Kid Friendly July 4 Party Ideas

Fun 4th of July Party Decorations

K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid) Don’t make more cleanup than you need to, use disposable tablecloths (in flag print or solid red, white and blue) for easy cleanup. The local dollar stores are loaded with these right now. Buy a small helium tank and fill up balloons to tie around your yard or house, or skip the balloons and do streamers instead. Balloons may be cheaper but I have seen the same dollar store with streamers also. Younger kids can help the older kids decide on the decorating scheme, then help them hang streamers around the patio and yard. You can buy small, inexpensive American flags to stick in the ground all around your yard. Don’t forget the American flags, that’s what this is all about anyway.

Easy 4th of July Party Food

Kids friendly food includes hot dogs (use our hot dog machine)and hamburgers are a classic 4th of July tradition, but don't let that steer you away from putting your own twist on tradition! Serve yours with a condiment bar featuring relish, a selection of mustard, ketchup, barbecue sauce, sauerkraut, sliced or chopped onions, tomatoes, lettuce and whatever else your family likes. You can make it more interesting by including a few fun toppers too like chili, guacamole or hot sauce. Want to do something different than the usual burger? Grill up some watermelon, or your favorite fruit. Don’t forget the corn also!

Serve kid-friendly foods like potato salad, pasta salad and coleslaw. You can also serve a fresh veggie platter — think baby carrots, sliced cucumber, bell pepper slices, broccoli and sweet peas — with a selection of dips like hummus and ranch. For dessert, serve sliced or diced fresh fruit along with a baked good such as red, white and blue cupcakes.

Beverages/Drinks

What's more perfect for Independence Day than a sparkling beverage? And yes, the kids can get in on it too — just make sure you have an easy way to keep the adult and kid cocktails separate. Jes Gordon, author of Party Like A Rock Star, suggests garnishing nonalcoholic drinks with strawberries to make them easily distinguishable.

Keep your drinks cold with our beverage dispenser. This keeps alcoholic beverages pre-made and separated from the kids drinks also.

• Shirley Temple: In a glass, combine 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda, 3 tablespoons grenadine and ice. Garnish with a wedge of orange and a maraschino cherry. Serves 1.
• Swamp Juice: Combine 1-1/2 ounces fresh squeezed lemonade, 1/4 ounce pomegranate juice, 1/4 ounce grape juice, 1/4 ounce pineapple juice and 1/4 ounce club soda in a glass and add ice.
• Pomegranate Spritzer: Combine two parts ginger ale with one part pomegranate juice in a glass with ice. Garnish with a lime slice and serve.

Party Games and Activities

While you don't necessarily need games, having one or two planned will keep kids entertained during your party. Parents appreciate your efforts at keeping their little ones busy and happy, so they can enjoy the festivities — and some adult conversation.

Have  the children organize and perform their own play about Independence Day or the Declaration of Independence. Have a costume box on hand to help with their creativity. Give them some time to come up with their ideas and practice their show, then prepare for show time after dessert.

Another option is to set up a beading station where kids can make bracelets and necklaces with a selection of red, white and blue beads, star beads and whatever else tickles your fancy. Have the adults take turns manning the station to assist kids with their creations. If the parents don't mind — and if there are no local laws against them — you can also light sparklers with the kids. However, it's very important that you explain safety rules before lighting them, and have adult supervision at all times while enjoying sparklers.

The easiest way to entertain children and allow the adults to enjoy their time as well would be a moon bounce. This allows the kids to use up all their energy and will allow them to sleep on the way home also. What parent doesn't want their kid to be active? 

Simple 4th of July Party Favors

Party favors for 4th of July are a cinch. You will need lots of small American flags, some glow-in-the-dark bracelets or necklaces and maybe some lollipops. You could also hand out red, white and silver bead necklaces. Anything patriotic makes a great 4th of July party favor, so use your imagination!