Safe, Old Fashioned 4th of July Fun for Kids

What's a kid to do on the 4^th of July? Most municipalities have banned personal fireworks. That's better for safety sake anyway. Still, public fireworks don't start until dusk. Meanwhile, the kids deserve some holiday fun. Why not enjoy a blast from the past kind of day? Here are some fun 4^th of July traditions from long ago that kids of today will love. Don't forget to be camera ready for these hilarious activities.

Why not have a seed spitting contest? Watermelon is a July 4^th tradition that never goes out of style. Plus, what kid can pass up an activity that includes spitting? Mark a line for kids to stand on. See who can spit their watermelon seeds furthest. It sounds simple but it's loads of fun for participants and spectators alike.

Tips:
*Place viewing area out of the line of fire.
*One spitter at a time for easy seed identification.

Old time races give kids the giggles. Especially when the adults join in. Oh come on, you know you want to. Think sack race, egg on a spoon race, three legged race and more. What kind of old fashioned 4^th of July is it without a silly race or two?

Tips:
*Let kids invent their own kind of race.
*Try an obstacle course.
*Check your shoelaces.

Get out the bibs for the pie eating contest. Everyone gets a pie. The whistle blows and you start eating. What's the catch? No hands and no silverware. First one to finish their pie wins.

Tips:
*Keep it outdoors.
*Use a washable tablecloth.
*Have a water hose handy.

Water games make for a cool holiday. How about a bucket brigade? Old fashioned 4^th of July celebrations often involved fireman's games. In one event, men would pass buckets assembly line style to put out a fire. A modern day version has kids filling up a container with buckets of water, relay race style. First team to fill their container wins.

Other water games:
*Water balloon fight
*Squirt gun fight
*Slip-n-slide

Games of skill were always part of an old fashioned 4^th of July. How about a penny pitch, ring toss or some other carnival type games? Stack up some cans to knock over with a baseball. Build a bean bag toss. Or, have kids think up their own games of skill.

Tips:
*Give out small prizes to boost excitement.
*Build colorful "booths" for realistic atmosphere.
*Don't forget to add refreshment stands.

More from this contributor:

Celebrating 4th of July 2011 in Denver?

Backyard Mini Golf Course - Five Fun Cheap Ideas

Top 10 Old Fashioned Kids Party Games

Source:

Personal experience