4th of july activities (for kids, pre school, toddlers)

The Fourth of July is an important day in our history.

The lives that were laid down at the border cannot be ignored.

They need to be remembered and commemorated every day.

It is of utmost importance that the kids also realize the significance of this day.

Thus we bring to you a collection of 11 activities that are fun and informative as well.

4th of july activities (for kids, pre school, toddlers)

1. Patriotic Sensory Bins

Materials Required:

• Red, white, and blue rice or pasta (dyed with food coloring)

• Star confetti, pom-poms, or beads

• Mini American flags

• Scoops, spoons, plastic cups

• Plastic bin or sensory tray

Steps:

• Dye rice or pasta ahead of time and let it dry fully.

• Pour the sensory items into the bin, mixing colors evenly.

• Add small objects like flags, stars, and safe plastic toys.

• Place scoops, measuring spoons, or tongs nearby.

• Let children dig, scoop, and sort freely.

• Encourage color sorting or counting items.

• Play soft patriotic music in the background.

• Supervise play, especially with younger toddlers.

• Lay a mat underneath for easy cleanup.

2. DIY Flag Painting

Materials Required:

• White construction paper

• Red, white, and blue washable paint

• Paintbrushes, sponges, or cotton swabs

• Craft sticks (for flagpole, optional)

• Smocks and a tablecloth

Steps:

• Set up a painting station with all materials ready.

• Show kids a real American flag as a reference.

• Help younger ones start with red stripes or the blue square.

• Let them paint stars using fingerprints or stamps.

• Allow freedom to mix materials (brush + sponge, etc.).

• For toddlers, assist with guiding strokes or color placement.

• Glue on a craft stick to turn the art into a mini flag.

• Let artwork dry completely before display.

• Talk about flag meanings as they paint (red = courage, etc.).

3. Star-Spangled Slime

Materials Required:

• Clear glue

• Baking soda

• Contact lens solution

• Red and blue glitter or star confetti

• Mixing bowl and spoon

Steps:

• Pour glue into the bowl and mix in a small amount of water.

• Add baking soda and stir thoroughly.

• Sprinkle in glitter or confetti stars.

• Add contact solution slowly until slime thickens.

• Knead with hands until it’s stretchy and smooth.

• Encourage safe play—no mouth contact.

• Hide small flag beads or letters for extra fun.

• Store in a sealed container after use.

• Supervise play at all times.

4. Red, White & Blue Bubble Station

Materials Required:

• Bubble solution or DIY mix (water, dish soap, glycerin)

• Red and blue food coloring

• Bubble wands, straws, plastic rings

• White paper (optional for bubble art)

Steps:

• Pour bubble solution into shallow containers.

• Add a few drops of red or blue food coloring.

• Provide a variety of bubble wands and tools.

• Encourage kids to blow and chase the bubbles.

• Let them try catching bubbles on paper to make art.

• Talk about the colors and movement they see.

• Offer large-handled wands for toddlers.

• Play music to create a bubble dance zone.

• Hose down or rinse off afterward if needed.

5. Firework Art with Straws or Forks

Materials Required:

• Dark-colored paper (black, navy, etc.)

• Red, white, and blue paint

• Plastic forks, toilet paper rolls, or straws

• Glitter (optional)

• Aprons or old shirts

Steps:

• Set out the paper and a tray of paints.

• Dip the ends of forks or straws into the paint.

• Press down or blow onto the paper to create bursts.

• Repeat with different colors for a layered effect.

• Add glitter while paint is wet for sparkle.

• Let toddlers stamp with rolls or sponge circles.

• Talk about how fireworks look in the sky.

• Allow drying time before moving the art.

• Display them as festive decor.

6. Flag-Themed Snack Crafting

Materials Required:

• Blueberries, strawberries, banana slices or marshmallows

• Graham crackers or toast

• Plastic knives and plates

• Small flag picks (optional)

Steps:

• Wash and prep fruits into small, safe pieces.

