, bring out a variety of craft supplies and be open to where your imagination takes you. Give old flower pots a new life with a July 4th design. Plant red and white flowers in them and leave them on neighbors' front porches. Try your hand at painting pictures with a patriotic theme. Bedazzle t-shirts with stars, fireworks or other images related to the day. Wear your repurposed garments on a family hike or bike ride to show your July 4th spirit. Crafty or not, everyone can still create and have fun!

Backyard camping trip

A backyard camping trip may be the perfect way to enjoy family time on July 4th. Set up a tent and fill it with sleeping bags, pillows and battery powered lanterns. Bring a basket of snacks and water, games and anything else you need to make your backyard sleepover a great experience for your crew. Before retiring for the night, make s'mores and tell stories around a fire pit. 

Family picnic or barbecue

Nothing beats an old fashioned picnic in a park or backyard barbecue on July 4th. Plan a menu that includes red, white and blue foods. Incorporate these colors in tableware, tablecloths, blankets and decorations, if desired. Play patriotic music and break out some sparklers for everyone to wave when the sun goes down. Have jars ready to catch fireflies and flashlights for a game of flashlight tag. 

July 4th treats

Make treats as a family with a July 4th theme. Make cookies and decorate them with stars and stripes or red and white candies, make red, white and blue Rice Krispy treats, or create red and blue Jello parfaits topped with whipped cream. Bag up some of the treats and share them with neighbors, adding a handmade tag with a patriotic theme. 

July 4th is a day to celebrate and enjoy time with family. Plans do not have to be complicated for everyone to have a great time and create special memories. Keep things simple and remember that spending quality time with the people you love is what really matters.