26 Independence Day Activities For Every Grade

Independence Day is a time to commemorate the birth of our nation and the values it represents. Every year, Americans celebrate this holiday with fireworks, parades, and family gatherings. For educators, it’s an opportunity to teach students about the country’s history and inspire a sense of patriotism. We’ve compiled a list of 26 Independence Day activities that are suitable for every grade level! From crafts and games to patriotic treats, these activities are perfect for celebrating the 4th of July with family, friends, or students! 

1. Create a Patriotic Wreath

This activity involves making a festive wreath using red, white, and blue materials such as ribbons, paper, and other decorations. To make the wreath, gather your materials and attach them to a wreath form using glue or wire. Hang the finished wreath on your door or wall for a patriotic decoration that shows your love for America.

Learn More: Pinterest

2. Fireworks in a Jar

This science experiment is perfect for younger children. Fill a jar with water and add a few drops of food coloring. Next, add oil to the jar and drop in an Alka-Seltzer tablet. The resulting reaction creates an exciting display that looks like fireworks in a jar. This is a perfect opportunity to explore science concepts and teach your students about chemical reactions.

Learn More: Ontario Science Centre

3. American Flag Handprint Craft

This handprint American flag craft is a fun and easy way to celebrate Independence Day with young children. To make the flag, use blue paint to make a handprint in the top left corner of a white piece of paper. Next, use red and white paint to make stripes on the rest of the paper. The finished product is a unique and patriotic decoration that can be displayed proudly.

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4. Patriotic Scavenger Hunt

Encourage teamwork and challenge your student’s problem-solving skills with this fun activity! A patriotic scavenger hunt is a fun and engaging activity for children of all ages. Participants are given a list of patriotic items to find, such as an American flag or a red, white, and blue balloon. 

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5. Tie-Dye T-Shirt

This activity is a fun and colorful opportunity for learners to create their own patriotic T-shirts. To make the T-shirt, gather a plain white T-shirt and a tie-dye kit. Follow the instructions on the kit to create a unique and vibrant design that celebrates Independence Day. 

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6. DIY Parade Float

A DIY parade float is a fun and creative activity that can be done with kids of all ages. Participants can use cardboard boxes, construction paper, and other craft supplies to create a miniature parade float. This activity is perfect for developing creativity and learning about the history and significance of parades on Independence Day.

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7. Patriotic Photo Booth

This activity is perfect for developing social skills, creativity, and fun. A patriotic photo booth is a fun and engaging activity for children and adults alike. Using a backdrop, participants can take photos with fun props like hats, glasses, and other patriotic-themed items. 

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8. Statue of Liberty Crown and Torch Craft

This craft involves making a Statue of Liberty Crown and Torch out of paper and other craft materials. Children can learn about the symbolism of the Statue of Liberty and its importance as a symbol of freedom and democracy.

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9. Patriotic Bingo

Children can learn about the Pledge of Allegiance, the American flag, and other important American symbols while playing the game. Patriotic Bingo is a fun game that teaches children about American history and symbols while improving their concentration and memory skills. 

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10. Independence Day Mad Libs

Mad Libs is a fun and educational game that can be played by people of all ages. This game promotes creativity, language development, and problem-solving skills. Students simply follow the grammar prompts by filling in different words. 

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11. Patriotic Piñata

Develop creativity, fine motor skills, and teamwork by challenging your learners to make a patriotic piñata! Participants can make their own piñata using balloons, newspaper, and craft supplies and then fill it with patriotic-themed treats like red, white, and blue candy or small American flags.

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12. Fourth of July Slime

To make the slime, gather white glue, red and blue food coloring, baking soda, and contact lens solution. Mix the glue, baking soda, and a small amount of contact lens solution together in a bowl until it forms a sticky base. Add red and blue food coloring to create a patriotic swirl effect. 

