Fun for the Fourth of July

Happy 4th of July weekend, everyone! As the summer heat rages in full force and some more 'rowdy' weekend activities amp up, figuring out some safe and family-friendly activities is a top priority for many people. Today I'd like to share some easy, quick-to-set-up ideas that are doable almost anywhere (unlike fireworks or pool parties).

1. Red, White, and Blue Cooking Night

Everyone gets hungry, so for the holiday, run to the store or check your kitchen for red, white, and blue ingredients. Putting together some snacks for a family picnic, a date night in, or even as a part of dinner to add a patriotic flair can be a simple way to celebrate the 4th. Some ingredient ideas to consider: cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella, blueberries, blue cheese, red bell pepper, marinara sauce, powdered sugar, spirulina, and yellow onion. Of course, if you feel inclined, food dyes are always available to expand your creative vision.

2. Car Picnics

It's understandable if you don't want to spend your money on a ticketed show or out in the heat amongst crowds of people. Luckily, if you have a vehicle, you can take the fun anywhere! If there's a good vantage point in your city, or an empty parking lot near a fireworks show, you can make your own private viewing. Pack up some sandwiches, chips, or your favorite take-out and hop in the car. Free music, free AC, and snacks of your choice all sound like a win.

3. Volunteer/donate

No matter where you're living, there's a high chance that a nonprofit or other organization is in need of volunteers. Any events in your area that need setup or takedown will also need extra hands, and food banks can always use food donations and volunteers. More than just attending an event or spending time with family, volunteering positively impacts your community. Celebrate your country by celebrating its people, and give back to those in need.

4. Have a History Movie Night

Do you love to learn? Try watching something about USA history, such as the miniseries The American Presidency (2022) on Netflix or Hulu! If you're into dramatic historical fiction or biographical flicks, try The Patriot (2000), Lincoln (2012), or Hidden Figures (2016). If you don't have the money to spend on streaming or renting, YouTube is home to thousands of free documentaries and movies to explore American history. Series and films like these can provide some insight into the history of the United States' people and accomplishments.

Hopefully, you have new ideas for celebrating the 4th! If you want to go all out, combine them together, or try to do all four during the holiday weekend. Additionally, while all of these activities are themed towards the 4th of July, you can certainly extend the festivities across the rest of the month. If you hadn't noticed, the weather has reached a boiling point, so finding fun activities that don't require excessive outdoor time can be important for many. Have a great weekend, and happy 250th anniversary to the United States of America!