Dr. Pamela Pruett
The 4th of July is coming soon, and many families get together to celebrate. Shared family activities provide opportunities for parents, grandparents, and caregivers to be more involved in the lives of children for whom they are responsible. Families that play together, stay together when their play is wholesome and uplifting.
Family vacations, holidays, birthday celebrations, and other activities build strong bonds and feelings of self-worth. The phrase “Remember when we…” is sure to bring love and laughter in the years to come.
Here are some ideas for family friendly 4th of July activities:
Have kids and adults take a 4th of July Trivia Quiz. Then discuss the answers. Find a free downloadable quiz and answers at https://www.makelifelovely.com/free-printable-fourth-of-july-quiz-for-kids/
Scroll down the page and you will see two embedded links for quiz and answers.
Have kids decorate their bikes and tricycles and have a patriotic parade.
Camp out in the backyard.
Play games.
Have a family movie night with popcorn inside or outdoors.
Attend a community firework display with family or watch a firework display on TV.
Have a picnic or cookout.
Turn on the sprinklers/water hose for kids to run through or have a pool party.
Make holiday themed crafts. Two websites with many craft ideas are: https://www.womansday.com/home/crafts-projects/g2446/4th-of-july-crafts/ and https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/craft-ideas/g2477/american-crafts/
Write a letter or send a care package to someone serving in the military.
Decorate your door with a patriotic wreath you make or buy.
Wear patriotic colors or decorated shirts.
Make patriotic themed recipes. A fun and healthy recipe to make together as a family with a patriotic theme is the Berry Patriotic Parfaits that is included on this page.
For more family life resources, visit the Family Life webpage for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service at https://www.uaex.uada.edu/life-skills-wellness/personal-family-well-being/.
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Dr. Pamela Pruett is a County Extension Agent – Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service in Mississippi County. She can be reached by email: [email protected]. Follow her on facebook @UAEXMISSCOFCS and on twitter @misscofcs.
Recipe is attached separately.