This year, celebrate the stars and stripes in style by making festive 4th of July crafts with your little ones. From parade-ready kazoos to flame-free backyard rockets and delicious centerpieces, we’ve got enough ideas to fuel your entire celebration. Keep reading to let affordable, DIY Independence Day fun begin.
Clothespin Wreath
Hang this adorable wreath on your door and voila: you’re ready for an Independence Day party. We love that this DIY decor is easy to make and affordable, too. You can follow the instructions to paint the clothespins yourself, and then put the whole thing together with the aid of your patriotic side-kicks. Skip on over to Miss Butterbean for the step-by-step process.
Rocket Launchers
Gather up cups and rubber bands and in minutes you’ll be watching a fire-free backyard rocket-launch contest. We love that this craft is an interactive, fun activity for the 4th that you can do before darkness falls. Check out the easy-peasy way to make your own rocket launchers at KiwiCo’s blog.
Lollipop Topiary
Expecting a crowd this 4th of July? This delicious lollipop topiary dreamed up by Gluesticks is an easy, kid-friendly centerpiece sure to make any party pop. Gather up red and blue lollipops, and get your kids ready to craft by following the directions at Gluesticks. Don’t be surprised if they sample a few of the supplies as they work!
DIY Kazoos
We love that these easy, DIY kazoos get kids parade-ready in minutes. Decorated with stars and stripes, they make for a festive 4th of July craft. Plus, you can make them with materials you have around the house. Science Buddies will show you and your crafty kids how to make your own!
Patriotic Sensory Bag
Toddlers bound to fall asleep long before the fireworks start can still have a festive 4th of July, thanks to the creative sensory table from Toddler Approved. We love that it makes for glittery, gooey, mess-free craft time. Find out how to give your little ones hands-on 4th of July fun at Toddler Approved.
Patriotic Accessories
Not only is this an excellent way to practice fine motor skills, but it'll let your little patriot dress up for Independence Day in style. Head over to Buggy and Buddy to see what you'll need.
Starry Candles
For an easy craft that doubles as a decoration, you’ve got to make these candle holders from Crafts Unleashed. Grab some Mod Podge and tissue paper and get crafting! Click here to get all the details.
Firework Prints
For some messy fun, try this cool craft from I Can Teach My Child. Grab some shaving cream, paint and a sheet pan and head outside to make these colorful fireworks. To get the instructions, click here.
Sun-Catching Stars
Get inspired by Fun Learning for Kids to craft these colorful star suncatchers. You probably already have everything you’ll need to make them, and as a bonus, it’s an easy way for your little ones to practice their fine motor skills and color mixing. Get all the details by clicking here.
Wearable Art
How cute are these hair clips from Eighteen25? These will look amazing with any 4th of July outfit, and they’re easy to make with (preferably glittery) felt and a little glue. Click here to get the instructions.
Rock Out
For a super easy craft, you’ve got to try this idea from Thrifty Nifty Things. Let the kids’ imaginations run wild as they decorate their own rocks. To get the details, click here.
Patriotic Paper Chain
We love this paper chain from A Pumpkin and a Princess because it’s so easy to make with the little ones. Drape it over your mantle or table for an extra festive touch. Click here to get the instructions.
Sam I Am
Ah, the wonders of duct tape! Skip the paint and instead, glue and tape your way to an adorable red, white and blue accessory by following this simple tutorial by blogger Caroline Armelle Drake. You’ll love that it’s easy to make and it only takes a few odds and ends that you probably already have around the house. Hats off to the most adorable Uncle Sam lookalikes we know! To get the instructions, click here.
It’s In the Can
Let freedom ring with these firecracker noisemakers. The project comes together in less than five minutes and is sure to have your whole crew celebrating in style. Grab a metal can, wrap it in a patriotic pattern from Paging Supermom, then get ready for serious noise. Click here for the full tutorial.
Twirly Towels
Use these colorful wind twirlers to celebrate America’s birthday by reusing something every home in America probably has—paper towel rolls. We love the ingenuity of this easy-to-make craft by Happy Hooligans; wouldn’t it be the perfect backyard decoration?! Find out how it’s made by clicking here.
Slime Time
Get inspired by Simple Play Ideas to make your own festive slime. Along with the red and blue food coloring, adding glitter to the mix makes it extra special. Find out how it’s made by clicking here.
Star Style
Complete your little patriot’s July 4th look with this Bottle Cap Necklace by Crafts Unleashed. It’s a fun, inexpensive craft that’s sure to become this holiday’s coolest accessory. Check out the tutorial by clicking here.
Pop the Top
Fireworks that are safe for indoors—yes, please! This DIY firework has everything that little ones love, including glitter, pipe cleaners and confetti. Made from push-up cake molds or empty ice cream push-pop containers, this fun party favor will be a huge hit with the 10 and under crowd. Pop over to Goodness on the Go for the full tutorial.
