July 4th is a pretty awesome holiday as far as families are concerned — between the backyard barbecues and the fireworks, there's plenty of excitement for kids. Still, though, if you're looking for more ways to keep those little tykes busy while celebrating this country's Independence Day, a few red, white and blue crafts could be just the ticket.
Whether you want an easy activity for toddlers or one that'll keep older kids busy for hours, these July 4th crafts are bound to make your Independence Day feel a bit more celebratory.
Love how #8 takes mere minutes to make, but will keep the kids busy for hours afterward!
Image via Pretty Handy Girl
Star Spangled T-shirts
Talk about the perfect July 4th outfit: a red, white and blue star-spangled t-shirt! Plus it's easy and fun to make; all you need is dye in spray bottles along with painter's tape (and shirts, of course).
Patriotic Lantern
Need a quick and easy craft for the kids? Construction paper, scissors and glue are all that's needed to create this patriotic lantern that can be a festive touch to any July 4th party.
Melted Pony Bead Flags and July 4th Decor
While pony beads are typically used to make jewelry, they're also perfect for creating all kinds of July 4th decor, from flags to red, white and blue napkin holders. All you need are beads and a non-stick pan; but this will keep your kids occupied for hours as they arrange the beads just so.
Patriotic Strawberries
This craft doubles as a great snack: red, white and blue strawberries. All you need is white chocolate, blue sugar, and the berries provide the red! The kids will need help with melting the chocolate, but they can go crazy with the sugar sprinkles.
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Red, White & Blue Birdhouses
If your kids are bird lovers, painting patriotic bird houses is the perfect way to celebrate July 4th: They'll get a red, white and blue fix and create a home for their feathered friends.
Handprint Flag
For this July 4th handprint flag craft, kids get to paint on their own hands — how often do they get to do that? — then press on paper to create the stripes and stars. So easy, so fun, and let's face it … they'll love getting messy the most.
Duck Tape Pinwheel
Duck Tape isn't just an all-purpose adhesive for home repairs. It's also a staple for all kinds of crafts, including July 4th pinwheels! This "Ducktivity" takes just a half hour to make, and all you need is a pushpin and a little patience (along with tape of course) to put it together.
Star Bubble Wand
These star-shaped bubble wands are perfect to keep your kids occupied at outdoor barbecues, plus they're easy peasy to make out of pipe cleaners. Bubble solution, meanwhile, can be easily made at home out of dish soap.
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Tie Dye Tablecloth
If a picnic or barbecue is in your family's future, a red, white, and blue tie dye tablecloth (which doubles as a picnic blanket) will definitely come in handy! Home Made Interest has all the details on this kid-friendly activity.
Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes
Ice cream is a July 4th staple, only it melts in the heat … what to do? Have your kids help you make ice cream cone cupcakes with a red white and blue theme. You just bake the cupcakes in the cones then add frosting. They can get involved in the mixing of the ingredients, placing the cupcakes in the cones, and adding star sprinkles on top.
Hand Fireworks
Got toddlers who can't stay up late enough for the fireworks? Then have them create their own in your home with this handprint firework craft, which is simple enough for even young kids and easy to make with construction paper and glitter.
Patriotic Headband
Your daughter will be the belle of the July 4th barbecue with this homemade patriotic headband, which can be easily made with plain headbands, glue, and red, white & blue ribbon.
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