Posts Tagged "July 4th"

You’re getting ready for July 4th. You’ve planned a holiday party, come up with a few cute kids’ crafts and have created a red, white and blue menu. But then you realize something – you forgot the party decorations. The holiday décor is what makes your family picnic or BBQ so very festive. And right now you have nothing. On top of that, it’s the day of the party and you have no time to run out to the store and buy centerpieces, tablecloths and streamers with the stars and stripes on them. What now? Check out these last-minute DIY...

Your family-focused July 4th party isn’t complete without kid-friendly activities. You’ve got the games planned and have created a menu that the kiddos are sure to enjoy. Now what? A craft table is an easy way to occupy little guests. Not only will the kids stay busy, but they’ll create their own keepsakes to take home too! Check out these ideas for setting up a Fourth of July party kids’ crafting center. Pick the Place Choose a space that isn’t near the food (no one wants school glue in their salad) or anything that gets wet (such as the sprinkler...

Why spend extra money on store-bought flags for July 4th when the kids make their own crafty versions? This Fourth of July kids’ craft is super-simple, but will still entertain your youngest party guests. Craft the American flags as part of your family’s picnic or BBQ activities or try it before the holiday as a way to prep for your party and create patriotic décor. Arts and Crafts Materials Red, white and blue card stock paper Scissors Thick craft sticks Clear-drying school glue Optional: Silver glitter How-to Steps Cut an 8x10-inch piece of white card stock in half or in...

You’re planning a July 4th party, picnic or BBQ. You’ve got the menu under control. But, what about the kids? You need games, crafts or something to keep them busy and entertained. Check out these fun-filled kids’ activities that are sure to be a hit at your next Independence Day bash. Obstacle Course Turn your yard into a pint-sized obstacle course. Set up and army crawl on ground, make a land slalom course that the kids have to run through or add a water feature (such as a wading pool to crawl through). Divide the kids into teams, have them...

Your Fourth of July party isn’t complete without a red, white and blue dessert. Don’t stress if you aren’t exactly a culinary genius. You can whip up any of these family-friendly ideas without much fuss. Get the kids to help, letting them measure and mix or do the prep work.   Gelatin Parfaits Make two batches of gelatin – one red (raspberry, cherry or strawberry) and one blue (blue raspberry). Instead of pouring the liquid gelatin into some sort of pan or mold, fill fancy wine glasses part of the way up. Chill the gelatin. When it’s set, top each...

Happy Fourth of July! It’s Independence Day and you have a bountiful backyard barbeque scheduled. You’ve created ‘the’ grilling menu of the season and prepped games galore for the kiddos. There will be relay races, an obstacle course and 4th themed red, white and blue outdoor crafts. But, then it started to rain. Now, the entire holiday celebration is inside and you have a room full of kids to entertain. What can you do? Check out these easy indoor July 4th kids’ activities! No-Mess Art You could break out the paints and paper. But, you’ve got too many pint-sized guests...

It’s time for your Fourth of July celebration, and you still haven’t finalized the kids’ activity list. You have the meal planned, organized a fireworks watching extravaganza for all, but are still looking for something to keep the kids busy (at least until the fireflies come out). Check out these easy ideas for kids’ July 4th party games, crafts and more! Backyard bowling. Set up empty (and thoroughly washed) plastic bottles, bowling pin style. Grab a red, white and blue ball and bowl away. Use one your child’s rubber or kickball type of balls, and not a real bowling ball....

Celebrating the Fourth of July means fun, fireworks and festive get-togethers. Whether you’re having a backyard barbeque with the family or inviting the whole neighborhood over for a holiday party, food planning and prep is key to your celebration. That said, you don’t have to go it alone when it comes to cooking for your guests. Check out these easy-to-make recipe ideas that the kids can help out with! Celebration Salad Washing veggies, tearing lettuce and mixing it all together is super-simple. Even kids as young as the preschool years can help out with this starter. Add in your own...

It’s almost Independence Day and you’re looking for the best July 4th fireworks – on the West Coast! Where can you go to see these displays on the Fourth? You’ve already caught a glimpse of the major displays in Washington, D,C., NYC and Boston on TV or online (with the time difference, you got to see these hours before your own fireworks will actually start). Check out this list, featuring some of the nation’s best West Coast options. Los Angeles, California Keep in mind, there are several displays in and around the LA area. Depending on where you live (or...

Cool off on the Fourth of July with red, white and blue ice activities! Whether you’re looking for a patriotic art activity for the kids or you want to dress up your Independence Day party, these icy cold ideas will help everyone chill out and celebrate! Patriotic Paint Make your own kids’ paint using food coloring and water. Add a few drops of either blue or red coloring into an ice cube tray, fill with water and freeze. Leave a few empty (i.e., don’t add food coloring) compartments, making the clear cubes the white part of the red, white and...