Celebrate July 4th with a Yankee Doodle Dandy Party with the Kids

When the family gathers for a Fourth of July cookout and party, it's good to have some special activities planned for the kids. It's usually a lengthy day event, so making crafts and playing games keeps the children occupied and happy while the guests are arriving and throughout the party. With any party you will need decorations and favors to pass on to your visitors. So, set up an art table where the kids can work and feel like they are contributing to the party. Think about making tissue paper flowers in red, white and blue and clusters of balloons to adorn your tables and chairs. Don't forget to praise the kids for jobs well done '" this is a sure way to boost their self-esteem.

Arts and crafts are fun for kids --

The first craft is a fun one that can be useful. Run to your local craft store and pick up some blank paper or canvas sun visors. Let's face it the month of July is hot and sunny. This item is also a nice token or favor to give to your guests, personalized by the children in your household. Provide colorful markers, or fabric markers depending on the material the visor is made of. The children can create patriotic drawings on each hat to bring the spirit of the holiday to your guests. Don't forget to personalize each visor with names; we don't want Aunt Jane to mix up her hat with Uncle Joe.

The children can also make "firecracker favors" for the attendees of your party. You will need to purchase a package of Lifesavers candy for each guest. The children can place a white chenille stem (pipe cleaner) along the one side of the Lifesaver pack and place a piece of tape to secure it. Let this extend beyond the top of the firecracker to replicate a pretend fuse. Now, wrap the roll in red construction paper also securing with tape. Invite the kids to decorate these firecrackers with adhesive sticker stars in gold and silver. Place the rolls into a basket and have the kids pass these out after dinner for a sweet "bang" gift.

Holiday fun and games --

Parades are a big part of this holiday party, so why not have a family parade with kazoos and other homemade instruments. Kazoos are simple to make using a cardboard toilet tube covering one end with waxed paper and securing it with a rubber band. You're now ready to hum a favorite tune inside the open end. Also, encourage the kids to decorate their bikes and wagons with crepe paper streamers and other patriotic decor. March down the block in full gear adding spirit to your neighborhood and a shout-out to all the neighbors to have a wonderful Independence Day.

Of course, you will want to plan a few games to add to the festivities such as a water-balloon toss. Fill small balloons with water and have game partners toss them back and forth until they break. The remaining winning couple wins an American flag or other prize. Don't forget to have towels available to dry off. The egg on a spoon race is another traditional game to play. Surf online for party games; as there are numerous ones to play for kids of all ages '" even adults.

Celebrate America's birthday --

Serve birthday cake with an American flag on top. Frost your sheet cake with white vanilla icing. Let the kids help you to place red licorice strips for the stripes. Color some of the frosting blue with food coloring. Make a blue-icing field in the left corner and place miniature marshmallows as the stars. Make sure to sing the Happy Birthday song to the USA along with some other patriotic verses to this tune like this one:

The firecrackers light the sky,

The firecrackers light the sky.

Happy Birthday America,

Wave our flag way up high!

The kids can have fun brainstorming new verses to this song.

It's a good ole American holiday, so celebrate in a good ole American way with all of your little Yankee Doodle dandies!

Source: Personal experience with my kids and family

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