Fun 4th of July Activities for Teens and Families to Do Together

Post author:Sharon
Post published:June 6, 2023
Post category:Family / Holidays / Patriotic Holidays
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The Fourth of July is a great time to spend with friends and family. We look forward to every year. Though my kiddos are teens, we still have fun together. There are plenty of fun 4th of July activities for teens and families to do together.

So, what are some things your older kids can do this 4th of July?

Let me share a few fun and simple ideas with you.

4th of July Activities for Teens and Tweens to Have Fun with the Family

4th of July Activities for Teens and Tweens to Have Fun with the Family

So, I compiled a list of 15 Fourth of July activities for teens and families. Some are your typical ideas. However, I included some other great ideas your family can give a try.

I included some “quieter” activities for rainy days or those that needed something a little more lowkey. There are a lot of options to choose from, so take a look.

#1 Getting Ready: Fourth of July Decorations

Get ready for some Fourth of July fun with decorations! Decorating is a perfect 4th of July activity for teens. You can hang flags, bunting, streamers, make pretty paper lanterns to hang, and more.

#2 Fun 4th of July Activity for Teens: Parades and Fireworks

Fourth of July parades and fireworks are great for any age! Who gets tired of these?! So many towns and cities have parades and fireworks shows.

Our family has one parade we go to every year. The whole family looks forward to it each year.

When it comes to fireworks, we choose different fireworks shows to check out from time to time. However, I know many communities allow people to buy fireworks and set them off at home. We’ve purchased our fireworks a few times.

Teens are not too cool for a fun parade and fireworks display. Often, it becomes a tradition they’ll look forward to each year or look back on when they are grown and have families of their own.

#3 Fun Fourth Activity: Picnic Time or Barbecue

A picnic is such a fun 4th of July activity teens can enjoy. You can picnic in your backyard, at the beach, or at a park or a botanical garden.

Wherever you choose, grab a blanket, pack up your picnic basket, and make it an afternoon of fun.

You can play games (frisbee, toss a football, etc.), listen to music, or just relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Don’t forget to get your teens involved with the planning by having them make a 4th of July dessert, maybe a side dish, get together some game ideas (see #5), or pick some of their favorite music.

Don’t want a picnic?

Have a barbecue.

You and the kids can grill up burgers, hot dogs, veggies, and other summertime favorites. Invite your friends and family over for your barbecue for even more fun.

#4 Fourth of July Activity for Teens: Water Fun

Pool Party

If you have a pool or know someone who does, have a pool party! Invite your friends and family over for some fun in the sun. Get a beach ball, frisbee, or makeshift basketball hoop (laundry basket, maybe), and play in the pool. You can play tag, chicken fight, Marco Polo, and plenty of other games, too.

You can even serve fun poolside drinks or smoothies (nonalcoholic) and have fruit platters and other finger foods to add to the pool party theme.

Don’t have a pool? No problem.

Check around and see if a nearby town or city has public pools.

Pool parties are a great way to have a good time with family and friends.

Go Swimming or Boating

If you don’t have a pool or the nearest public pool is too far, you can still go swimming or boating at the beach or lake. Swimming or boating is a great way to cool off and have fun in the water. Both are super fun 4th of July activities for teens.

Teens can enjoy jumping off docks, splashing around, or lounging on floats in the local lake or pond.

While in the ocean, teens can still enjoy the crashing waves and cooler ocean temps (at least for us here in Maine).

For those more into boating, you can take out canoes, kayaks, motor boats, or a party boat. Then, the family can paddle (or motor) around and enjoy the sun.

#5 Fourth of July Fun Activity: Play Some Outdoor Games

There are many different games you can play on the Fourth of July. Some popular options include water balloon toss, tug-of-war, and relay races.

Over a Happiness is Homemade, they share some super fun outdoor Minute to Win It game ideas. The WHOLE family will love these, but they are definitely going to be fun 4th of July activities for teens.

#6 Take Me Out to the Ball Game

The 4th of July is a great time to go to a baseball game. Many Major League Baseball teams play on the 4th of July.

I know even our minor league team often plays on the fourth. After all, baseball is a great way to enjoy a patriotic holiday since it is one of America’s favorite pastimes.

#7 For a Quieter (or Rainy) 4th of July: Watch a Movie

If you’re looking for a more relaxing activity, watch a movie about the Fourth of July or with a Patriotic or American theme.

Some popular options include “Independence Day” and “The Patriot.” Also, check out the Daily Mom’s list of 20 Must-Watch 4th of July Movies for more ideas.

#8 A 4th Of July Under the Stars: Go Stargazing

Do you live in a rural area, or can get to one? Well, you can go stargazing! Look up at the night sky and see if you can spot any shooting stars, new constellations, or even some planets. It’s a great way to pass the time while you wait for a late-night fireworks show.

The BBC Sky at Night Magazine has some great tips on Astronomy for beginners. They share tips on how to find planets and constellations, useful apps, using redlight on flashlights, and more.

#9 Another Fun 4th of July Activities for Teens: Go to a Concert

Many popular bands and singers perform on the 4th of July. This is a great way to enjoy live music and celebrate the holiday. I know around here, some of the orchestras put on patriotic concerts for families to enjoy.

#10 Go to a Festival on the 4th of July

Many towns and cities hold festivals on the 4th of July. It is a fun way to enjoy some food, games, and entertainment.

Often you can listen to local bands, look at local art and crafts, check out antique cars, watch some food-eating contests, and experience some good ole’ America fun.

4th of July Activities for teens and families

#11 Show Appreciation by Volunteering

There are many ways to volunteer on the 4th of July. For example, you could help at a local food pantry, soup kitchen, or clean up a park or beach. It is a great way to give back to your community.

#12 Fun 4th of July Trivia, Games, and More

Try your hand at some fun American Trivia, do a Patriotic Scattegories game, do a word search, or do some coloring. Take a look at this 4th of July Activities Bundle. It is a packet of 10 fun activities and games.

# 13 Another Indoor 4th of July Activity for Teens and the Family: Family Game Night

Maybe you want a more low-key night. Or it is a rainy 4th of July. Well, you can have a simple game night with a fun card, board, or dice games. Look at this list of Fun Family Game Night Games for ages 8+. There is sure to be something on there you’d like to try.

#14 Have a 4th of July Dance Party

Put on some music and dance the night away. You can hold your dance party indoors or outside in the backyard.

Imagine a fun evening of dancing under the stars or with fun tiki lanterns (to keep away the mosquitos) lighting the dance floor.

#15 Great End of the Night 4th of July Activity with Teens: Have a Campfire (or Bonfire)

Finally, we’ve reached our last 4th of July activity for teens; a campfire (bonfire)! If you have a backyard, you can have a bonfire (or campfire if you don’t want such a big fire).

Invite your friends and family for some s’mores, sparklers, and ghost stories. It is the perfect way to end the day after all your fun 4th of July activities with your teens.

4th of July activities for teens; campfire or bonfire

These are just a few ideas for Fourth of July activities for teens. But of course, there are many other things you can do. So get creative and have fun!

Happy Homeschooling!

P.S. Something FREE and FUN! Download your own 4th of July BINGO!

4th of July BINGO Download

Tags: 4th of July, activities with kids, activities with teens, family activities, Fourth of July Activities, holidays, teens