4th of July for Kids: Crafts, Movies & Activities
Hot dogs, popsicles, and kids covered in red, white, and blue everything — yep, it’s giving peak summer. Around here at FUNBOY, the 4th of July is kind of a big deal, especially when there are little ones in the mix.
But let’s be real: keeping kids entertained and not totally melted by noon? That’s the kind of independence we’re all about. Whether you’re backyard-hopping, beach-bound, or going full block party mode, this is your guide to making the day feel like a firework-packed fever dream — in the best way possible.
Think easy crafts that aren’t a mess nightmare, activities that keep the energy up (but not too up), and kid-friendly movie moments that don’t make you wanna scroll your phone the whole time.
Why Celebrate the 4th of July with Kids?
We get it — you’re one melted sugar stick away from calling it a day, and the idea of explaining the Declaration of Independence to a five-year-old while they’re sticky, barefoot, and yelling about sparklers? Kinda sounds like a hard pass. But hear us out.
The 4th of July isn’t just about fireworks and grilling questionable hot dogs. It’s one of those rare holidays that hits the sweet spot: no pressure for gifts, built-in outdoor fun, and a reason to let your kids stay up way past bedtime without guilt.
Plus, it’s a low-key chance to sprinkle in a little history (without pulling out a textbook) and start some traditions that don’t involve elf surveillance or 14 pounds of Halloween candy. And despite what some may think, celebrating with kids doesn’t mean going full Pinterest-mom mode.
It’s more about the simple stuff — like letting them help stir the pancake batter for red-white-and-blue breakfast stacks or turning on a backyard sprinkler while they parade around in flag capes. It’s about the memories, the chaos, the “remember when you ate six strawberries and thought you were Captain America?” kind of moments.
What Are the Best 4th of July Crafts for Kids?
When it comes to kids' crafts, there’s no shortage of pipe cleaners, glue sticks, and glitter explosions waiting to happen. But not all crafts are created equal — especially when it’s 95° and your energy is running on bomb pops and vibes.
So, we rounded up a few of our fave 4th of July crafts that are fun, easy-ish, and actually worth the mess.
Easy Flag Crafts
Classic, cute, and not a total time-suck — DIY mini American flags are a go-to. All you need is some red, white, and blue construction paper, glue or a glue stick, kid-safe scissors, and popsicle sticks or wooden dowels (bonus points if you’ve got paint).
Let your kid cut strips of red and white paper for the stripes and glue them onto a rectangle. Then add a blue square in the corner and stick on white stars (or let them draw them — it’s abstract art, okay?).
Attach the whole thing to a stick, and boom: handmade patriotism. They can wave them around at the parade, stick ’em in cupcakes, or use them in an impromptu backyard parade.
Pro tip: Want to make it a little less chaotic? Pre-cut the stripes and stars so you don’t end up with “flag confetti” all over the kitchen floor.
Patriotic Slime
Look, slime’s not going anywhere, so you might as well make it festive. This one’s a sensory win and keeps them busy long enough for you to drink an iced coffee in peace.
What you need:
- Clear glue
- Liquid starch or saline solution + baking soda
- Red and blue food coloring
- Optional: glitter, star confetti, or small beads
Make three batches: one red, one blue, one white (aka clear). Let them swirl, stretch, and smush it all together. It’s like tie-dye but squishier — and without the laundry disaster. Store it in airtight containers if you want to use it again (or toss it with zero guilt after the novelty wears off in 48 hours).
Warning: May cause sudden urges to make a TikTok slime review video.
Firework Salt Painting
This one is magic. It’s artsy, science-y, and actually looks pretty dang cool when it’s done. Great for all ages and minimal parental supervision required (you can chill nearby with a poolside drink).
Here’s how to do it:
- Use glue to draw firework bursts on black or dark-colored paper.
- Sprinkle table salt over the glue, shake off the excess.
- Use a dropper or small paintbrush to lightly dab watercolors or diluted food coloring onto the salt trails.
The color spreads like fireworks, and it’s weirdly satisfying to watch. It also dries into a cool textured look, so your kid gets to display their masterpiece proudly (hello, fridge gallery).