• Lay out crackers or toast as the “flag base.”

• Guide kids to place blueberries in a square corner.

• Add red (strawberries) and white (bananas or marshmallows) stripes.

• Let preschoolers build their own flags with guidance.

• Use plastic knives to spread yogurt or cream cheese if desired.

• Encourage healthy conversations about food and flags.

• Enjoy the edible creations together.

• Clean hands before and after!

7. 4th of July Parade at Home

Materials Required:

• Paper hats or crowns

• Mini flags, streamers, or ribbon wands

• Pots, pans, and wooden spoons (as instruments)

• Patriotic playlist or marching band music

Steps:

• Help kids decorate hats or make simple costumes.

• Give them flags, wands, or instruments to carry.

• Play festive music and start a mini marching route.

• Let them march around the yard, room, or driveway.

• Encourage waving and smiling like a real parade.

• Set up a “spectator” area with stuffed animals.

• Take photos or videos of their proud walk.

• Offer a small treat at the parade’s end.

• Keep the route safe and easy to navigate.

8. Story Time with Fireworks & Freedom

Materials Required:

• 4th of July-themed children’s books

• Blanket or reading corner setup

• Flag props or toy drums (optional)

• Patriotic background music (soft)

Steps:

• Choose age-appropriate books with colorful images.

• Gather kids in a cozy reading space.

• Read slowly and pause to ask simple questions.

• Show each page clearly and encourage discussion.

• Use props to act out scenes or ideas.

• Follow the story with a patriotic finger play or song.

• Let kids hold flags during the story.

• Keep storytime brief and interactive.

• End with a quiet reflection or group hug.

9. Firecracker Dance Party

Materials Required:

• Patriotic playlist (kid-safe)

• Ribbons, scarves, or glow sticks

• Flashlights (optional for added effects)

• Open space for movement

Steps:

• Clear a space indoors or outside for dancing.

• Turn on music with a fun, upbeat tempo.

• Hand out ribbons or scarves for visual effects.

• Encourage kids to jump, twirl, and freeze.

• Add themed moves like “pop like a firecracker.”

• Use flashlights or glow sticks for nighttime fun.

• Mix in dancing games like freeze dance.

• Keep it short and energy-friendly.

• Offer water breaks and rest time after.

10. Pin the Star on the Flag

Materials Required:

• Large poster of the American flag

• Paper or felt stars

• Tape or Velcro dots

• Blindfold (for older preschoolers)

Steps:

• Hang the flag poster at child’s eye level.

• Write each child’s name on a star.

• Let toddlers simply place the stars freely.

• For older kids, blindfold or gently spin them first.

• Let them guess where the blue square is.

• Attach their star and see how close they get.

• Celebrate each attempt with applause or stickers.

• Repeat until everyone gets a turn.

• Take a group photo with the finished flag.

11. Frozen Red, White & Blue Play Cubes

Materials Required:

• Ice cube trays

• Red, white, and blue food coloring

• Water and small plastic toys or beads

• Salt, droppers, warm water bowls

Steps:

• Add toys and colored water to trays and freeze overnight.

• Pop cubes out into a shallow bin or tray.

• Give kids droppers, salt, and warm water.

• Show them how to “melt” the ice to find surprises.

• Let toddlers touch and feel the cold textures.

• Encourage kids to talk about color mixing and melting.

• Use spoons or brushes for variation.

• Supervise to ensure toys don’t go in mouths.

• Clean up with a towel or let it drain outside.

See Also:

• Outdoor Fun for Everyone: 11 Must-Try Family Picnic Activities

• End-of-the-Year School Activities For Fun

• Celebrating Cinco de Mayo with Little Ones: Activities for Kids, Preschoolers, and Toddlers

These activities are designed to be hassle free and easy.

Use these activities to teach your kids about the sacrifice.

You can tell a story along with the activity to make it more fun.