July 4th is just around the corner and that means it is time to celebrate America’s Independence! The 4th of July is a day for great food, having fun with family and friends, and of course fireworks! As you plan your holiday get together, here are some game and activity ideas for your fantastic celebration.

4th of July Scavenger Hunt

  • Make a list of 10 items that are Independence Day related (think Stars and Stripes). Give the list to each child with a bag to collect the items. Whoever collects all the items first wins! Suggested items: a star, a flag, a red, white or blue clothing item, a holiday plate or napkin, something with a President’s image on it, a striped item of clothing etc.
  • Before the hunt begins, let them design their own bags. Give each child a plain brown paper lunch sack. Set out crayons, star and flag themed stickers and let them be creative!

Red, White and Blue Tag

  • Two kids are designated to be “It.”
  • Everyone else holds a coloured chip in their fists (red, white, or blue poker chips work great!)
  • The “Its” chase the others and try to tag them.
  • When tagged, they have to give the person that’s “It” their chip, then go to a designated person for a new chip.
  • The first “It” to have collected 1 red, 1 white, and 1 blue chip yells “STOP!” The winner receives a prize. The game can resume after 2 more kids are designated “It”.

Patriotic Pinwheel

  • Supplies needed: construction paper (the thicker the better), scissors, paper punch, a push-pin, a pencil with an eraser, markers or crayons
  • Start by making two square pieces of paper.
      • To make a square, put the two pieces of paper together. Fold the corner of the pieces of paper over .
      • To finish making the squares, cut off the small rectangles, forming two squares (which are already folded into a triangle).
      • Fold the triangle in half. Unfold the paper.
  • Decorate one side of each sheet of paper.
  • Put the undecorated sides of the paper together.
  • Make four cuts along the fold lines - about halfway to the center.
  • Punch four holes in the pinwheel, one at each corner.
  • Gently gather each of the four points (with a hole) to the center. (Be careful not to crease the paper.)
  • Push a push-pin through the four punched holes through the center of the pinwheel to attach the pinwheel to the side of a pencil’s eraser.

Star Garland

  • Cut out several stars in a variety of sizes
  • Decorate them as you like with stickers, paint or markers
  • Cut a piece of string for the desired length of garland
  • Fold the top point of star over the string and either staple or tape in place
  • Fill up your string with stars and hang inside or out - wherever you need a little patirotic flair!

Enjoy these fun and fantastic 4th of July game and activity ideas! If fireworks are going to be part of your celebration, remember to keep a bucket of water or hose nearby. Don’t forget the sparklers! Have a safe and happy 4th of July!