23 Crafts and Activities for the 4th of July

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Independence Day is almost here, and kids often want to get creative with their celebrations. This year, give them ways to stay busy while also teaching them about diversity, science, math, and art at the same time! Here’s our list of fun and educational 4th of July crafts and activities for kids.

1. Create fireworks in a jar

Water-filled mason jar with drops of food coloring sinking.

All you need is a jar, water, oil, and food coloring to watch these fireworks take flight.

Learn more: I Can Teach My Child

2. Read a book

Book Blue Sky White Stars on table and interior pages of book with fireworks illustrations and text that says, "Red, White, Boom!"

The story of America is intertwined with immigration and refugees. Teach your kids about the refugee experience with one of these amazing books or one of these picture books to teach kids more about the 4th of July.

3. Watch a 4th of July science video

Spangler Science TV showcases the science behind making patriotic smoke rings plus a Mentos and Diet Coke patriotic geyser experiment you’ve never seen before.

4. Make star-spangled art

Star-shaped stamp on colored paper.

Black construction paper and chalk pastels make for bright stars to decorate any wall or window.

Learn more: Projects With Kids

5. Conduct a baking soda science experiment

Baking soda in cookie cutters science

Break out the 4th of July cookie-cutter shapes for a little baking soda science! All you’ll need is some baking soda, vinegar, food coloring, and eyedroppers.

Learn more: Little Bins for Little Hands

6. Craft a flag mosaic

Flag mosaic collage -- fourth of july activities

Gather scraps of paper in red, white, and blue and have your kids create this stunning flag mosaic. It’s perfect for getting rid of that scrap bin!

Learn more: What Can We Do With Paper and Glue

7. Sign your own declaration

Declaration of Independence Pledge Sheet.

The 4th of July celebrates the courage and vision of those who signed the Declaration of Independence, including two future presidents—John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Do the same with this craft idea! But also make sure to teach about presidents in a socially conscious way.

Learn more: Education.com

8. Make twig stars

Colored stars made of twigs -- fourth of july activities

Get those fine motor skills working with cutting, painting, gluing, and tying!

Learn more: Happy Hooligans

9. Teach diversity

Examples of Black History Month activities including a virtual field trip to Harlem and watching Kevin Hart's Guide to Black History

Our country is full of diverse individuals. Celebrate the 4th of July by learning more about other people and cultures. See some of our ideas for teaching Women’s History, Black History, American Indian Heritage, and Hispanic Heritage to start.

10. Create a soft circuit

Red white and blue soft circuits

This adorable monster lights up red, white, and blue for the 4th of July! All you need is a needle, some conductive thread, and a few electronic parts to create this wearable textile.

Learn more: Science Buddies

11. Play a counting game

Counting game on paper.

Kids won’t even know they are working on their math skills as they count these 4th of July objects!

Learn more: Counting Game/Playdough to Plato

12. Craft a flag

Flag in the shape of the letter "F"

Work on patterns and letter recognition while making an image of the American flag in the shape of an F!

Learn more: No Time for Flash Cards

13. Conduct a water flag science experiment

This art project incorporates capillary action to make the red stripes and an experiment with oil and water to make the blue background with stars. Then it all comes together into a beautiful watercolor flag!

Learn more: From Engineer to SAHM

14. Write a patriotic poem

Patriotic poem saying: Joy, Uniqueness, Liberty, Independence, Affection.

This simple activity gets kids thinking about patriotic adjectives to describe themselves.

Learn more: Education.com

15. Salt-paint some fireworks

Fireworks made of salt paint -- fourth of july activities

There are so many ways to make fireworks. This one uses salt paint and glue.

Learn more: The Best Ideas for Kids

16. Dye flowers

Flowers died blue and red.- fourth of july activities

One of our favorite 4th of July activities, this one doubles as a science experiment.

Learn more: The Artful Parent

17. Create a firework stamp

Firework stamps on black paper.- fourth of july activities

You can truly use anything as a stamp. Even an empty toilet paper roll!

Learn more: Arty Crafty Kids

18. Scatter colors with milk fireworks

Magic milk fireworks for 4th of July activities for kids

With just a few common ingredients, kids can turn ordinary milk into an explosion of red, white, and blue fireworks. All you need is star cookie cutters, milk, food coloring, and liquid dish soap.

Learn more: The STEM Laboratory