A FEW 4th OF JULY ACTIVITIES TO MAKE WITH KIDS.

Are you looking for a few fun and easy last-minute 4th of July activities to make with kids?

Decorating for the Fourth of July is relaxed in our house compared to other holidays. It screams summer fun, bar-b-que, family gatherings, being outdoors, and playing games.

So making kid-friendly 4th of July activities fits right in amongst all the chaos of the day, along with making memories.

Even the food is relaxed. It is served picnic-style…while the bar-b-que is fired up, the kids are swimming, running around, or just hanging with friends and family.

So I like to keep the food easy to manage.

A Refreshing and Healthy Treat Kids Can Make

Popsicles with fruit are fun, healthy, and easy to make, not only for the 4th of July but just about anytime.

You will need lots of fruit, any type of fruit you like, but keep in mind it has to fit into the popsicle mold.

The mold is easily accessible; I bought this one on Amazon. They also have stainless steel molds which I may switch over to, and they are here.

Choose a light colored juice so the fruit can be seen.

A few choices are White Grape Juice, White Cranberry Juice, or Fizzy Water will also work if you want to avoid juice.

The choices are endless and each child can make their own, just the way they like it.

To serve, place in a bowl filled with ice. You may also want to individually wrap each popsicle in a baggie to prevent tiny hands from touching each popsicle.

Fun 4th of July Activities That Everyone Will Like!

These candy-covered pretzel sticks are definitely a family favorite.

Although, melting the candy requires using the microwave, or a double boiler, so it requires adult supervision.

The Candy Melts come in various colors, so mix and match and choose colors that coordinate with your occasion.

I chose to cover the pretzels with white Candy Melts and decorate with blue and red candy with a few sprinkles to coordinate with the Fourth of July.

MAKING THE PRETZEL STICKS:

1. The easiest method is to microwave each color in a separate microwave-safe bowl. Then, follow the directions on the back of the candy melts.
2. This is optional by if you add a teaspoon of shortening to each color while melting, it will make the candy smoother and creamier for dipping.
3. I found melting the candy in the microwave for 30-45 second intervals at 50% worked the best.
4. Stir with a spoon until smooth and creamy.
5. If the candy didn’t melt enough, it could go back into the microwave; but be careful not to burn it.
6. Use a fork or spoon to cover the pretzel with the melted candy.
7. Place on a prepared flat pan covered with parchment or waxed paper.

Now is the time to add sprinkles or nuts because once the candy hardens, they won’t stick to the candy.

Tip: Gently tap the melted candy on the rim of the bowl to remove excess. If there is too much-melted candy, it will puddle when placed on the parchment paper. If this happens, gently use a fine grater to smooth.

I added a swirl of red and blue Candy Melts to the white candy base. Add the melted candy to a piping bag or baggie cut a small hole at the tip; this gave a nice thin squiggle line to decorate with!

The Famous Rice Krispie Treat

These are quick, easy, no fuss treats…that adults and kids love! This is a simple decorating treat that the kids will have fun making.

Instead of using melted candy, I used pre-made frosting for ease…no cooking and easy clean-up. These are especially good for any age…adult and child!

To make the Rice Krispie Treats follow the directions on the back of the cereal box.

Once they have hardened, cut into small rectangles and decorated using the red, white, and blue icing and any additional embellishments.

I used piping bags for the frosting; I had better control when decorating.

Putting It All Together – 4th of July Fun for Kids

Making their own placemats…

Have each child make their own placemat. This is a fun activity that will keep them busy and looks great on the table.

QUICK TIPS

• Make a flag as an example, this will be especially helpful for the younger children.
• Have supplies pre cut.
• Give each child a bag holding what they will need to make their design.
• Let them know there are no rules, just have fun and be creativie.

Supplies:

• One 12 x 17 sheet of white paper.
• Several 1 1/2 inch red stripes, which I cut from a 12 x 12 sheet of card stock.
• 1 Blue Rectangle
• White stars can be cut either by hand, punch, or a cutting machine.
• Glue stick.
• Crayons or colored pencils (optional).

As a centerpiece, I used a large white vase I had and added trinkets the kids could take home as a reminder of their Fourth of July.

I placed pinwheels, little pom-poms they could play with, and a box of sparklers would be fun to add for the older kids.

There is nothing better than the delight on a child’s face while enjoying time together. It makes the sticky fingers and all the glue and paper everywhere well worth it!

Remember to take lots of pictures and later place them in an album for each family! Check out my Etsy Store for ideas!

Here are a few other ideas you may be interested in!

Pin for Later!

I have put together some of the items I used to make these projects for your convenience.

As an Amazon affiliate, I found the items used for this post on Amazon for your shopping convenience and at no extra charge to you! Also, your shopping may help this blog along.

Have a wonderful 4th of July, enjoy family and friends and make wonderful memories!