The 4th of July is a day deeply rooted in American history—a day to celebrate independence and an opportunity to bask in the summer sun. Yet, with so much to see and do, creating an ideal 4th of July itinerary can be a bit confusing. 

Fear not, fellow celebrants! We’ve put together a list of 10 marquee must-dos that will make sure your 4th of July isn’t easily forgotten. 

1. Plan a Backyard Barbecue with a Twist

The 4th of July classic: a backyard barbecue. There is something that makes everyone feel just right: gathering with family and friends, firing up the grill, and indulging in yummy food. But why not add a little twist this year?

Patriotic Potluck

Take the traditional potluck to a higher level. In fact, request that all members bring in a red, white, and blue-themed dish. Think in terms of watermelon and feta salad, blueberry cobbler, or red velvet cupcakes.

Games Extravaganza in Your Backyard

Have a few American classic lawn games set up, such as cornhole, frisbee, or a horseshoe toss tournament. Maybe add a bit of your creative edge and concoct some of your own, like a red, white, and blue water balloon toss.

Movie Night Under the Stars

As the sun goes down, fill up on an old-fashioned movie. You can project a classic American movie or a funny comedy onto a sheet strung up between trees. Bonus for movie snacks that come in patriotic colors!

2. Hit the Beach for a Star-Spangled Splash

There’s nothing quite like celebrating freedom with your toes in the sand and the sound of waves crashing in the background. All you really need is a cooler full of drinks and snacks—tasty ones, a few beach balls and frisbees to toss around, and a whole lot of sunshine.

Beach Volleyball

Invite friends and family members over for a nice round of beach volleyball.

Build a Sandcastle Masterpiece

Unleash your inner kid and have a competition building sandcastles. Awards can be given for the most elaborate, for humor, or most patriotic.

Sunset Scavenger Hunt

The sun is setting, so let’s make this happen while wandering the beach. Your scavenger hunt could consist of clues hidden in seashells, sandcastles, or another location only found within the beach area.

3. Unleash Your Inner Foodie with a Red, White, and Blue Feast

Food is central to any celebration, so the 4th of July is no exception. Why not make it a patriotic taste adventure and thrill your tastebuds?

Burgers Red, White, and Blue

Get creative with your burger toppings. Add sliced strawberries and blueberries for a little touch of red and blue.

Patriotic Skewers

Thread cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, and blueberries on a skewer for a light, refreshing appetizer.

Firecracker Fruit Salad

Watermelon, cantaloupe, and blueberries combine in a red, white, and blue healthy dessert

4. Bring Light to the Sky Yourself with Our Firework (Using Sparklers When Permitted By Local Ordinance)

Yes, professional fireworks are always the stars of 4th of July events, but they are not common to every place or do happen at all. The good news is you can always do your show, using the simple sparklers, if they are allowed.

5. Travel Back in Time with a Patriotic Scavenger Hunt

July 4th presents the chance to learn much about the history of America.

Scavenger Hunt List

Look up local historical landmarks, monuments, or statues. Create a list of clues that lead the participants to the location of each one.

Learn and Celebrate

With each location, put one fact or a short reading about the historical importance of these locations; that way, one learns and has fun with the game.

Take it Online

Can’t scrounge up enough historical sites near you? Try a digital scavenger hunt, and use online tool and resources. hstorical websites

6. Attend a Local Parade or Festival

Most towns and cities commemorate  the 4th of July with parades or festivals. A parade is a great way to celebrate in a community, and you’ll be sure to enjoy the local event.

Show Your Spirit Wear red, white, and blue, wave flags and cheer the parade float actors along as they pass by you.

Festival Fun

Many of the festivals include food vendors, live music, and activities of all kinds .

Volunteer Your Time and Give Back

While the 4th of July honors freedom, it is also a significant reminder of the importance of giving back to the community.

Soup Kitchens and Shelters

Most soup kitchens and shelters will serve meals on the 4th. Volunteering some of your time this day in food preparation or serving will be a true celebration. 

Park Cleanup

Organize a park cleanup event in your neighborhood. Spending times cleaning green space is one of the best ways of giving back and beautifying the community.

Veteran Support Organizations

Volunteer at veteran support organizations or events that honor their members.

8. Chill Out for the Day with a Patriotic Picnic

Sometimes, the best way to enjoy and celebrate is to simply take the austerity out of the occasion and appreciate the finer things in life. Just get a picnic basket and fill it with delicious bites and drinks. Proceed to a pretty-looking place in the park or out by the lake to chill out for a while.

9. Cool off with a Red, White, and Blue Pool Party 

If you have a pool, then go for a pool party with friends and family while beating the summer heat.

Pool Floaties Extravaganza

Better have everyone bring their splashiest, most red, white, and blue pool floaties yet for the most patriotic pool party in history.

Water Games Galore 

Set up water gun fights, slip ‘n slide competitions, sprinkler tag, or maybe a limbo contest and horseshoes with water balloons for an amazing afternoon show.

Poolside Snacks

Set Up a table of cool drinks, and snacks poolside from chips to dips and you’re set.

10. American Classics Paired with a Game Night

What else is hospitable in the true sense than inviting people to enjoy classic old American games? Have your near and dear ones over for games galore with the night paired along with games as one of the experiences.

American Board Game Classics

Dust off your vintage American games such as the bright Monopoly, classic Scrabble, and iconic Risk.

Themed Snacks and Drinks

Serve snacks and drinks that go along with the red, white, and blue theme. Think red velvet cupcakes, blueberry pie, or a white chocolate cheesecake.

Award Ceremony

You can even make it that more fun with an award ceremony for the biggest. or loser, most creative game plan.

With these 10 stellar ideas, you’ll surely throw a fun, memorable 4th of July celebration. So gather your friends, get your family together, embrace that free spirit, and let the celebrations begin!