4th of July Week for Kids: Camping, Crafts, Snacks & Celebration Ideas
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Looking for a simple way to add some fun and structure to your summer at home with little ones? Theme Week Summer was designed with preschool and early elementary-aged kids in mind, giving you a low-pressure rhythm for the season with flexible, intentional ideas. Each week centers around a new theme, and you can grab my free printables to create your own summer schedule and plan out books to read, activities to try, snacks to make, and more! 👉 Click here to visit the main blog post and get your free calendar and planning worksheet.
This week’s theme is 4th of July — and I’m sharing it early so you have time to prep your own festive week for the kids! We'll be away camping during the holiday, which means there will be plenty of built-in activities for our family, but I’m also packing fun decorations for the camper, red-white-and-blue outfits and accessories, a few easy crafts and games for downtime, and snacks to make our 4th of July week feel extra special.
Theme Week Summer: Easy Ideas for an Intentional Summer at Home
Theme Week Summer is all about simple, intentional fun at home with your preschoolers and early elementary kids! Grab free printables to plan your own summer themes and follow along with weekly inspiration, activities, books, snacks, and more.
4th of July 🇺🇸
Whether you're at home or heading away for the holiday, this 4th of July Week post is filled with festive ideas for young kids! You’ll find easy activities, themed snacks, red-white-and-blue crafts, and patriotic shows and movies for when you need a little screen time. Keep it simple or go all in—whatever works for your crew this week!
Activities to Do
Decorate your porch, camper, or play area with red-white-and-blue streamers or balloons
Paint fireworks with toilet paper rolls or sponges
Make paper plate flags or sparkler wands
Set up a backyard parade with bikes and scooters
Try a glow stick dance party or scavenger hunt after dark
Create red, white, and blue sensory bins
shop activities & crafts
see ideas on pinterest
Places to Visit
Fireworks Events Local to Lancaster, PA:
Friday, June 27, 2025
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Mountville Fireworks (Rain Date: July 5, 2025)
Sunday, June 29, 2025
Thursday, July 3, 2025
The Barn at Paradise Station (Rain Date: July 6, 2025)
Lancaster Stormers at Penn Medicine Park (Free Family Event)
There will also be fireworks after the games on July 4 & 5
Friday, July 4, 2025
Lititz July 4th Celebration (Rain Date: July 5, 2025)
Marietta Fireworks (with Activities at Community Bible Church)
Stone Gables Estate & The Star Barn 4th of July Celebration & Fireworks Extravaganza
Columbia/Wrightsville Fireworks Celebration at Riverfront Park
Ephrata Fireworks Display (Rain Date: July 5, 2025)
Ephrata Recreation Center will put on a fireworks show behind the Lincoln Heights Recreation Area, at 301 Crescent Ave. in Ephrata. The fireworks display will start at 9:30 p.m., and admission is free.
Before the fireworks, the Ephrata Church of the Brethren, at 201 Crescent Ave. in Ephrata, will host a Fourth of July Community Fun Night from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 5, 2025
Attend a local parade or community celebration
Visit a campground with 4th of July programming
Watch a fireworks show from a nearby park or parking lot
Head to a playground for a festive picnic with patriotic treats
Snacks to Eat
Check out the carousel below for some of the cutest and easiest mermaid and pirate-themed snack ideas I found on Pinterest!
Some ideas include:
Red, white & blue fruit kabobs
Patriotic popcorn (popcorn + red & blue candy melts + sprinkles)
Watermelon stars with blueberries and marshmallows
Flag-themed snack trays or charcuterie boards
Star-shaped cookies or rice krispie treats
see ideas on pinterest
shop snack supplies
Books to Read
See the carousel below for some fun 4th of July-themed picture books!
A few highlights:
"The Night Before the Fourth of July" by Natasha Wing
"Red, White, and Boom!" by Lee Wardlaw
"F is for Flag" by Wendy Cheyette Lewison
"God Bless Our Country" by Hannah C. Hall
"Fourth of July Mice!" by Bethany Roberts
Shows to Watch
4th of July TV Shows for Preschoolers
Peppa Pig – "The Carnival" (Season 3, Episode 45) – Streaming on Paramount+
Bluey – "BBQ" (Season 1, Episode 43) – Not 4th of July specific but gives family picnic vibes – Disney+
Sesame Street – "Celebrating America" (Season 50, Episode 16) – Streaming on Max
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse – "Mickey's Big Band Concert" (Season 3, Episode 19) – Disney+
Mermaids & Pirates Movies for Preschoolers
The Sandlot (older kids) – Streaming on Disney+
An American Tail – Streaming on Prime Video
Captain America: The First Avenger (older kids/teens) – Disney+
Clothing & Accessories
Add a little patriotic flair to your week with festive outfits and fun accessories! From red-white-and-blue dresses and star-spangled tees to glow-in-the-dark bracelets, hair bows, and even temporary hair paint—these extras are sure to make your kids feel ready to celebrate. Great for parades, parties, or just making memories at home or the campground.
Patriotic Decorations
Get in the spirit with some easy, festive 4th of July decorations! Whether you’re decorating your front porch, backyard, or camper, these patriotic picks will help you create a space that feels special for the holiday. Think flags, string lights, banners, and star-spangled touches to bring the red, white, and blue fun to life.
Memory Verse
“Serve one another humbly in love.”
Here’s a recap of our 4th of July Week:
Here’s a peek at what we actually did during 4th of July Week! 🇺🇸
Stay tuned!
Whether you're planning a quiet celebration at home or heading out for a big family adventure like us, 4th of July Week is a great excuse to add some festive flair and meaningful moments into your summer. Keep it flexible and fun, and let your kids enjoy the wonder of fireworks, flags, and family time.