Best 4th of July Traditions for Families (How to Celebrate Independence Day)
4th of July traditions are some of the best memories for many families. Life gets so busy that holidays are often the only time everyone can be together…
So this year, celebrate Independence Day with these fun things to do – you can carry them on as family traditions for years to come. As Kansas City grills out, lights off fireworks, and enjoys the warm weather, try a few new family traditions below:
Fun 4th of July Traditions for Families
One of the best things about holidays is the traditions that come with them.
Traditions have a way of creating a sense of comfort.
I hope this Fourth Of July you can smile, laugh, and enjoy the value of simply being together. Find fun things to do on the 4th of July that can become Independence Day traditions for years to come. While you are celebrating, be sure to keep your pets safe too!
Independence Day Activities
1) Head to a parade
One of the best things to do for the 4th of July is to bring your family to a local parade. Find things to do on the 4th of July like parades, festivals, fireworks shows & other fun events!
2) Hang an American flag together
You can use this as a teaching moment. Let this be an opportunity to educate your children on our Independence Day history.
3) Wear your red, white, and blue all day long!
Who doesn’t want to get dressed up? Then, capture adorable photos of your family celebrating the 4th of July together!
You can find many festive red, white & blue items at your local Dollar Store!
4) 4th of July cookout or neighborhood block party
4th of July BBQ! Each family can serve different items and create a potluck, 4th of July feast! Crank up the music, have a fireworks show, and just let the kids be kids.
There are also many fun 4th of July activities to play: relay races, horseshoes, get out the slip and slide (learn to make your own), football or badminton, have a pie eating contest, water balloon fight…there are endless possibilities.
5) Have an outdoor adventure!
Go to your favorite park, lake, or even your backyard to have a family picnic. You can also fish at a local fishing spot, or even camp for the whole weekend!
There are also fun Kansas City parks & trails that are perfect for the family. This is a fun way to create traditions no matter what outdoor activities you choose.
6) Cool off at your local pool or splash park
There are tons of swimming pools around Kansas City for your kiddos to cool off! Or, if you have little ones you can head to one of the 32 Splash Parks in Kansas City.
7) Bake up something fun in the kitchen
There are too many 4th of July treats to choose from. Make a 4th of July snack: red, white, and blue waffles! Let the kids get messy and be a part of the fun.
8) Grab ice cream, shakes, or a snow cone
Go to a local ice cream shop or create your sundaes together. There are delicious options in Kansas City like, Tay’s Burger Shack or Lilo’s Shaved Ice.
9) Watch a free outdoor concert or movie.
This is one of our favorite 4th of July traditions. Our city has so many free concerts to choose from. Check out our 4th of July guide to find fun things to do outdoors all week long.
10) Watch a fireworks show
Your family can enjoy a fireworks display on or before the 4th of July. There are events all weekend long across the metro. Most of them are free with options to purchase things like food and drinks. Find one with our Fireworks guide.
It is safe to say that nearly every city hosts a free fireworks show. Get out there and enjoy one of the best parts of The Fourth Of July. There is also the option of putting on your own fireworks show. What kid doesn’t love to pick out their fireworks?
Fireworks at the Kansas City Country Club Plaza lighting celebration
We hope you have found lots of fun things to do on the 4th of July with these traditions. Our family has been doing some of these for years, so we know your kiddos will enjoy them too.
If you have other 4th of July traditions your family loves, drop them in the comments!
Enjoy the Great Outdoors at KC Parks:
- Unique playgrounds in KC
- Where to pick apples near you!
- Best Places to Camp Near KC
- Best Places to Fish Near KC
- Complete Guide to Float Trips Near KC
- Guide to Cabins Near KC
- Sunflower Pass FREE for Kansas Families
