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

 

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.
— Galatians 5:13
 
 

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.

 

more posts for theme week summer

What are your favorite ways to celebrate the 4th of July with your kids? Leave a comment below and let me know!