Who said you had to go out for Independence Day? From hosting your own creative party to creating a backyard oasis, there are a slew of ways to make the holiday amazing right where you are.
Celebrate the Fourth Safely
While we know the holiday might look a little different this year, we bet you'll still want to celebrate it—safely. COVID-19 may have put a damper on large social gatherings and indoor festivities, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy the patriotic holiday without ever leaving your backyard. With some outdoor space, internet connection, and a little imagination—the world is your oyster! Whip out the fireworks (and learn these fascinating things about firecrackers you never knew) and toast to the founding of the Nation! Celebrate the Fourth
and flatten the curve by using this guide.
Boost your basic BBQ
If you didn't get invited to a party this year—or if parties aren't safe due to social distancing guidelines—host your own! You can even take it up a notch from the same old hot dogs and burgers on the grill. Host a bake-off and invite your family to make their favorite recipe in a specified category—then vote on a winner (maybe even create a trophy and make it an annual tradition). Feeling brave? Host an Independence Day reenactment. (If you have kids, this is a good time for them to practice researching). Need inspiration? Try one of these
14 perfect Fourth of July appetizers.
Watch a movie under the stars
Enjoy the time at home celebrating your favorite traditions, but after the sun goes down, consider getting a projector and outdoor screen to watch a movie. Pop some popcorn and make some s'mores. These family-friendly films are perfect for the Fourth!
Revisit history through a virtual tour
If you're hoping to learn a little more history this Independence Day, try taking a virtual tour of some of the Nation's most impressive collections and locations. Gather the family around the computer and take a vote on what tour might interest you. Maybe try the
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History,
The Museum of Flight,
National Women's History Museum,
NASA,
The American Battlefield Trust Virtual Battlefield Tours, or any number of others. What better time to learn about the country than on the Fourth! Can't decide? Try one of these
15 virtual tours of American landmarks.
Create a backyard oasis
Make your backyard THE place to be this Independence Day. Create a theme—host your own carnival, have an adult slip 'n' slide, kiddie pools to soak away the heat, and fun games. Think of all of the summer activities you like the best and include them. Decorate in a unique way to make it a fun day for you, your family, and friends. Don't have a backyard? Talk to your landlord about using your rooftop, find a park nearby, or even turn your apartment or house into the most amazing holiday space! Serve these
Fourth of July drinks to ensure your party is a success.
Enjoy the alone time
Though summer is supposed to be a time to unwind and relax, it seems that the calendar stays just as full as ever. Check your schedule to see if the Fourth of July might be one of the only days you have one hundred percent free to dedicate to your spouse or family. If so, maybe shirk the traditions and have a
special date night or family night to spend time with the people you love.
Rewrite the Declaration of Independence for the America you want to see
History is never over—we are writing it every single day. Take this time to read over the Declaration with your family (or go over the highlights) and then talk about what the Founding Fathers had in mind. Next, talk to your family about the ideals you think they should have included. There has never been a more important time to talk about our Nation's history, for better
and for worse, and envision the world you want to live in. The whole family can rewrite a version of the document for your home and take the historic document into the present. Take a moment to discuss the world as it stands, maybe even read one of these
13 books about race to your family.
Go camping...in your own yard
Set up tents, a fire pit, and "live off the land" from the comfort of your own backyard. Enjoy a night under the stars and outdoor cooking with your family. Having inclement weather, but still want to have a little fun? Create forts, get out your sleeping bags, and have a camp out indoors!
Let the kids plan the day
Have kids? Let them plan what you're going to do. Set a budget, give them some guidance if they need it, and let them plan a fun Fourth of July for you at your home.
Have a sports-a-thon
It's time for some friendly competition! Set up a volleyball and badminton net, invest in corn hole equipment, and toss around a few hula hoops. Make sure all ages you'll have at your house will have a sport to participate in. If your family and guests are interested, have a friendly competition with fun prizes. You'll feel like you live in the nicest small town in America.
Give back and craft
Not one to spend your time out in the heat? Thanksgiving and Christmas aren't the only holidays where you should have others in mind. This is a great opportunity to reach out to your favorite charity to find out about any in kind needs they may have. Knit hats and blankets for babies, put together bags of toiletries for shelters, write letters to military personnel overseas, etc. Find a
volunteer opportunity that's meaningful to you, your friends, and families and make this a memorable holiday because you did something for others!
The original article appears here: https://www.rd.com/list/ideas-for-4th-of-july/