Light It Up
America’s gal comes to life with this patriotic craft from Buggy and Buddy. Drama kings and queens will love getting the chance to dress up as the Statue of Liberty and parade around with a crown and torch. Get the full tutorial on this paper plate craft here.
Shake Up the Fun
Shake, rattle and roll your way to the fireworks show with these super cute paper plate noisemakers. The genius idea from She Knows uses dried pasta or dried beans for the noise element and a kiddo’s awesome imagination for the design. Click here to get all the details.
Blow-You-Away Baubles
Everyone loves a great bauble! This 4th of July, add a little glam to your day and make these pipe cleaner rings with your kiddos. Visit Fantastic Fun and Learning for all the sparkly details. Psst ... hang on to the tinsel stems because that New Year’s Eve party will be here before you know it.
We Heart America
Show your love for America with this adorable hand print flag craft that’s fun and appropriate for all ages. Lauren at Pink Stripey Socks has a full tutorial and great tips on how to get the flag looking just right—heart shape and all. Click here for all the details.
Firework Flare
This fire-free craft from Warm Hot Chocolate definitely gets our stamp of approval. Your little artists will love using their handmade stamp to create unique works of art. Check out the how-to here, and start making room on the fridge.
4th of July in a Jar
Capture the spirit of Independence Day in a jar with this whimsical no-fire fireworks craft from 504 Main. It reminds us of a patriotic snow globe! Make your own with the instructions here.
Lady Liberty
Designed by Carrots Are Orange for even the littlest crafters, have your Miss (or Mister) Liberty decorate this iconic statue with colorful paint daubers. Spot the details here.
Flags for the 4th
This fun craft from Make and Takes will have everyone begging to sit at the kids' table. Leftover paper plates make the perfect canvas for this after-dinner activity. Click here for the details.
Glitter Stars and Stripes
Add a little sparkle to your celebration with this glittery flag from Mini Monets and Mommies. With the weather heating up, it’s a great way to reuse all those discarded Popsicle sticks. Check out how you and the kids can make your own here.
Red, White and Can
Forgo the craft store and instead scavenge materials for this eco-friendly project directly from your recycling bin. Using basic tools and a little craft paint, Carissa at Creative Green Living transformed everyday tin cans into a festive and functional wind chime for the backyard. Learn how to make your own here and start saving those cans!
Spectacular Star
Maria of Kinder Craze created this awesome project to get her kindergarten class into the stars-and-stripes spirit. Your kids will love layering the red, white and blue tissue paper to create their very own “stained glass” window, and this colorful craft doubles as great window décor for your July Fourth celebration. See the how-to here.
Light It Up
Before the fireworks light up the night sky, illuminate your backyard with this simple outdoor craft. A paintbrush, glue and sparkly sequins are all the kids will need to transform everyday glass containers into decorative luminaries. Fill with a battery-powered tea light to use these whimsical jars as a bedroom nightlight like the girls over at Fantastic Fun and Learning did. Find out more here.
Wonderful Wands
There’s nothing like a sparkling accessory to get your kids into the patriotic spirit. Perfect for waving at the local parade, these glittery wands would also make for a great photo op. Get all the crafty details from Crafts Unleashed by clicking here.
A Gorgeous Garland
Give popsicle sticks a whole new look with this fantastic idea from Ginger Snap Crafts. You can make individual flags to display or string them all together to make a wow-worthy garland. To get the instructions, click here.
Spark-less Sparkler
While the ’80s kid in us still mourns for real deal sparklers (the fiery kind), the 21st-century parent in us is totally relieved that it’s no longer acceptable to send your kids out with fire sticks. That said, we’re thrilled to get our sparkler fix with a super cool craft like this spark-less sparkler from Merriment Design. Break out the chopsticks, ribbon and party garland, then craft your way to the coolest, safest sparkler around. To get the instructions, click here.
Festive Threads
Let the littles get messy making patriotic t-shirts like these from Passion for Savings. For this one, our motto is the messier, the better (our favorite kind of craft!). Click here to get the instructions.
Fizzing Fireworks
We love this craft from Toddler Approved that combines both science and art. Baking soda and vinegar are introduced into the painting process, creating a cool fizzy “firework” effect. To get the instructions, click here.
Star-Spangled Shoes
How cute are these American flag shoes from Pretty Providence? Spend an afternoon getting crafty with fabric markers and stencils to make your own mommy-and-me kicks. Click here for the details.
Chalk It Up
Whip up a batch of starry sidewalk chalk inspired by Project Alicia. Then let the littles go wild drawing Lady Liberty and American flags. To get the instructions, click here.
Beads and Stripes
Little crafters will have a blast stringing together this cute magnet from Reading Confetti. To find out how it’s made, click here.
— Aimee Della Bitta & Lauren Hill
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Feature photo: frank mckenna on Unsplash