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13. American Flag Popsicles

Making American flag popsicles is a fun and tasty activity for both children and adults. Using red, white, and blue juice, participants can create a delicious and patriotic treat. Students can then collect all the leftover popsicle sticks and use them to make American flags. 

Learn More: Howcast

14. Patriotic Window Clings

To make the clings, you’ll need puffy paint in red, white, and blue colors, as well as clear plastic sheet protectors or plastic bags. Draw patriotic designs such as stars, stripes, and fireworks onto the plastic using the paint. Allow the paint to dry completely, then gently peel the cling off the plastic and press it onto your window. 

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15. Liberty Bell Wind Chimes

To make patriotic wind chimes, gather a small brass bell, red, white, and blue beads, and string or wire. String the beads onto the wire;  alternating colors as desired. Attach the bell to the end of the wire and hang the wind chime in a breezy spot. This provides a decorative element to any outdoor space! 

Learn More: PragerU Kids

16. Fourth of July Hat

Make your own Fourth of July hat with this fun craft! Decorate a plain hat with red, white, and blue accessories like stars, stripes, and glitter. Perfect for parades and outdoor events- this hat is sure to make your child feel proud to be American! 

Learn More: Howcast

17. DIY Firework Shirts

Make a unique and festive Fourth of July t-shirt with this fun activity. Using fabric paint and stencils, your child can create a colorful and eye-catching design. This activity helps children develop fine motor skills. Plus, wearing their own creation will give them a sense of pride and ownership in their celebration.

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18. Patriotic Rock Painting

Turn ordinary rocks into patriotic works of art. Use red, white, and blue paint to create unique designs like stars and stripes, or paint an American flag onto the rock. The finished rocks make great decorations for your garden or front porch.

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19. American Flag Sun Catcher

An American flag sun catcher is a fun and easy activity for children of all ages. Using contact paper, tissue paper, and other craft supplies, your child can create a beautiful sun catcher with a patriotic theme. 

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20. DIY Patriotic Lanterns

DIY patriotic lanterns are a fun and creative activity for children and adults. Using paper cups, construction paper, and other craft supplies, children can create their own set of patriotic-themed lanterns. The finished lanterns create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for your Fourth of July celebration.

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21. Decorate Bicycles or Wagons

Encourage kids to decorate their bicycles or wagons with patriotic decorations such as streamers, balloons, and American flags. They can then ride or walk in a local Independence Day parade.

Learn More: Pinterest

22. American Flag Ice Painting

This cool activity involves painting with ice cubes! Freeze red and blue water in ice cube trays, and use them to paint an American flag on paper. As the ice melts, the colors will blend together to create a cool watercolor effect. 

Learn More: B-Inspired Mama

23. Fireworks Painting with Straws

This activity is a fun and unique way to create a fireworks display. Use a straw to blow paint onto paper, creating an explosion of color that looks like fireworks bursting in the sky. Kids of all ages can benefit from this activity as it helps them develop their creativity and hand-eye coordination.

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24. Patriotic Windsock Craft

Windsocks are a classic Fourth of July decoration, and making them is a fun activity for kids. With just a few materials, such as paper cups, streamers, and string, kids can create patriotic windsocks to hang outdoors.

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25. Fourth of July Mason Jar Luminaries

To make the luminaries, you’ll need mason jars, tissue paper in red, white, and blue, scissors, and glue. Cut the tissue paper into small squares or strips and glue them onto the outside of the jar in a pattern or design. Once the jar is covered, apply another layer of glue to seal the tissue paper in place. Allow the glue to dry and then place a tea light or LED candle inside to create a beautiful patriotic luminary.

Learn More: Yahoo

26. DIY Patriotic Flip Flops

Give plain flip-flops a patriotic makeover with this fun activity. Using red, white, and blue ribbon, glue guns, and flip flops create a unique and festive look for Independence Day. This is super fun for children and they have got a new pair of shoes to wear on the Fourth of July!

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