Firework-Free Ways to Celebrate the 4th of July

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1. Have a Pancake Breakfast

What better way to start your day than a pancake breakfast, and what better way to eat pancakes than with Patriotic toppings? Fry up some pancakes and top them with fresh fruit, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, even raspberries. You could also cook the fruit right into the cakes or even die the batter with red or blue food color before you fry them. Just be creative and have fun!

2. Throw a Potluck BBQ

Honestly, nothing beats a Barbecue, right? So why not get the whole family involved! Invite all the cousins, friends, and neighbors, but be sure to have everyone bring something to share! Enjoy time together, try letting your inner child out with games! You could try lawn games like a three-legged race or red light green light, you could try Twister or ring toss as well, the possibilities are endless. When it gets dark you can bust out some glow sticks for the kids (and adults) and roast marshmallows for smores!

3. Go to a Parade

Ornate floats, colorful costumes, patriotic music and don’t forget about the free stuff they give to the crowd. These are just some of the reasons 4th of July parades have become a tradition for many American families. They are fun for all ages and, best of all, they are free! They aren’t hard to find either, most likely there is one just down your street!  (You’ll want a front row seat for all the fun!)

4. Watch a Patriotic Movie

After a full day of red white and blue pancakes, parades, and BBQ prep, it’s going to be time to relax. But why stop the celebration for a much-needed rest? Try a family movie-patriotic-of course. You could try a documentary for some straight history, or you could twist it up a bit with something like Independence Day, Captain America, or National Treasure, fictional, but still fun!

5. Go Camping

Camping is inexpensive and it’s good quality fun! Our country has many National Parks that are perfect for a good camp out. Yellowstone is a classic, but there are plenty lesser known places in every state that are amazing as well! However, sometimes chasing little ones around a forest can be challenging to say the least. A backyard campout can be just as fun if you have young children or even if you just prefer to stay close to home (and the bathroom).

6. Play Ball

Baseball, ahh, the boys of summer! What better game to celebrate than the Ol’ “American Pastime”? While football may have risen in popularity these recent years, baseball still holds a place in many American hearts. So, leave football for Thanksgiving, and go celebrate the USA! Get a group together in a local park or field, bring out the bat and ball and have some fun!  Kick it to the next level with color-coded teams, the red team wears red, and Blue team wears blue.

7. Go Shopping

If you like to shop then you know all about the Independence Day discounts. Many stores have huge sales for the 4th and who doesn’t like affordable prices? Go celebrate our Independence with some shopping, and while I can’t guarantee you there won’t be the tax, I can guarantee it won’t go to King George! Independence day really is a fitting day for a sale, so go take advantage of the low prices!

8. Run a Race

Running can be a great way to celebrate! If you are a dedicated runner there are many different races held on Independence Day: marathons, 10K’s, 5K’s, races for all endurance levels. Many cities also have “Fun Run’s” these are races the whole family can enjoy! There can be food trucks, activity booths, etc. So grab some red white and blue running clothes and get ready to race!

9. Go to a Rodeo

If you live somewhere that hosts rodeo’s I highly suggest going. Rodeos are so much more than just cowboys roping bulls. There are all kinds of events and activities, many of which involve the audience. Not only are they fun for all ages, rodeos are also often focused on American themes so they are a great way to celebrate patriotism!

10. Have a Bike Parade

If you missed the parade in your area or if you simply would prefer to avoid the crowd, Bike parades can be fun active ways of celebrating. Decorate your bikes in red, white and blue then go on a ride around your neighborhood you can invite neighbors and even ride up to a snow cone shack or a donut shop. Many bakeries have patriotic donuts in honor of Independence Day! Bike around town and finish it off with a treat!

11. Make a Care Package

With all the fun, you will be having this Independence Day, don’t forget about the men and women who fight so that we can celebrate this holiday. We are celebrating our freedom and our United States Military is full of men and women who put their lives on the line for this right every single day. Show your appreciation by making a care package. These can be as extravagant or modest as you feel comfortable, but try to do something to get the family involved in showing appreciation to the heroes in our lives.