Fabulous July 4th Activities for Kids

Here’s a fun collection of July 4th activities for kids! We’ve got flag crafts, fireworks art, patriotic food ideas, and more.

I love the Fourth of July – all the swimming, cookouts, and fireworks. It’s just such a fun part of the summer, and this year is America’s 250th birthday, which makes it even more special.

Some of these activities will be perfect for amusing the kids while you wait for the fireworks to start.

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This post was originally published in June 2021 and updated in June 2026.

Patriotic Painted Rocks

We love rock painting!  Paint flag rocks, or decorate one with a star or fireworks.  For the fireworks rock, I found that mixing any color of acrylic paint with a little bit of white makes it a better color for fireworks.  You could also draw on the fireworks with chalk markers.

If you’re just getting started with rock painting, you can read about what types of rocks and paints we use here: 25+ Awesome Rock Painting Ideas.

Build a Flag with LEGO® Bricks

You knew we’d have something LEGO® in here, didn’t you!

Here’s a fun way to build an American flag.  That adorable eagle is from the LEGO® Outdoor Adventures People Pack, which is sadly now retired.

I attached the stars (1 x 1 white round plates) by using 1 x 1 blue bricks with a stud on the side.

Here’s a simple way to build a tiny flag.

Ping Pong Ball Popper

Here’s a fun project to make and play with while you wait for the fireworks display to start!  We always arrive long before dark to get a good seat, but then there is an hour or so to kill before showtime.

To make each popper, you’ll need a paper cup, a balloon, duct tape, scissors, and a ping pong ball.

Cut the bottom off the cut and the top curved part off the balloon.

Stretch the cut end of the balloon over the cup.  Then tie a knot in the balloon. This will make it easier to hang onto when you shoot the ping pong ball popper.

Use some duct tape to secure the balloon to the cup.  I found that it worked the best to rip the duct tape in half lengthwise.  Add some stickers for decoration, or just play with it like it is.

To shoot it, load a ping pong ball into the cup. Pull back on the balloon…

And then let go!  So fun!

Sparkly Stars Tic Tac Toe

I put this game together with stuff we had around the house, plus a pack of star stickers from Hobby Lobby.

I had some wood disks in my craft closet (1.5 inch size) and I stuck a star sticker on each one.  I made 5 stars in each color.

Then I made a 6″ x 6″ game board out of a piece of craft foam.  So simple!

The whole game fits in a quart size ziplock bag so we can bring it along to watch fireworks.

Nothing beats making a classic Popsicle Stick Flag! These make great decorations for July 4th.

These Patriotic Star Candle Jars are so simple and fun to make! Use battery powered tea lights and you won’t even have to deal with a flame. See how to make them here: Star Candle Jars

This Crayon and Watercolor Resist Star Art is an engaging art process, and you probably have the supplies around the house.

These Salt and Glue and Watercolor Paints Fireworks are also SOOO much fun! It’s fun to watch the paint spread through the fireworks.

Grab some plastic cups and make these Plastic Cup Popping Fireworks! Make these fireworks shoot up into the air! Fun homemade toy.

Here’s another fun lantern idea! Use empty tin cans to make these Tin Can Star Lanterns. Kids will love getting to use a hammer to make the holes!

Kids will love making these Fourth of July Flag Cupcakes. And they don’t rely on food dyes for the colors in the flag. It’s just strawberries and blueberries!

Have a wonderful 4th!