Bonus tip: Turn it into a little science moment — talk about how salt absorbs liquid and how colors mix. You’ll feel like a genius, and your kid will think it's magic.
Which Movies Are Great for Kids This 4th of July?
Once the sun goes down and the sugar rush wears off, it’s movie time. And honestly, nothing hits quite like a 4th of July flick under the stars — blankets out, snacks flowing, kids half-wrapped in beach towels. You don’t need a fancy setup, either. Just grab our FUNBOY Inflatable Movie Screen, some popcorn, and a comfy spot to crash.
Here are a few kid-approved picks that bring the fun and just the right amount of 4th of July energy:
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"Independence Day" – For older kids who can handle a little alien mayhem, this one’s a 4th of July classic. Big action, big explosions, and Will Smith being a legend.
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"An American Tail" – A sweet, nostalgic classic about a mouse chasing freedom and family in America. Adorable and surprisingly deep.
- "National Treasure" – Nicolas Cage. A treasure hunt. A stolen Declaration of Independence. Educational? Sure. Entertaining? Always.
Pro tip: Want to level up the cozy factor? Grab one of our Inflatable Kids Sleepover Beds. With a soft flocked surface and travel-friendly carry bag, they’re perfect for backyard campouts, sleepovers with cousins, or being the coolest host ever. What’s not to love?
What Are the Most Exciting 4th of July Activities for Kids?
We talked about crafts, and we covered movies, but what about the rest of the day? You know — that stretch between breakfast and fireworks where kids are bouncing off the walls with nowhere to put all that summer energy.
There are tons of ways to keep them busy and feeling festive, but here are a few favorites that bring the fun without burning anyone out (including you).
Neighborhood Bike Parade
Nothing screams childhood summer like tricking out your ride and showing it off around the block. Grab the streamers, balloons, little flags, paper plates for the wheels — whatever you’ve got. Let the kids go wild decorating their bikes, scooters, or wagons, and then set up a loop around the neighborhood for a mini 4th of July parade.
Invite a few neighbors to join in, pump some music, and maybe toss some candy from a wagon float for good measure. Bonus points if you dress up the grownups as “parade officials” with clipboards and zero actual responsibilities.
Scavenger Hunt
Time to turn your backyard (or block) into a patriotic quest. Hide mini flags, plastic stars, or little clues tied to fun facts about the 4th of July — like who wrote the Declaration of Independence or what year it was signed (and yes, Google is allowed).
Split into teams or go solo and see who can solve all the clues first. Winner gets the first sparkler of the night, an extra dessert, or just bragging rights till next year. You can make it as simple or extra as you want — and it works for a mix of ages, too.
Patriotic Baking Session
Let’s be honest: it’s not a holiday until someone’s covered in frosting. Set up a baking station where kids can decorate cupcakes, cookies, or even rice crispy treats with red, white, and blue everything.
Keep it simple — store-bought mix is more than fine — and let the kids do the decorating. Think sprinkles, whipped cream, berries, candy stars, the works. It’s part art project, part snack, and it gives them something fun (and sweet) to show off before the fireworks start. Pro tip: do it outside if you can. Less cleanup, more sunshine.
A Final Word
And there you have it — the ultimate 4th of July lineup for kids. Whether you’re keeping it chill with crafts, chilling in the pool with one of our 4th of July Pool Floats, running full speed into a backyard scavenger hunt, or winding down with a movie under the stars, you’ve got plenty of ways to make it a day your crew will actually remember.
If you’re celebrating poolside this year (our favorite place to be, obviously), we’ve got everything you need to make it epic. Our Tanning Pool Loungers are perfect for catching rays, sipping something fizzy, and pretending you don’t hear “MOM!” every five seconds.
The Water Hammocks are always a hit and the Ice Cream Cone Splash Pad? It’s basically happiness in pastel form.
Need a few last-minute floats, beds, or backyard upgrades? Check out our latest summer gear and let’s make this 4th the mostFUNBOY one yet.
Sources:
Declaration of Independence | Britannica
Water molecules and their interaction with salt | U.S. Geological Survey
Who Wrote the Declaration of Independence? | The New York Historical
4th of July Fireworks Safety: Tips for Families | HealthyChildren.org
