Here are some fun and easy 4th of July craft and stem activities for kids! We've included an easy craft with minimal supplies, two stem activities, and a sensory table to cover all ages. So between parades, pool parties, bbqs, and fireworks, we know you'll have some downtime... so we've planned some fun!
Popsicle Stick Flag
Super easy. Minimal supplies. Can flex for ages 1-10.
Supplies:
- Popsicle sticks (at least 9)
- Markers (or paint if you must)
- Glue stick
- Scissors
- Printer paper
Instructions:
1. Divide the popsicle sticks into piles (we did two stacks of 1, one stack of 3, and one stack of 4).
2. Use markers to color one stick blue and four sticks red (just coloring one side is enough!). The rest will remain uncolored.
3. Cut the one blue stick into four even pieces - just regular kid scissors work if an adult does this part!
4. Cut out the printer paper - one 3x4" rectangle and 1.75x1.25" rectangle.
5. Use a glue stick to glue all over one side of the larger rectangle. Carefully place the popsicle sticks in an alternating pattern (with reds on the ends for the best look!).
6. Use the glue stick to cover one side of the small rectangle paper next. Carefully place the four blue popsicle sticks on top of the little rectangle.
7. Flip over that little rectangle and add glue to the back (paper) side. Place it in the top left corner of the alternating sticks to resemble the flag!
8. Apply glue to that last plain popsicle stick and use it as the flagpole!
Paper Towel Flag
Another one that is slightly messy but still super easy. Requires minimal supplies. Good for ages 3-10.
Supplies:
- Paper towels
- Cups (we used 6)
- Red and blue food coloring
- Water
Instructions:
1. Line up 6 cups in a row with rims touching.
2. Fill each cup halfway with water.
3. Alternate adding blue OR red food coloring to each cup. (Note: Molly also had a 'clear' cup in the pattern, but it didn't add much value obviously lol.)
4. Cut out a long strip of paper towel.
5. Carefully place the end of the paper towel into the first cup. Drape the paper towel over the side of the first cup and into the second cup. Repeat across all the cups. It's OK if you have to use more than one piece of paper towel.
6. Wait about 5 minutes (longer if you want more vibrant colors) and then very carefully remove the paper towel.
7. Lay it out to dry and admire your work! You can also use the finished product as napkins, craft supplies, or decor!
Circuit Flag
Requires a specific kit (Squishy Circuits), but we use this over and over again! The vendor says 8-12, but our kids have loved these since they were about 4 - with parental supervision of course!
Supplies:
- red, white, and blue Squishy Circuit dough
- 1-3 squishy circuit LED lights (we did blue, red, and white)
- squishy circuit battery holder
Instructions:
1. Make 2 short rolls from blue dough, 3 long rolls from red dough, and 2 long rolls from white dough.
2. Keep the two blue pieces slightly separated, and connect the light prongs at the end of each role.
3. Place the rest of the alternating, long red and white rolls.
4. Add the battery holder and stick one wire into each of the blue rolls.
5. Flip the switch! If it doesn't work, try try again! (And just keep adjusting!) It makes it easier if you keep reminding the kids that they need a full loop to allow the electricity to flow.
Paint Something
It's this easy. Head to Michaels (for the little birdhouse) or Target (for the stars) and get out your paints - but only the red, white and blue. ;) Works for all ages!
Cut Something
That's right. William (approaching 3) is rarely spotted without scissors these days. So our trick here was to grab some red, white, and blue construction paper and just let him go at it to make some festive confetti to lay out on the dinner table!
USA Sensory Table
This one takes a little more time (for rice dry time). Requires a few more supplies. Most appropriate for under 5 years. Plus is that it's a fun thing to keep around for the weeks leading up to the holiday though!
Supplies:
- Rice
- Vinegar
- Ziplock bags
- USA monument figures, popsicle sticks, and other patriotic trinkets
Instructions:
1. Dye white rice red and blue to get the perfect filler.
Put 4 cups white rice in 3 different gallon ziplock bags. (Note: For our white rice, that's all you need! easy-peasy, set this bag aside)
Add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar in each of the last two bags (4 teaspoons total).
Drop 50+ red drops for red and 25 blue drops for blue. Note: Play with the drops a little at a time until you get the color you're looking for.
Zip those bags tight and shake up the mixture!
Line two sheet pans with wax paper. Place the red mixture on top of one and the blue on top of the other pan. Lay it out to dry. You can do this outside on a sunny day for a few hours or inside over night.
Ta da! You have a colored rice mixture!
2. Add USA monuments (found here)
3. Add blue and red popsicle sticks (make them yourself if you want!)
4. Add something to scope with and something to fill (like a little container or bowl).
5. Add any other trinkets you have readily available in red and blue colors and various textures! You'll see we added beads (obviously best for older kids), a little flag, and a piece of star garland. It's super flexible!
Up next, patriotic baking ideas!
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