We're always all about patriotic fun to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. We have to keep in mind, however, that there are plenty of families that don't consider the traditional fireworks a fun event.
Lots 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 pop in the sky, and other people have kids who get really scared by the loud sounds or who have sensory issues that make such noises disturbing. Some people with anxiety really don't like fireworks, and they can even trigger panic attacks, whether it's an older kid, teen, or parent.
Some believe 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. And of course, 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 a somewhat reasonable amount of sleep every night.
The good news is that there are plenty of activities to get involved in on Independence Day 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 a parade or done same-day to enjoy family time together, or choose a patriotic movie to watch as a family, which can be a wonderful way to bond on our nation's birthday.
More from CafeMom: Fireworks: What to Do When Toddlers Are Terrified
Look For Shooting Stars
One of the best things to do in the summer is to find someplace away from as much light pollution as possible and go look for shooting stars or just go stargazing. Bring a star map to identify constellations, or download the free Google Sky app.
Host a Big Barbecue
We love having a big barbecue in the summer, and the Fourth of July is such a great reason to host a big one! Send out invites letting folks know what will be provided and what would be helpful to bring to share. (Everyone has a side dish they want to show off.)
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 fun 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 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 because it's all outdoors.
Go Bowling
Some bowling alleys may be closed on July 4th, but others offer holiday specials for the whole family. If the bowling alley in town is closed, though, it's always fun to set up pin bowling in the backyard.
Take a Beach Holiday
Whether there's an ocean or a lake nearby, celebrating the holiday around the water is a super fun treat for the whole family. Pack a cooler full of rocket pops, red and blue juices, and other fun snacks, and enjoy a day along the shore.
Blow Bubbles
Fireworks may not be an option, but why not load up on tons of bubbles? They're fun for kids of basically all ages. For a fun nighttime option, consider making this inexpensive, super fun glow-in-the-dark bubble solution.
Make It a Movie Night
Whether this involves stringing up a white bedsheet in the backyard and using a projector or just snuggling up on the couch with a big bowl of popcorn, a family movie night is a fantastic way to celebrate the holiday.
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.
Go Fishing
Take a little family trip to go fishing in a lake or river. Whether anything is caught (or kept), fishing is always a fun excuse for a picnic by the water and learning some good skills — and fun time outside is never wasted.
Turn the Backyard Into a Water Park
There are a ton of different, increasingly complex ways to set up a backyard as a little mini waterpark. We believe in going all-out if that's what feels good. This option is even better if the weather will be hot.
Check Out a Parade
Way before the fireworks happen, usually in the later morning or early afternoon, there's almost always a parade in every town and city across the country. Make streamers or wave little flags while watching the floats and walkers go by.
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.
Break Out the Sparklers
Unlike fireworks, sparklers don't tend to cause anxiety in people or animals. Plus they're so pretty, especially once the sun goes down. Be careful around little ones, though, as sparklers can get hot.
Host a Fireworks-Free Neighborhood Bash
There are always 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
Have a Water Fight
When it's hot as heck in the summer and the kids are bursting with energy, fun with water balloons is definitely a good idea. Have a water fight in a park or in the backyard, and invite any classmates or neighbors who are in town, too.
Go Camping
It's not the most traditional way to celebrate Independence Day, but really, what better way is there to celebrate the nation than to do it in one of our breathtaking national parks? Go camping with the family and enjoy the beauty of America.
Throw a Garden Party With Lawn Games
Why not set up a little garden party with lawn games such as bocce, badminton, corn hole and croquet? Do it in the backyard or a nearby park, and bring iced tea in thermoses packed with plenty of ice to keep everyone cool during the hot summer.
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, craft 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.
Pin It!
Add this graphic to your Pinterest boards as your reference guide to celebrate the 4th of July without fireworks.
