Hi Friends! 🙂 I recently received the following note in my mailbag…
Dear Cindy,
Any suggestions for 4th of July Family Fun? I would like to do some fun things, but not sure where to start. You are my “party go to expert”….
I’m so glad you asked, dear friend! I am busy in 4th of July planning mode (my family would tell you I get a little excited about the 4th) ~ and would love to share my family~friendly ideas with you!
I purchased cheap red, white, and blue nail polish, and my girls and I will give each other festive pedicures before the big day! ( Nail ideas here)
Typically, I get up early and head to the bakery for festive doughnuts (we rarely have doughnuts in the morning, so this is a special treat).
Here’s a fun early morning picture from a few years ago….
Next we head to a local Parade. I love it! We invite lots of friends and family, and have a mini “tail gate” before the parade starts. I bring a basket filled with doughnuts, juice, fruit, etc.. and lots of festive napkins.
For the kids, I stock a bag filled with color sheets, paper lunch bags to catch the candy (and markers for them to decorate the bag while we wait for the parade to start).
I also bring the nail polish again (and paint more toes while we wait), tattoos, leis, and mini flags. If you haven’t guessed ~ I am a kid magnet that day (and love every minute of it!!)
In the afternoon, we fill our day with …
Crafts ~ideas here or here or here
Coloring Sheets, Word Searches, Mazes ~ here
Games ~ here
Of course, it wouldn’t be a celebration without 4th of July BINGO with red, white, and blue M & M’s ~ here
We spend late afternoon celebrating with dear friends and family. Typically I need to bring side dishes along, so here are some of my favorite simple kid-friendly food ideas…
* Red and blue finger jello (star shaped, of course)
* Cupcakes for the kids (Fun Recipe here and here)
* Flag cake (Recipe here) Always a huge hit!
And then, of course, it wouldn’t be the 4th without fireworks!!
Whew!! What a day ~ I can hardly wait!!
Do you have any tradition or family fun ideas to celebrate the 4th?? Share with us please ~ I’d love to hear from you!!!
Have a wonderful, joy-filled 4th of July!! May I encourage you to “mark this moment” in some special way. Your kids will remember. You will remember. 🙂
Many blessings to you!! 
P.S. For more Works for Me Wednesday ideas, head over to We Are That Family.
P.S.S. My celebration ideas are obviously very kid-friendly. If you’re looking for more “grown up” recipe ideas, there are more great recipes here and here.
You are so creative!!! You've inspired me to make the day special!!! My children will thank you!