As the fireworks fly high into the sky and the hot dogs are being grilled, I always pause and remember why we are celebrating this day. The 4th of July means so much to me. When I was a kid we would do all kinds of DIY projects, like DIY 4th of July party games and decorations. We would decorate the boats for the yearly boat parade and after that was over I would play on the beach with all my friends.
It Was A Neighborhood Event
After the boat parade all of the neighbors would meet at one house and we would eat all of the amazing food that everyone would bring. Then just as it was starting to get dark, 3 loud booms would happen and we would hop in the boat and head to the middle of the lake to watch the fireworks.
Related – History of 4th of July
Don’t Break The Bank
Now that I am older, I still enjoy all that the 4th of July has to offer. I still love to create fun and easy DIY 4th of July party games and outdoor activities that anyone can make. You don’t have to break the bank to create these easy DIY projects, most of them can be made for under $5 and you may already have some of the items in your home already.
You can get the kids started on some of these projects ahead of time. It’s a great way to keep them busy during these hot days of summer.
4th of July Party Poppers
Items needed
- Toilet paper rolls (just the cardboard)
- Americana Acrylic Paint in red, white and blue
- Red, white and blue card stock
- Sponge brushes
- Large balloons
- Confetti
- Ziploc bags
Directions
- First, paint the toilet paper roll, this is where you really get to be creative, have fun with the paint, make polk-a-dots or stripes.
- Let the paint dry at least 10 minutes in between coats.
- Next, cut the tip off of the balloon and place it over one end of the balloon, tie a knot in the other end of the balloon.
- Now it’s time to create the confetti, you can buy confetti, but what’s the fun in that.
- If you have a hole puncher or in my case a book making puncher, the confetti is very easy to make.
- Let the kids have fun cutting a bunch of paper into small pieces.
- I used red, white and blue card stock.
- Put the confetti into Ziploc bags until you are ready to use the poppers.
- When ready, put a handful of confetti into the popper and pull back on the knotted balloon while holding the toilet paper roll and let go and watch the confetti fly.
Snap, Crackle & Pop Fireworks Bar
Items Needed
- 3-4 Different sized glass jars
- Americana Chalkboard paint
- Americana paint marker in black
- Crayola chalk
- Americana themed ribbon
- Glue dots
- Americana acrylic paint in red, white and blue
- Small paint brush
- Different kinds of fireworks, I used sparklers, poppers, Roman candles and glow sticks
Directions
- First, draw a design on the front of the glass jar using the paint marker.
- Fill it in with 1 coat of chalkboard paint.
You will need at least 3-4 coats of the chalkboard paint, but be sure to let it dry at least 20 minutes in between coats. - Using the end of the paint brush, dip it in the acrylic paint, once color at a time and dot polk-a-dots around the chalkboard design.
- Let this dry overnight.
- Fill the jar with different fireworks and write Snap, Crackle and Pop on the different jars with chalk.
- Wrap a piece of Americana ribbon around the top of the jar and adhere it with a glue dot.
4th Of July Utensil Holder
Items Needed
- Mason Jars
- Red, white and blue bandannas
- Plastic ware
- Napkins
- Straws
Directions
- This is the easiest craft ever, grab the bandanna in the middle and scrunch it up and place it into the Mason jar, leaving the edges hanging out.
- Fill the jars with the different items needed for a party, silverware, straws and napkins.
- You could also place a small American flag into each jar for a little more decoration.