10 Best 4th of July Bucket List Ideas for Summer Fun

What can I add to my 4th of July bucket list?

It’s that time of year for fun in the sun. And what a better way to spend part of your summer than creating a 4th of July bucket list?

Creating new traditions and making memories is the best way to spend any holiday. So, grab your family, some favorite foods, and head out for some festive fireworks. And make this 4th of July one you won’t forget!

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What is the best part of 4th of July?

kid holding an American flag — Photo by **Big Bear Vacations** from **Pexels**

The best part of the 4th of July is a day off from work to spend time at home with family and friends. On special years, you even get a long weekend. There’s great food, family games, and fireworks! Keep reading for my other favorite activities to add to your own 4th of July bucket list.

What is the 4th of July most popular for?

Fireworks

Fireworks are the most popular activity to enjoy on the 4th of July. That makes it an absolute necessary thing to add to your 4th of July bucket list. To make it more exciting each year, find a new location to view the fireworks. If you always visit your local fireworks display, head out of town this year. Ask friends and family where their favorite fireworks are and make it a big event. Take your own chairs, pack some food and enjoy the show!

Related: Patriotic Books for Toddlers

How do you celebrate the 4th of July at home?

man cooking at a grill — Photo by **RODNAE Productions** from **Pexels**

Grill Something

There’s not a more festive scene than dad spending 4th of July behind the grill. Whether it’s burgers and dogs, a juicy steak, or some grilled veggies, 4th of July is a great day to grill and eat outdoors. And if you don’t have the space for an outdoor grill or it’s a rainy holiday, check out this indoor grill, so you can cross this item off your 4th of July bucket list this year!

red, white and blue desserts — Photo by **Artem Beliaikin** from **Pexels**

Festive Food

Besides the grilled food, there are plenty of foods you can enjoy on the 4th of July. Watermelon is a must for a 4th of July treat, and anything you can make with red, white and blue foods is a sweet treat for your 4th of July bucket list. Think a cake with white icing and blueberries and strawberries to make a flag, red and blue colored Rice Crispy Treats, or Jello in the shape of stars. The possibilities are endless.

man and woman with red, white and blue necklaces — Photo by **Big Bear Vacations** from **Pexels**

Wear Red, White and Blue

Wearing something red, white and blue on the 4th of July adds to the festive fun of this patriotic holiday. And it can be done in a variety of ways. You can be obvious by wearing a shirt with an American flag. Or you can do something simple like painting your nails in patriotic colors. Kids can get in on the fun as well, by wearing hair bows, hats, or colorful shoelaces. Make it a game and see who in your family can be the most creative.

girl playing croquet — Photo by **Bryce Carithers** from **Pexels**

Play Backyard Games

Since you’re already spending your day outside, adding some backyard games to your 4th of July bucket list will give your family something fun to do while those steaks grill. Games like corn hole, ladder ball, croquet, or bocce ball are easy to learn, are quick to play, and provide hours of fun. Or you could try giant versions of kids’ games like Connect Four, Jenga, Yahtzee, and Dominoes. Of course, you can play these games all summer, but making them a special 4th of July activity makes it more of a family tradition for your kids.

red, white and blue stars on burlap — Photo by **Brett Sayles** from **Pexels**

Make Decorations

This is a fun one for the kiddos leading up to the 4th of July. It’s perfect for right around that time when the summer boredom kicks in. Festive wreaths, fireworks made from toilet paper tubes, garlands, and stars made from popsicles sticks are some easy craft ideas to add some color to your backyard festivities this 4th of July. Add to the decorations year after year to showcase the growth of your kiddos’ artistic skills. And they can take a sense of accomplishment by checking this item off of the family 4th of July bucket list.

man standing in front of fireworks — Photo by **Rakicevic Nenad** from **Pexels**

Watch a Patriotic Movie

This is especially fun if it’s a rainy 4th of July. Or after the fireworks, you can have a family campout while you enjoy a movie and some patriotic popcorn. Some festive movie ideas to add to your 4th of July bucket list:

An American Tale (1986)
The Sandlot (1993)
A League of Their Own (1992)
Independence Day (1996)
Captain America: The Frist Avenger (2011)
National Treasure (2004)
Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)

Of course, you’ll want to make your own decision which movie is appropriate for your family. But enjoy this time together.

What are some 4th of July activities?

boy swimming in a pool — Photo by **Porapak Apichodilok** from **Pexels**

Spend Time Near the Water

Being that the 4th of July is smack in the middle of summer, it’s a great day to go swimming. Pack your sunscreen, bathing suit, and some towels for a fun time in the water. Or rent a boat and spend some time on a lake near your home. It can be quite a relaxing activity for your 4th of July bucket list.

family having a picnic — Photo by **Askar Abayev** from **Pexels**

Have a Family Reunion

This is something that takes some serious planning and may even require a venue, depending on the size of your family. But this is something that my family has done for years. 4th of July weekend was two days of family time. As a kid, it was so exciting to have a weekend jammed full of pool time, yummy foods, and seeing out-of-town relatives. As an adult, I realize just how much work went into those two days.

Regardless, it left an impression on me, and 4th of July is a great time to get everyone together. The weather is perfect, eating outside is expected, and you don’t have to worry about taking kids out of school. Adding a family reunion to your 4th of July bucket list (even every couple of years) is something that your kids will talk about for years to come.

woman with 2 kids by a mountain lake — Photo by **Josh Willink** from **Pexels**

Take a Historic Vacation

For a great time during 4th of July, pack your family in the car and take a vacation. A great 4th of July bucket list vacation is a trip to someplace historic: DC, Gettysburg, The Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore. Or you could visit any of our national parks: Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon. Or just choose your favorite location and enjoy a relaxing trip. Use our vacation budget template to research the best deal and start saving.

Conclusion

There you have it: the best activities to add to your 4th of July bucket list. There are so many memories to make with your family during the 4th of July, so pick a few of your favorites and enjoy this fun summer holiday.

What’s your favorite thing to do on the 4th of July? Let us know in the comments.