Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays, and in my eyes, it’s the highlight of summer. On the 4th of July, my family normally celebrates by going to a barbeque, playing in the water, spending time relaxing outside and watching fireworks. I also try to do something fun to teach my kids about the meaning of the day.
This year, we will be celebrating at home and I want to make sure we have a good time. I also want to have a simple and relaxing day, so I had to come up with a plan to make the 4th of July simple and exciting.
Fun fact: I love learning new facts, so it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t research things we don’t know about the 4th of July. Another fun fact, I also like to share my random information, so:
4 Things You Didn’t Know About the 4th of July (but now you do)
Although I teach my kids about the reason for celebrating Independence Day there is still quite a bit we didn’t know, and I wanted to change that this year. I mean, are we really even American if we don’t know a few fun facts about Independence Day?!
1. While the Declaration of Independence was formally adopted by Congress on July 4th, it was actually voted for on July 2nd. Because of this, John Adams celebrated the 2nd of July as Independence day and reportedly turned down celebration invitations on the 4th of July.
2. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826. They are also the only two who signed the Declaration of Independence who then went on to become President of the United States.
3. The tradition of lighting off fireworks began on the one year anniversary of America’s independence.
4. Americans consume around 150 million hotdogs on the 4th of July.
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Simple Ways to Celebrate the 4th of July at Home
1. Have a barbecue.
It isn’t July 4th if there is no 4th of July barbeque. The traditional meal of hamburgers and hotdogs with delicious side dishes is a popular way to go, or you can spice it up and offer steak instead. We’ll probably be doing the hotdog/hamburger method since my kids don’t tend to appreciate a good steak.
For 4th of July barbeque ideas click on the image:
2. Wear 4th of July themed clothing.
It’s more fun to dress up for special days, and it’s easy to dress up for the 4th of July! Your kids will always remember that part of the tradition, and you’ll get some great pictures out of it!
3. Plan fun 4th of July activities.
You can do crafts, sensory activities, games, or even go on a scavenger hunt. Whatever fun activities you plan, your kids will love it, especially if it’s Independence Day themed. For some ideas, check out my post 6 4th of July Crafts and Activities.
If you want to create an easy sensory bottle to celebrate, check out this post:
4. Watch fireworks.
No matter where you celebrate from or what you plan to do, you have to watch fireworks! If you or your kids don’t like loud noises, try sparklers instead. Fireworks (or something similar)
Final Thoughts On Simple Ways to Celebrate the 4th of July at Home
The 4th of July doesn’t have to be crazy, expensive, or stressful in order to have a good time. A low key and relaxing event can make the day more special to you and your family.
What are some of the ways you plan to celebrate July 4th this year? Tell me about it in the comments!
OH my goodness! Those clothes are so cute – especially the kimono. Also, I love a good red, white, and blue snack. Yum!
Yes!! I ordered the kimono for myself, and the matching dresses for our 15 year old and 3 year old. They love to match. Thanks for reading!
Love this! It’s our first year with an infant so our normal routine of baking on the crowded beach is a no-go! Looking forward to a BBQ at home with our new family, and we will definitely have to purchase some sparklers – what a great idea!
Thank you for reading and commenting! Enjoy the holiday with your little one. 🙂 it’s time to start the traditions that your baby will remember forever.
I loved reading all the facts and found some things I never knew! Every 4th of July I say the same joke to my husband … I tell him that we don’t celebrate Independence Day in our house because he’s still under British rule (I’m British and he’s American) – haha! I think we’ll do a BBQ out and about somewhere during the day and then relax in the evening as there are fireworks close to us that we can watch from our porch. Great post!
You’re so lucky about having fireworks close by!! And I LOVE your joke to your husband, that’s so funny!! Thanks for reading!
I love to barbeque and watch the fireworks on 4th of July with the family to me that is the best. Cute outfits I should pair up with my daughter. Good post!😊
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Thank you!! I’m glad you liked it. 🙂
Having a bbq is one of my favorite Fourth of July activities. It is probably the only time I get to eat ribs! lol
Why is it the only time?!
I love random facts!! I had no idea that Americans consume that many hotdogs. The presidential facts seems like answers to Jeopardy questions lol.
~Jay |www.moodyj.co|
I didn’t know we ate so many, either! My family definitely contributes to this number. Thanks for the comment!
That is so many hotdogs! 😮 I love having a good barbecue so I’m sure I will be contributing to that number this year.
Same!! Thank you for commenting!
Wow, I didn’t know about the 7/2 signing. Loved the fun facts!
Thank you!!
This is such a fun holiday! I love those outfits, too!
Thank you!