Celebrate Independence Day with engaging and effortless 4th July games for kids to keep them entertained and active. These patriotic-themed activities promise endless fun and excitement, perfect for making your 4th of July festivities unforgettable.
From classic races to creative crafts, these games are simple to organize without a lot of planning and precautions, but make sure adults are available to supervise kids.
4th July Games For Kids That Are Easy To Set Up & Superfun
1. Patriotic Scavenger Hunt
Age: 5+
What You Need
- Scavenger hunt list (with red, white, and blue items)
- Small prizes for participants
Game Rules
- Create a list of items for the kids to find (e.g., a red balloon, a blue toy, a white flower).
- Give each child a copy of the list. Set a time limit for the hunt (e.g., 20 minutes).
- The child who finds the most items on the list wins a prize.
2. Water Balloon Toss
Age: 6+
What You Need
- Water balloons
Gam Rules
- Pair kids up and give each pair a water balloon.
- Have the pairs stand close to each other and toss the balloon back and forth.
- After each successful toss, they take a step back.
- The pair that manages to toss their balloon the furthest without it breaking wins.
3. Sack Race
Age: 5+
What You Need
- Potato sacks or large pillowcases
Game Rules
- Line the kids up at a starting line with each child in a sack.
- On “Go,” they must hop to the finish line.
- The first child to cross the finish line wins.
4. Three-Legged Race
Age: 6+
What You Need
- Bands or scarves to tie legs together
Game Rules
- Pair the kids up and tie their inside legs together.
- They must race to the finish line while working together.
- The first pair to cross the finish line wins.
5. Pie or Cupcakes Eating Contest
Age: 8+
What You Need
- Mini pies or whipped cream pies or Cupcakes
- Napkins
Game Rules
- Set up a table with pies and napkins.
- On “Go,” kids must eat the pies without using their hands.
- The first child to finish their pie wins.
6. Ring Toss
Age: 5+
What You Need
- Rings (can be made from rope or purchased)
- Bottles or cones
Game Rules
- Set up bottles or cones at a reasonable distance.
- Give each child a set number of rings.
- Kids take turns tossing the rings onto the bottles or cones.
- The child who gets the most rings on the targets wins.
7. Hula Hoop Contest
Age: 5+
What You Need
- Hula hoops
Game Rules
- Give each child a hula hoop.
- On “Go,” kids start hula hooping.
- The child who keeps the hula hoop spinning the longest wins.
8. Flag Relay Race
Age: 5+
What You Need
- Small American flags
Game Rules
- Divide kids into teams.
- Set up a course with a start and finish line.
- The first child runs the course carrying a flag, then hands it off to the next team member.
- The first team to have all members complete the course wins.
9. Patriotic Bingo
Age: 5+
What You Need
- Bingo cards with patriotic symbols
- Markers or chips
Game Rules
- Distribute bingo cards and markers to each child.
- Call out the symbols one by one.
- The first child to complete a row, column, or diagonal yells “Bingo!” and wins a prize.
10. Balloon Pop
Age: 5+
What You Need
- Balloons
- Small prizes
- Confetti
Game Rules
- Fill balloons with small prizes or confetti and inflate them.
- Scatter the balloons around the area.
- On “Go,” kids must pop the balloons to find the surprises inside.
- Ensure that each child gets a turn to pop a balloon.
11. Cornhole
Age: 5+
What You Need
- Cornhole boards
- Bean bags
Game Rules
- Set up the cornhole boards at a reasonable distance.
- Kids take turns throwing bean bags at the boards.
- Points are scored based on where the bean bags land (on the board or in the hole).
- The child or team with the most points wins.
12. Pin the Hat on Uncle Sam
Age: 4+
What You Need
- Poster of Uncle Sam
- Paper hats
- Blindfold
Game Rules
- Hang the poster of Uncle Sam at a child-friendly height.
- Blindfold each child and give them a paper hat with tape on the back.
- Spin the child around a few times and let them try to pin the hat on Uncle Sam.
- The child who gets the hat closest to the correct spot wins.
13. Sparklers and Glow Sticks
Ages: 8+ (with adult supervision for sparklers)
What You Need
- Sparklers (supervised by adults)
- Glow sticks
Game Rules
- Distribute sparklers to kids, with strict adult supervision.
- Alternatively, give glow sticks for a safer option.
- Allow kids to enjoy the sparklers or glow sticks, creating patterns in the dark.
14. American Flag Hunt
Ages: 4+
What You Need
- Small American flags
Game Rules
- Hide small American flags around the yard or house.
- Give each child a bag or basket.
- Set a time limit for the hunt.
- The child who finds the most flags wins.
15. DIY Fireworks Craft
Ages: 4+ (with adult supervision for younger children)
What You Need
- Construction paper
- Glue Glitter
- Scissors
Game Rules
- Set up a craft station with all the materials.
- Show kids how to create fireworks designs using the paper, glue, and glitter.
- Let the kids get creative and make their own fireworks artwork.
- Display their creations proudly.
These games are easy to set up and will ensure a fun-filled 4th of July for kids. Don’t forget to tell us which game you loved the most! And while you’re here, make sure to check out our special sections on 4th of July Messages and 4th of July Nail Ideas—perfect for adding a festive touch to your celebrations!