July 4th Cool Party Games for Kids

July 4^th is a great time to get together and celebrate our heritage as Americans and pride in our country. Depending on where you live in the country, it can also be an incredibly hot day! Don't let heat destroy your party.

The following 4^th of July party games will get kids -- and kids-at-heart -- involved in fun, exhilarating games that will keep the kids and your guests cool in the heat.

Be forewarned: You may want to pick and choose from these July 4^th games. All are tried and proven, but some get messy. The question you have to ask yourself is whether you want whining, hot kids or a little bit of mess and a lot of fun.

That's what I thought.

Here are some super 4^th of July games for kids.

Water Gun Shootout: An Exciting, Cool July 4^th Party Game

Put away your notion that water guns start wars. They don't. Even if they did, the war wouldn't last very long. It's too much fun. Invite guests to bring Super Soakers or limit the guns to small water guns that can be easily refilled in a barrel of water.

There are several ways you can play with water guns. A free-for-all is always fun, although it can turn a bit chaotic. Why not divide the kids into teams and play it similar to paintball or laser tag? If they get shot, they are down for five to 10 seconds.

Another option is to have a pirate 9an adult works great for this role) shooting a bazooka-style water gun at kids. They give chase and the pirate leads them through obstacles and challenges. Water is shot the entire time.

Blow a whistle for water refills as necessary.

Water Ball Blast: 4th of July Party Game for Kids

You'll recognize this game because it is a lot like a snowball fight. The only difference is you use absorbent water balls, available three or four to a pack for a dollar at most dollar stores, to launch your attack.

Soak the balls prior to play and be sure to keep two large plastic containers full of water so kids can easily reload their water balls during the game.

Divide into teams, or play every girl, boy, man, and woman for themselves. The game is as easy as hurling water balls at each other. Getting hit doesn't hurt; it just explodes on you like a cool blast. It's a lot like playing with water balloons, but it is much easier to fill water balls with water.

Establish a few rules, so no one gets to unruly playing 4^th of July party games. A good rule for this game is no hitting in the face. You may also set a field boundary within which game play should take place. Violation of a rule means you sit out for 30 seconds to a minute.

Don't Forget About Traditional Water Games for July 4^th

In our quest for bigger and better games, sometimes we overlook the most simplistic, yet fun games that have ever been invented. Do you remember the last time you tried to jump an oscillating water sprinkler? Kids can play games on the 4^th with water sprinklers, Slip 'n Slides, and a variety of water fun sprinklers and water toys. Many of them are very inexpensive and even if the last through one party, you get your money's worth if the kids stay happy and cool.

If you have access to a smooth hill that is not too steep, create your own Slip 'n Slide using plastic sheeting. Most people agree it works better when a little dish soap liquid is used to lubricate the homemade slide. The neat thing about it is that you can set up more than one slide for races or set up extra long slides.

Warning: Do not set this up in a part of your yard that you do not want to become muddy. On the other hand, if you need some natural tilling, have them land in your would be garden. Kids love mud, and you know what? It will not hurt them.