july 4th activities for kids & families

July 4th is almost here!!

We’re thrilled to get into the kitchen and make one of our most favorite holiday treats ever–our July 4th flag cake!

But along with baking one of our favorite sweets, we’ve also thrown in some fun learning along the way–the girls and I spent the weekend in Philadelphia for the Digital Family Summit and had the opportunity not only to learn a ton and hang out with our friends, but we also got to see THE Liberty Bell up close and personal.

It was a blast, and though I grew up very close to the City of Brotherly Love, I’m embarrassed to say that we’ve never taken our children through the city.  It’s something that I’m sure we’ll add to our ‘must-do’ list in the next few months.

Because of our trip and the mini history lesson we walked through, the kids have been particularly interested in learning more about our country and its founding fathers.

Thanks to the beauty of Pinterest and a few great friends’ fabulous work, we have had more than enough to choose from as far as July 4th learning is concerned.

Here’s the skinny. . .

July 4th Activities for Kids and Families:

Sure, baking our July 4th cake is a given.  It’s something we do every year, and it’s something that we all enjoy.  But why are we making a flag cake? Why are we celebrating July 4th?   What does ‘Independence Day’ really mean?

July 4th Printable Matching Game: 

Thanks to my sweet and incredibly talented friend Carisa of 1 + 1 + 1 = 1, I found just what I was looking for in her Let’s Explore Independence Day printables.

We absolutely, totally, completely heart Carisa’s Independence Day Cards.

I printed the cards out on cardstock, and we simply cut them out then read them and matched them up. No big deal.  I didn’t quiz the kids.  (I never quiz the kids.)  I didn’t make them memorize the facts or put them on the spot.  (I don’t think I’ve ever really done this, either.)

We simply read them.  And we talked about them.

And really, the pictures and the facts and the colors and fonts were just what Maddy, Owen, and Cora needed–simple but engaging.  Hopefully they’ll have a few cool facts about their country–their Independence Day–to keep and share with others down the road.

July 4th Flag Cake: 

Find the July 4th Flag Cake here and learn how super easy it is!

July 4th Super-Fancy Flare Pens:

Find the July 4th Super-Fancy Flare Pens here and make them today!

Play July 4th Games:

Here are a few of our faves. Click on the images below and add them to your Amazon cart!

If you’re not already an Amazon Prime member, try it out for 30 days. You can even try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial. . . I’m sure you’ll love it as much as we do!

Melissa & Doug USA Floor Map Puzzle (51 pieces 2′ x 3′):

Melissa & Doug USA Wooden Puzzle (45 pieces):

Melissa & Doug Wooden Puzzle With Sound Effects (40 pieces):

Melissa & Doug American President Floor Puzzle (100 pieces):

Melissa & Doug USA, US Presidents, and Solar System Placemats:

SERIOUSLY fun game that everyone should have:

Scrambled States of America Game by Gamewright:

We absolutely love this game!

July 4th Word Search

Grab this fun July 4th word search over on Scholastic Parents Raise a Reader blog.

I created it a few years ago, but you can always head over and grab it for free!

Want to check out some other really awesome July 4th activities, crafts, and ideas for your family?

Please follow me on Pinterest–and please follow our July 4th, Memorial Day, Labor Day board–it’s packed with fab ideas from a ton of incredible parents, bloggers, and teachers.

Be sure to check out these cool resources:

• Glorious Gluten-Free July 4th Cake
• July 4th Sparkle Pens
• 11 Books about the USA from Allie of No Time for Flashcards
• United States Bingo from Mr. Printables.com

Check out a few other posts that may help you develop strong and healthy habits for your family:

• wait time
• my day, your day
• frozen peas
• kids who rock the kitchen
• kids who rock the laundry
• rest time
• gem jars
• arm circles
• noticing kids
• homework routine

fyi: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Forever and always I recommend only products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”  For more information, please see teachmama media, llc. disclosure policy.