The 4^th of July is almost here. Can you smell the fireworks?

Here are 7 easy ways to make this fourth of July the best you’ve ever had (for you and your family).

Go on a Picnic

The weather in July is notoriously good all across the nation. So there really isn’t a better time to pack some sandwiches up and have a picnic by the lake. During the picnic you can read famous stories about the holiday, like Paul Revere’s midnight ride, the Declaration of Independence or Valley Forge.

Lounge in the Pool

There’s no better antidote to the hot July sun than relaxing in a cool pool. Stretch out and improve your tan, lay on a pool floatie and read a book, or splash around with the kids. Just make sure you don’t forget the sunscreen!

Host a Block Party

July 4^th is the perfect time to get together with your friends and extended family. And there’s no better way to do that than hosting a block party. Arrange for people to bring their own food and dishes. While you’re firing up the grill, here are some fun games everyone can play:

• Red White & Blue Tag

Give everyone a strip of paper that is either red, white or blue. When you tag another person, you get their strip of paper. The first to have all three wins.

• American History Trivia

Test your knowledge of American history with a game of history trivia. Create questions relating to famous battles (like Lexington & Concord), famous people (like Patrick Henry and Ben Franklin), and famous locations (like Valley Forge).

• Bike Decorating Contest

Have all the kids decorate their bikes with red, white and blue streamers. When the bikes are decorated, go on a bike ride so they can show them off to everyone.

• Capture the American Flag

Just like capture the flag, only you use one blue flag and one red one. Put them at opposing ends of the field. If someone is tagged, they’re out. The team that brings the flag from one side of the field to the other wins!

• Water Balloon Dodge Ball

This one is perfect for especially hot days. Fill up a bunch of red, white, and blue balloons with water. Then set up two sides on a small field. Anyone who gets hit by a balloon is out for the remainder of the match. The team who manages to get all the opposing side out wins.

• Air Mail Ballots

Get a few red, white and blue frisbees. Then cut a slit in a cardboard box that’s big enough for them to fly through with relative ease. Decorate the cardboard box like a ballot box you would put votes in. Stand back 10 – 15 feet and try and throw the frisbees through the ballot box. The person who can throw the most in wins.

After you play these games and everyone gets their fill of the delicious food, you can bust out the fireworks for a magnificent closing display.

Make Your Own Festive Crafts

Let’s face it – red, white and blue looks good on everything! From painted pots to a revolutionary war inspired quilt, there are countless ways to add your own touch of patriotism around the house.

Make a Hot Dog Station

Who doesn’t love hot dogs? Take it to the next level this 4^th with a dedicated hot dog station. Include all the essentials like ketchup, mustard and buns. Take things to the next level with barbeque sauce, relish, chili, or anything else you can think of.

Watch a Parade

July 4^th may have the best parade of the year. With music, games, entertainment and food trucks galore, a 4^th of July parade is something the whole family can enjoy. Make sure to arrive at the parade grounds early to secure a good seat.

Take Independence Day Photos

Dress up like your favorite 4^th of July hero (don’t forget the fake beards) and take group photos together. Hold flags and pop confetti poppers for memories that will last a lifetime.

Go on a Trip

The 4^th of July is different all across the nation. Visit Washington D.C., and you can see the fireworks display right on the Lincoln Memorial (with every explosion reflecting in the pool below). Visit Seattle for a waterfront fireworks display that is one of the best in the nation. In San Diego, you can see the fireworks on the beach.

Philadelphia and Boston are both homes to a huge amount of colonial history. Schedule a tour of the city in the days leading up to the fourth, gain a new, deep appreciation for the history, and cap it all off with a brilliant display of fireworks. What’s not to love?  

Best wishes,
The Vipon Team.