11 fun, easy red, white + blue 4th of July crafts for kids

Since I’ve had kids, the 4th of July has become one of my favorite holidays. I like to keep it really simple with 4th of July crafts, lots of great summer food and treats to eat, maybe letting the kids run around while the grownups hang out at the pool or in the backyard. And of course, watching the fireworks when it gets dark.

Since a few, fun patriotic activities can make the day even a little more special, I’ve rounded up some of our favorite 4th of July crafts and activities that you and the kids can make ahead of time to share with guests. Or, set out supplies on July 4th and let the kids happily craft and create. All without worrying about anything involving matches.

Sounds good to us!

Top image: 4th of July Bingo | Studio DIY

I’m a big fan of sweet and simple crafts, and this popsicle stick flag craft at A Pumpkin and a Princess fits that bill perfectly. Toddlers can make an adorably messy version, and tweens can deck theirs out with the glittery star stickers. Plus they’ll make great props for your 4th of July Instagram photos — you know, the important stuff.

Join the neighborhood parade — or start your own — with this simple DIY 4th of July ribbon wand craft tutorial we created a couple of years ago. This is one of those 4th of july crafts that’s so simple, but your kids will (literally) have hours of fun with it. And they make really great safe sparkler alternatives.

Coloring pages are always the easiest trick for parents to keep kids of all ages busy, whether they’re working on fine detail with colored pencils, or having at it with fat crayons. Check out these 9 free printable summer coloring pages we put together for kids of all ages; or support a talented Etsy artist with her own 4th of July themed coloring pages for kids. The $2 downloads at xolp include themes like fireworks, summer fun, and backyard bbqs, and they’re as fabulous as what you’ll find in any trendy adult coloring book, only for a lot less money.

If you don’t mind the idea of confetti all over your house, a perfect 4th of July craft is making kid-friendly DIY party Poppers. We found a smart tutorial from The Kiwi in the Clouds, which we think will definitely earn you a nod as the cool parent when you bring this craft to the party. (Also, if you hate the idea of confetti — and we feel you — check out her suggestions for other fun things to fill the poppers with.)

We know a lot of you love to take the kids camping for a long 4th of July weekend, and we think this make-your-own travel checkers game via For the Makers would be just perfect for some low-tech fun whether you’re camping, or for any lazy summer day at all. It’s not a quick DIY, but if you have the stamina for this one, go for it. I’d let the kids make the pieces while I took care of the board, and I know my bunch would feel so proud to have their very own checkers set they made themselves.

Our kids would be excited to make these DIY patriotic pinwheels craft for 4th of July at One Creative Mommy. They make adorable table decorations (just make sure they don’t blow away!) or you can hand them out to all the kids as party favors. So old school, but still so much fun for little kids.

With a little supervision, kids will have a blast making their own DIY punched tin can luminaries thanks to this tutorial at All Parenting. It’s easier than it looks! When the kids finish the project, write their names on the bottom then set them around your cookout to provide some ambience in the evening while you watch the fireworks. Then they can take them home at the end of the night — and we love crafts that double as party favors.

Save up your old paper towel rolls to make these DIY cardboard rockets 4th of July craft thanks to a simple tutorial at Hello, Wonderful. The kids could do this simple craft totally on their own, or maybe under the supervision of an older sibling who loves to be in charge.

I’ve never met a kid who didn’t love body art, and these patriotic DIY temporary tattoos that we spotted at Persia Lou are so beautiful, I think adults will want in too. She shows you where to find the tattoo paper on Amazon, so all you have to do is print them out. Easy, fun, and dare I say fashionable?

The free printable 4th of July Bingo cards from Studio DIY lets you pass a little time at home with the kids, or hey, go big with fun prizes at your block party — she’s got 10 boards you can print at home. And here’s a tip: If you need a few more cards, just swap a couple of the icons (like glue down the bike over the strawberry and vice-versa) and photocopy so each board remains different.

For a 4th of July craft that keeps on giving, how awesome are these woven party placemats from The House that Lars Built? Put your older kids’ scissor skills to the test by cutting strips of red, white, and blue paper, or if you want yours to come out this pro, use a paper cutter for the kids, as the blog suggests. Either way, kids should be able to follow the simple step-by-step instructions to weave these mats. I think they’re so gorgeous, I’d definitely try to find a way to laminate them (quick trip to Kinkos?) so we could keep them longer than one meal, what with all the ketchup and mustard drips that I’m sure will end up all over them. Plus I’d hate for all that hard work to blow away! These are sure to be a standout at your party.