After Christmas and Easter, one of my favorite holidays to celebrate is 4th of July. This patriotic holiday has always been my jam. Something about the streets overflowing with American flags, patriotic tunes on the radio and fireworks lighting up the sky.
When I was a kid, my family used to go up to New York City to watch the Macy’s Fireworks Display on the Hudson River. In the blazing heat, we’d sit on our cooler for hours, licking ice pops and waiting for dark. Slowly, as the sky turned from dusk to night, it suddenly erupted in an explosion of color. Nothing felt more patriotic than those moments.
Nowadays, the 4th of July holiday is a bit more quiet. We are lucky to live in a small town that gets quite patriotic this time of year. There are parades, flags at every home and fireworks displays that last a week if you let them.
This is also my favorite time to make 4th of July crafts for kids. About a week or two before the 4th of July holiday, we start some patriotic crafting projects. Something about making things that shout out our love for America makes our hearts beat a bit prouder.
In case you aren’t sure where to begin with your 4th of July crafts for kids, I’ve gathered my favorite fun and easy ideas.
Make one – make them all. Create them in advance to add to your holiday festivities or set up a kids crafting table at your barbecue so the kids can make them together. These crafts are sure to make any 4th of July celebration even more fun.
Star Button Art
Photo Credit: One Simple Party
This star button art project is the perfect way to add some patriotic fun to your Fourth of July decor. And since there is no glue gun required, it's a great project to make with even the little ones.
Bald Eagle Sewing Craft
My littles have discovered a love of sewing. We can't wait to make this adorable bald eagle craft. It even includes a free printable template to get started. Isn't he cute?
DIY Confetti Poppers
We usually make these fun poppers for Thanksgiving dinner. This year, create a set to celebrate Fourth of July. Fill with fun little toys or bubbles that the kids can play with after dinner. What a great way to keep everyone entertained.
Patriotic Star Yarn Bunting
Photo Credit - One Simple Party
Who knew wrapping yarn was so relaxing? Using cardboard scraps and yarn you have on hand, make this colorful patriotic star yarn bunting. Great way to add a rustic touch to any craft decor.
4th of July Paper Fans
As much as I love celebrating the Fourth, it can be hot depending on where you are. Cool off with these DIY paper fans. And don't forget to grab them before heading out to the parade!
Jasper Johns Flag Art Project
We love family art projects around here. This one is a great way to get all of your artists involved. Each person paints one section of the flag. Then, you put them together and you have a flag to display!
Free Printable Fourth of July Paper Chain Decoration
Photo Credit - One Simple Party
Add some stars and stripes to your home with this free printable Fourth of July paper chain. Kids will love cutting and pasting the strips. You can even see who can make the longest one!
Patriotic Duct Tape Parade Stick
Heading to the parade or hosting your own? Celebrate in style with this festive patriotic duct tape parade stick. What a fun accessory to wave as the band marches by!
Fourth of July Sparkle Slime
Kids will be sure to squeal when they sink their hands into this Fourth of July sparkle slime. Set up a slime play station at your Fourth of July party or send it home for the kids to play with later.
Coffee Filter Flowers
Add some patriotic fun to your dining table with these coffee filter flowers. They don't even need water!
4th of July Rockets
These rockets are not only fun to make, but also would be awesome to zoom around the backyard. I love crafts you can play with! Make your own 4th of July rockets with this easy tutorial and free printables.
4th of July Printable Wand Craft
Speaking of parades, isn't this 4th of July printable wand craft adorable? I can just imagine waving it as you cheer at the parade. You can even add jingle bells to make some noise!
Wine Cork American Flag
Wine corks make great paint brushes in this 4th of July craft. Use the wine cork to stamp the stripes on the flag and add white paper stars to make it really shine. This would also be a fun project to do with fingerprinting.
Photo Credit: www.mamacheaps.com
Patriotic DIY Marshallow Shooters
Patriotic DIY Marshmallow Shooters
Watch out below - marshmallow attack! Kick the fun up a notch this Fourth of July with these patriotic DIY marshamallow shooters. Easy to make, festive and fun. What's more to love!
Stars and Stripes Bin
This sensory bin is a great way to explore the stars and stripes. Set up for your kids and let them enjoy uncovering lots of surprises.
Popsicle Stick Flag Magnets
Even your fridge can show its American pride with these popsicle stick flag magnets. Here's to the red, white and blue!
Simple Holiday Wind Catcher
Watch the patriotic colors blow by with this Holiday Wind Catcher. Makes a beautiful outdoor Fourth of July decoration.
Handprint Bald Eagle Craft
This bald eagle is made even sweeter with its handprint wings. It's the perfect fun and easy patriotic paper craft that your kids will love.
Heart Flag Art Project
Show your love for the U.S.A. with this heart flag art project. Such a sweet paper craft and it practices cutting skills too.
What if I Don’t have Time for DIY?
Sometimes life is busy. If you find yourself spending all of your time getting together for the big barbeque and don’t have time to put together materials for 4th of July crafts for kids, no worries. There are lots of done for you craft kits to check out instead. Here are some of my favorite ideas (affiliates).
Handprint Designs – I love the patriotic ice cream idea. Just download, print and get some washable red and blue paint.
American Flag Sign Kit – Show your colors with this wooden American flag sign kit. Includes everything you need to make one sign.
4th of July Wand Craft – These Fourth of July wands would be perfect to make before the parade.
Patriotic Play Dough Kit – Not all 4th of July crafts for kids needs to be permanent. Let kids enjoy building and sculpting with this patriotic play dough kit. With open ended play ideas, it’s sure to keep them busy for hours!
Fireworks Suncatcher Kit – Showcase bursts of color on your windows with this Fireworks Suncatcher Kit. Made from black cutouts and tissues paper, this kit includes multiple fireworks designs to make your windows shine.
Patriotic Wood Necklace Craft Kit – Let guests don their red, white and blue with these wooden necklaces. The kit makes twelve necklaces, so everyone can get in on the beading fun.
4th of July Magnets – Kids will love decorating the fridge with the red, white and blue using these 4th of July magnets. Everything you need to make three different magnets.
Ready to start making 4th of July crafts with your kids? Before starting, choose the 4th of July crafts for kids that inspire you (and your family) the most. Then, make sure you have all of the craft materials that you need. Just like mise en place in cooking, having everything organized before you begin makes crafting that much more fun.
And if you are planning a 4th of July celebration this year, check out these free Fourth of July party printables. And if your talents are in the kitchen instead these red, white and blue cupcakes would be delicious on the dessert table.
Or send guests home with a s’mores favor kit or root beer floats to go as a fun Fourth of July party favor. What a sweet way to say thank you for coming.
Happy Celebrating,
Natalie
