How to Make a Fourth of July Party Fun for the Kids

Nothing beats a laid-back Fourth of July barbeque. But when the weather is great, the whole family's gathered, and the beer's chilling in the cooler, it's easy to forget that a laid-back Fourth of July barbeque might not be as fun for the kids as it is for you. Here's how to throw a party that won't bore the kids to death.

Fireworks

Many states have laws regarding what kinds of fireworks you can and can't set off. If you want to keep it legal, great, but that doesn't mean keeping it lame. Kids love fireworks, from those goofy worms that stain the sidewalk to the wimpiest cone fountain. Do your best to put on an enthusiastic fireworks show for the little ones, and they'll remember the night with stars in their eyes.

Noisemakers

You know those little white tissue paper balls twisted up with gunpowder that you throw at the sidewalk and make a loud popping noise? Sometimes they're called snaps, sometimes they're called poppers, but whatever you call them, get some for the kids. My sister and I could entertain ourselves for hours with a couple boxes of snaps. We seriously looked forward to the Fourth of July for those things.

If you don't trust the kids to entertain themselves safely with poppers, get them some other noisemakers to go nuts with. The Fourth of July is the one day of the year when your neighbors expect to hear loud noises coming from your yard.

Fourth of July Games

The Fourth of July is like a birthday party for the good ol' U.S.A., so play some patriotic party games with the kids. Instead of pinning the tail on the donkey, pin the hat on Uncle Sam. Set up a picnic or card table for the little ones to finger paint fireworks and flags. If you feel particularly crafty ahead of time, make a paper mache piñata in the shape of a British officer and stuff it with candy.

Gift Bags or Party Favors

Make up goody bags for the kids with stickers, bubbles, funny party hats, coloring books, or whatever else you think might occupy them for hours. The best part of any birthday party when you're a kid is the gift bag you get just for showing up. The advantage of doing something like this at your Fourth of July party is that you'll get the kids out of your hair for awhile so you can kick back and relax.

Kid-Friendly Food

Grilling kielbasa or steaks at your Fourth of July party might seem like a classy way to celebrate, but keep in mind most kids prefer hot dogs and burgers. If you do plan to serve "grown-up" food, offer kid-friendly selections too. Nothing's worse than a hungry, cranky kid at a party.

If you really want to amaze the kids, offer kid-friendly food with a Fourth of July theme. Cut fruit into star shapes, put red and blue food coloring in the chip dip, and don't forget the bite-sized cookies with patriotic sprinkles.