Fun Things to Do With the Family

Curate a Patriotic Playlist

Celebrate in a Small Town

Plan Patriotic Outfits

Whether you choose breezy summer sundresses or shorts-and-shirts combos in pops of red, white, and blue, it always adds extra fun to the holiday when the whole gang dresses in theme. Post a pic of the group on Instagram with a patriotic caption.

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Win a Water Balloon Toss

To throw, cup your balloon and toss underhanded. As you and your partner space further apart, increase the height of the balloon's arc and aim for it to peak halfway along its journey. To catch, position yourself directly underneath the balloon in an athletic stance and use two hands or the crooks of your elbows to cradle the balloon into your lap with a soft swoop.

RELATED: 36 DIY Outdoor Games for Kids and Adults

Try Square Dancing

This classic American dance form is just as fun in the backyard as it is at a town hall.

Savor Summer Tomatoes

America's most popular summer produce can be the star of your 4th of July cookout with one of these wonderful tomato recipes.

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Shop Small

America's birthday is the perfect reason to shop at a locally owned general store for all your cookout sundries and supplies. Lost River Trading Post in Wardensville, West Virginia (pictured) sells goods from more than 300 American artisans.

Make Your Own Ice Cream

Plan a Game Night

After the burgers have been eaten and the fireworks display is done, settle in for the evening with a fun game the whole family can play. (Rummy, anyone?)

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Hang a Flag

And teach the kids about American flag etiquette in the process, including the proper way to fold it when you take it down.

Watermelon Bowling

Cut Flowers for the Table

Head out to the garden in the morning when it's cool and snip blooms for your 4th of July table. Bonus points if you have blue hydrangeas to complement a patriotic color scheme!

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Craft a Patriotic Wreath

Throw a Family-Friendly Fourth U-Pick Party

Make a Water Park at Home

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Take a Hike

Hit the local nature trails, or—with 4th of July falling on a long weekend this year—make a day trip out of it. See our definitive guide to the 50 best U.S. hikes including one in your state.

Go Camping in Your Backyard

Can't make it to a real campsite this year? Try a little backyard tent camping instead. Once your cookout's died down, watch fireworks from the comfort of sleeping bags and cap off the night with some (not super scary) ghost stories before sleeping under the stars.

SHOP SLEEPING BAGS

Watch a Patriotic Movie Outside

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Create a Care Package for Our Service Men and Women

Set aside time during Independence Day weekend to create a care package to send to members of the military. UPS offers free kits and you can see a list of things to include via organizations like Soldier's Angels.

Plan a Soda Float Social

Country Living contributor Lauren Akins helped dream up this genius summer idea, which is perfect for fending off the July heat and keeping your crew refreshed. Channel the 4th of July from decades past with glass soda bottles and a vintage-inspired bar cart.

SHOP STRAW DISPENSERS

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