Fun Activities for the 4th of July

Summer is getting into full swing, the weather is warmer, we can enjoy the outdoors more, and kids are excited about family trips and activities. There are many things we can do for the month of July that can help bring out our child's artistic side, as well as help them learn about this patriotic time of year.

The first thing that pops into my head is so simple. It will help your child learn what the 4^th of July is really about. If you are reading this then you have access to the internet and can do the same with your child. There are many sites out there that you and your child can view together to learn more about why the 4^th is celebrated and what the true meaning of this time of year is. Some that my family and I have enjoyed are:

History of the 4th this site tells the events in order that lead up to the 4^th of July and the reasons we celebrate.

The Library of Congress has info on their site that leads to other sites about celebrations now, and how America celebrated the first Independence Day.

Bill Petro has a site that is in complete text, and very short that explains events leading up to the events and celebrations of the 4^th of July.

Kids Domain has a page dedicated to the 4^th of July as well, they also have put the site in terms that is easy for kids to understand and comprehend.

Slater Software gives children a picture filled PDF file with ideas on how to decorate around your home for the 4^th of July.

Article Alley covers why exactly we celebrate July 4^th and gives a brief history to the events that lead to the celebration.

We can get artistic with our children and help them decorate around our homes inside and out to help our families celebrate America's Independence Day. Everything that involves art in some form or another is fun for children. They can use their imaginations, and be creative. If you have read some of my articles in the past you know I am a big fan of this first idea. Get a bunch of acrylic paints, and rocks. Sit outside on an old blanket or old towels and ask your children to paint flags of the rocks. You can ask them to paint the American Flag or your state flag. Line your driveway with the work that they do, or place them around the front door of your house. The great thing about this task is if you leave the rocks outside for a good length of time in the weather the acrylic paints will eventually fade and wash away and they can use the same rocks again for another project. Go to a store and buy some colorful poster boards. Again ask your child to draw or paint something that would show a celebration for the 4^th of July. Older children may have a better idea of this then younger children, however everyone in your family can get involved and have fun doing this project. You can use paints, or markers for this activity because they will be brighter and be seen easier from a distance. Hang this art work on your garage doors or on a mail box at the end of your driveway. You could even hang this on your front door. This spins into another idea. If your town is having a parade on or around the 4^th get in contact with the organization that is planning the parade and set it up for your family to walk in the parade. Your child can carry the posters that they made. You can also get some of the small flags to tape to the posters or allow your child to carry a small flag to wave around as they walk through the parade areas. Another fun idea if you have a paved driveway or area around your home, take chalk and let your children design and decorate an American Flag in the area. Let them be a little creative but try to keep them in the general idea of the project.

Most of the above are better suited to decorate the outside areas of your home and neighborhood. However there are things you can allow your child to do inside to decorate as well. There are some wonderful coloring pages sites that you can print pictures for your child to color and decorate. Some of these are:

Preschool Coloring Book there are lots of fun coloring pages that easy for younger children to color.

Coloring UShas a few pictures for print such as a map of the United States and flag background image.

Apples for the Teacherhas another great selection of pictures for print that your children can enjoy coloring.

If you do a general search for "Coloring Pages for the 4^th" you will find tons more sites that you can print fun coloring pages for your kids. If the pages can be cut out easily let your child that is old enough use their safety scissors to cut the images out. They can then take their newly colored pages and decorate their bedroom doors or walls. For that matter they can display their work in the best place in the house so everyone sees it, the refrigerator.

Another idea I love is to take your child to the local library and if they do not already have a library card get them one on your visit. Choose books that are easily understood for their age group about the United States, Independence Day, Declaration of Independence, and so on. Make family time at home to read the books to them. Let them ask questions of you about what you just read. Do not be afraid to admit that you do not know the answer to something. Tell them that you can go as a family to the computer and look up the answer to that particular question.

There are so many fun things to do with our children to help them learn about the true reason we celebrate the July 4^th holiday. As well as along the way learning something new and having fun doing projects together.