Affordable {and Fun} Ways to Celebrate July 4th

I can’t believe that 4th of July is already here.  Summer is going by so quickly – it needs to stop right now!  Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays.  I love the pomp and circumstance surrounding our nation’s birthday, the celebration of summer, and the fact that it’s low key and casual.

If you’re looking for some ideas to celebrate this year’s Fourth of July, then this post is for you.  It’s just a few days away, so it’s the perfect time to start thinking and planning.

1. Plan an outdoor game with friends

4th of July is the perfect day to get some friends together to play outdoor sports.  Pick your favorite team sport {softball, volleyball, or touch football make for some good ones} and have everyone meet up at a local field for a fun pick up game.  This is family-friendly and you can end the time with some snacks and cold drinks.

2.  Enjoy a picnic at a local park

Pack up a picnic basket and head out to a local park for a fun afternoon/evening with friends or family.  Bring a frisbee along and toss it around afterwards or pack along some outdoor toys if you have children along.

3.  Host a BBQ

This might sound intimidating to some, but it doesn’t have to be.  Offer to host the gathering, but you can always ask each family to BYOM {bring your own meat} or side dishes to share.  Keep it simple and spread the tasks amongst all the attendees so that no one feels overwhelmed.

4.  Think water

This time of year, the heat and humidity are usually thick where we live so anything with water sounds refreshing on 4th of July.  Think about making your own slip n’ slide, run around in the sprinkler, or head to the pool if you have access to one.

5.  Give back

It’s hard not to be thankful for our veterans on a holiday like 4th of July.  There are many people who have sacrificed so much so that we could live in a free nation.  Consider doing something to give back to our nation’s veterans, active military, or even your local public service workers.

6.  Watch a parade

Many local communities sponsor parades on the 4th of July.  They are fun and festive for both adults and children, and a great way to enjoy the spirit of the holiday.  Pack up a cooler, some chairs, a few American flags, and pick a nice spot along the local parade route.

7.  Visit a museum or historical site

I love the idea of taking the day to soak up some of the history and culture.  Sometimes life gets so busy and I don’t always have the time to make this a priority {this may be a surprise since I’m married to a history teacher}.  Make sure to check to their hours around the holiday to ensure they are open.

8.  Attend an outdoor concert

Our city usually has a few outdoor concerts around different parts of town.  They are a fun way to enjoy some music in the beautiful weather.  Bring some chairs or picnic blankets, along with some snacks, and soak up the music.

9.  Observe a local fireworks display

Fireworks are always a hit.  Need I say more??  🙂