25 Fun Ways To Celebrate the 4th of July That Don’t Involve Fireworks
We're all about the patriotic fun to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. But the truth is, there are plenty of families that fireworks aren't a fun event. Plenty of people have sweet dogs in their lives who absolutely can't stand the loud noises and get scared from the first little fizz to the last bit of smoke in the sky, and other people have kids who get really scared by the loud sounds. Also, many people feel that even the babies who are into the light show will need ear protection to be present for that, which many families don't readily have on hand.
There's also the issue of sleep training kids. Although we believe in not living by absolute rulebooks, we also believe in not disrupting a routine that has finally allowed us to get an actually reasonable amount of sleep every night. And then there are older kids, teens, and parents who have anxiety. Some people with anxiety really don't like fireworks, and they can even trigger panic attacks.
The good news is that there are plenty of activities to get involved in on July 4 that don't involve big explosions in the sky! We put together a list of fun options, some that require more planning than others, and all of which are completely fireworks-free. For some more fun Fourth of July activities, check out 10 Fourth of July Crafts Kids Can Make, which can be made in advance for showing off at the local parade, or done same-day to enjoy family time together, and Fun 4th of July Projects for the Whole Family, which can be a great way to bond on our nation's birthday.
More from CafeMom: Fireworks: What to Do When Toddlers Are Terrified
Organize a Neighborhood Soccer Match
The key to enjoying Independence Day without fireworks, especially with kids who have lots of energy, is getting outside, getting sweaty, and having a great time before the fireworks start. A big neighborhood soccer match (or a family one!) is effective at tiring out kiddos (and creating special bonding memories).
Plan a Picnic in a Local Park (Just Not the Fireworks One)
Find out which park is having the fireworks, and then plan a picnic with friends and family in the park on the other side of town. It'll be less crowded and it still feels really celebratory and fun. Plus, the kids can get into a water balloon fight since it's all outdoors!
Blow Bubbles
So fireworks may not be an option, but why not load up on tons of bubbles? They're fun for kids of basically all ages, and for a fun nighttime option, consider making this inexpensive, super fun glow-in-the-dark bubble solution.
Make Red White and Blue Slime
Someday, this slime trend is going to die, but for now, why not indulge it once in a (red, white, and) blue moon? This recipe for star-spangled slime (those are words we never thought we'd be typing) is safe enough, and kids will adore it.
Shoot Off Paper Confetti Poppers
These DIY Confetti Poppers for The Fourth of July are such a fun craft project to do with kids! We love that they reuse old toilet paper rolls, too. This is basically the definition of upcycling. They make a fun, light pop and are way less scary than fireworks.
Host a Fireworks-Free Neighborhood Bash
There are always more people in the community who don't want to be around fireworks! Invite folks over for a simple get-together. This can be a potluck, or something simple, a spread of lemonade and cupcakes is always adorable.
More from CafeMom: Low-Effort Holiday Traditions Perfect for Overwhelmed Parents
Make a DIY 4th of July Balloon Game
One truth of this holiday and every other day of the year: Lots of money sure doesn't buy happiness, and some of the best fun in life can happen for free or very, very inexpensively. This adorable game involves nothing more than paper plates, balloons, popsicle sticks, and some paint.
Bake a Big Batch of Patriotic Cookies
Looking for a good activity for kids when it's raining all Fourth of July? Or the fireworks just aren't an option for another reason? Consider making these charming cookies with the family. Kids will love playing with the fondant!