Things to Do on the 4th of July With Your Family in the Backyard

Have you ever wondered how to celebrate the 4th of July at home and make it as exciting as going out? What do you usually do on the 4th of July, and how can you make it more fun with your family this year? Celebrating Independence Day doesn't always mean you have to venture out to crowded events. You can have a fantastic, memorable holiday right in your own backyard! From patriotic decorations to exciting outdoor activities, we've got everything you need to create an unforgettable holiday right in your backyard.

 

Read on to discover how to have more fun with your family this Fourth of July and create an unforgettable holiday right in your backyard.

 

9 Exciting Things to Do on the 4th of July With Your Family in the Backyard

 

Here are 9 exciting activities you can enjoy with your family in your backyard to make this Independence Day truly memorable.

 

1. Set up Poolside Patriotic Decorations

 

 

Transform your backyard pool into a festive oasis with patriotic decorations. Adorn the area with red, white, and blue banners, balloons, and flags.

 

Create a fun and inviting atmosphere by adding pool floats that complement the theme with patriotic colors. A PartyPad Swim-Up Bar can also be a great addition, serving as a convenient beverage station that can be placed on a pool ledge or the coping and stocked with refreshing drinks like lemonade, iced tea, or mocktails. In-pool chaise lounge chairs can also offer a relaxing spot to enjoy the festivities.

 

2. Host a Backyard Barbecue Bash

 

 

No 4th of July celebration is complete without a backyard barbecue. Fire up the grill and prepare classic American dishes like hamburgers, hot dogs, and ribs. Complement the main dishes with side salads, corn on the cob, and baked beans. Don’t forget the condiments and a variety of drinks to keep everyone refreshed.

 

Set up picnic tables and provide plenty of seating for your guests to enjoy their meals comfortably.

 

3. Host a Fun-Filled Family Competition

 

 

Organize some friendly competitions with family relay races to add excitement and laughter. Set up different stations with fun tasks like tic tac toe relay races, sack races, egg-and-spoon races, and three-legged races. Use red, white, and blue bandanas to add a patriotic touch to the events. These activities are great for all ages and will get everyone moving and laughing.

 

Beyond the relay races, you can also play games like pool volleyball, and basketball, or a patriotic version of Marco Polo, where the caller shouts “USA” instead. You can also create a treasure hunt with red, white, and blue items hidden in the pool.

 

Enhance your poolside fun with Hoopstr, the all-new go-to choice for backyard ballers. Hoopstr can be used both in and out of the water, adding a unique twist to your games. Set it up on the pool coping or at the ledge for a challenging and fun basketball game.

 

Add more variety to your backyard fun with classic games like ping pong, dominoes, and ring toss. These games are perfect for all ages and can be set up easily around the yard, providing plenty of entertainment options throughout the day.  Consider giving out small prizes for the winners to make it even more exciting.

 

4. Create a Patriotic Playlist

 

 

Music can enhance the atmosphere of your celebration. Create a playlist filled with patriotic songs and classic summer hits. Include songs like "The Star-Spangled Banner," "America the Beautiful," and "Born in the USA." Add more tunes such as "God Bless the U.S.A." by Lee Greenwood, "American Girl" by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, "Living in America" by James Brown, and "Party in the U.S.A." by Miley Cyrus​. Play the music through outdoor speakers so everyone can enjoy the festive sounds.

 

5. Engage in Stars and Stripes Crafts

 

 

Get creative with some patriotic crafts. Set up a craft station with supplies like construction paper, markers, glue, and glitter. You can make American flags, star-shaped decorations, or red, white, and blue friendship bracelets. This activity is perfect for kids and allows them to express their creativity while celebrating the holiday. Display their creations around the yard to add to the festive décor.

 

6. Host a Backyard Movie Night

 

 

As the sun sets, shift the celebration to a cozy backyard movie night. Set up a projector and screen, or use a blank wall or sheet.

 

Arrange comfortable seating with Adirondack chairs, blankets, and the Laze Pillow, which lets you watch anywhere you’d like, on the lawn or in the pool. Add some outdoor daybeds or Mainstay Double Chaise for ultimate relaxation, allowing everyone to enjoy the movie comfortably.

 

Choose a patriotic movie like "Independence Day," "The Sandlot," or "Captain America." Don’t forget the popcorn and snacks!

 

7. Host a Spectacular Fireworks Viewing Party

 

 

If there are local fireworks displays, arrange a viewing party in your backyard. Set up blankets and chairs so everyone can sit back and enjoy the show.

 

If fireworks aren’t visible from your home, consider buying some safe, legal fireworks to light in your yard. Make sure to follow all safety guidelines and local laws. Sparklers are a great alternative for a safer yet still exciting fireworks experience.

 

8. Indulge in Red, White, and Blue Desserts

 

 

Treat your family to some festive desserts. Create a dessert table filled with red, white, and blue treats.

 

You can make cupcakes with patriotic frosting, a trifle with layers of berries and cream, or cookies decorated with star-shaped sprinkles. For a healthier option, prepare a fruit platter with strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream. These desserts will not only taste great but also add to the festive look of your celebration.

 

9. Stargazing Under the Night Sky

 

 

End the night with a peaceful stargazing session. Lay out Laze pillows or use outdoor daybeds for a comfortable and cozy viewing experience.

 

Teach your kids about constellations, and bring along a star map or use a stargazing app to enhance the experience. This quiet, reflective time is the perfect way to wind down after a day of excitement, providing a serene moment to celebrate the beauty of the night sky and the wonders of the universe.

 

Make Your 4th of July Unforgettable!

 

As you plan your 4th of July celebration, remember the best moments are those spent with loved ones. So, gather your family, prepare your backyard, and get ready to celebrate the 4th of July with these exciting outdoor activities.

 

Then, after the festivities wind down, continue to enjoy your outdoor space all year long. No matter the season, there’s lots to enjoy in the backyard and we want to make sure you can get the most out of it. Subscribe to our email newsletter for year-round outdoor living tips.

 

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