Independence Day is almost here, and kids often want to be creative with their celebrations. This year, teach them about diversity, science, math and art at the same time as well as give them a way to stay busy! Here is a list of fun and educational activities for children on July 4th.
1. Make fireworks in a jar
All you need to watch these fireworks fly is a jar, water, oil and food coloring.
Learn more: I can teach my child
2. Read a book
The story of America deals with immigration and refugees. Teach your kids about the refugee experience with one of these amazing books or one of these photo books so kids can learn more about the 4th of July.
3. Watch a July 4 science video
Spangler Science TV shows the science behind making patriotic smoke rings and tests a Mentos and Diet Coke patriotic geyser you’ve never seen before.
4. Make star-spangled art
Black construction paper and chalk pastel make bright stars for decorating any wall or window.
Learn more: Project with kids
5. Conduct a baking soda science test
Break the cookie-cutter sizes on July 4th for a little baking soda science! All you need is some baking soda, vinegar, food coloring and eyedropper.
Learn more: Small beans for small hands
6. Create a flag mosaic
Collect scraps of paper in red, white and blue and make this stunning flag mosaic for your kids. It’s perfect to get rid of that scrap bin!
Learn more: What we can do with paper and glue
7. Sign your own declaration
July 4th celebrates the courage and vision of those who signed the Declaration of Independence, including two future presidents (John Adams and Thomas Jefferson). Do the same with this craft idea! But make sure to teach about presidents in a socially conscious way.
Learn more: Education.com
8. Create twig stars
Get those fine motor skills working with cutting, painting, gluing and tying!
Learn more: Happy Huligans
9. Teach diversity
Our country is full of diverse people. Celebrate the 4th of July by learning more about other people and cultures. To get started, check out some of our ideas for teaching women history, black history, American Indian heritage, and Hispanic heritage.
10. Create a soft circuit
This adorable monster lights red, white and blue for the 4th of July! All you need to make this wearable textile is a needle, some conductive threads and a few electronic parts.
Learn more: Science friend
11. Play a counting game
Kids won’t even know they’re working on their math skills because they’re counting objects on this 4th of July!
Learn more: Games from Plato / Pladoff Counting
12. Create a flag
Work on pattern and letter recognition when creating an image of the American flag in the shape of an F!
Learn more: No time for flash cards
13. Conduct a water flag science experiment
This art project involves capillary action to create red ribbons and an experiment with oil and water to create a blue background with stars and then it is combined into a beautiful watercolor flag!
Learn more: From Engineer to SAHM
14. Write a patriotic poem
This simple activity makes kids think of patriotic adjectives to describe themselves!
Learn more: Education.com
15. Salt-draw some fireworks
There are many ways to make fireworks. This one uses salt paint and glue!
Learn more: Best ideas for kids
16. Dye flowers
One of our favorite 4th of July activities, it doubled as a science experiment!
Learn more: Artistic parents
17. Make a fireworks stamp
You can really use something as a stamp. Even an empty toilet paper roll!
Learn more: Arty Crafty Kids
18. Spread the color with milk fireworks
With just a few simple ingredients, babies can turn ordinary milk into a burst of red, white and blue fireworks! All you need is a star cookie cutter, milk, food coloring and liquid dish soap.
Learn more: Stem Laboratory
19. Put together a map puzzle
This adorable puzzle teaches the US map And Number sequencing! Just download, print and cut at the link below.
Learn more: Map Puzzle / Plato to Plato
20. Create a sensitive bin
We love sensitive bins and this is one of the 4th of July activities that will last for hours… even a few days!
Learn more: Caregivers Corner Newsletter
21. Pour a sensitive bottle
Not in the sensitive bin? What about a sensitive bottle? It also teaches the concentration of different fluids. Plus it’s beautiful to look at!
Learn more: Mama is teaching
22. Collect patriotic ice
And then melt again! This melting ice keeps the kids cool and keeps them busy for hours on end.
Learn more: Ice Melt / Little Beans for Small Hands
23. Build patriotic stem structures
Find out who can build the tallest structure with straw, flour and tape!
Learn more: Building Structure / Little Bin for Small Hands
What are your favorite July 4th activities? Share the comment below.
Also, for more summer ideas, check out these bubble activities!
