You can celebrate Independence Day with 4th of July crafts for kids. Whether you have a big group of children to entertain at a family picnic or just need a fun activity for your own kids, these crafts will make it easy to celebrate in style.
About 4th of July Crafts for Children
Crafting with kids is fun and educational, but kids can be a tough audience. When choosing a craft project for your group, try to find something that has the following qualities:
- Age appropriate: If a craft is too easy, kids can get bored and restless. If it's too difficult, they may get frustrated and lose interest. You can keep everyone focused by picking a project that fits the kids' skill level.
- Quick: Unless you're working with pre-teens or older kids, you should expect no more than half an hour of focused attention. It's a good idea to keep kids' craft projects short and sweet.
- Creative: The best kids' craft projects allow for creativity. Make sure there are plenty of options for kids to exhibit their artistic flair.
Grand Old Garland Craft Project
This craft is appropriate for kids of all ages. Older kids may need minimal adult supervision. Younger kids will need help with the hole punch and scissors.
Things You'll Need
- Red, white, and blue construction paper
- Paper towel, wrapping paper, or toilet paper tubes cut in two-inch sections
- Star-shaped stencil
- Glitter
- Scissors
- Glue
- Hole punch
- Red, white, and blue non-toxic paint
- Red or blue ribbon
Directions
- Use the stencil to trace star shapes on construction paper. You can create your own stencil ahead of time or purchase one at your local craft store. It's a good idea to have a stencil for each child.
- Cut out star shapes.
- Use the punch to make two holes in each star.
- Use patriotic paints to paint the sections of the cardboard tube. When the tubes are dry, apply glue and glitter.
- String the ribbon through the tubes and stars, creating a pretty pattern.
- Hang the garland and enjoy!
Uncle Sam Puppet Project
This craft is appropriate for school-aged kids. Preschoolers may enjoy making a puppet too, but it's best to keep the project as simple as possible when working with younger kids.
Things You'll Need
- White paper lunch bags
- White felt
- Markers
- Red construction paper
- Googly eyes
- Glue
- Scissors
- Star stickers
Directions
- Draw a suit on the front of the paper bag. It may help to show kids a picture of Uncle Sam, but it's also fun to let them get creative.
- Help kids cut a beard shape out of the white felt and glue the shape to the bag.
- Glue the googly eyes to the bag, and use markers to draw a nose and mouth.
- Cut a top hat out of construction paper, and glue it to the puppet's head.
- Use star stickers to decorate the hat and suit.
Festive Flower Pot Project
This craft makes a great 4th of July table centerpiece and it's easy for kids of all ages to get in on the fun. For younger kids, consider setting up the craft outside and dressing them in smocks to protect their clothing. You can find terracotta pots and markers at your local craft store.
Things You'll Need
- Terracotta flower pots in any size
- Terracotta markers in red, white, and blue
- Red or white flowers
- Potting soil
- Red or blue ribbon
Directions
- Allow kids to decorate the flower pots using the markers. They can draw American flags or other typical 4th of July symbol, or they can simply make abstract designs.
- Once the pots are dry, help the children plant the flowers in the pots.
- Tie a patriotic ribbon around the pot and enjoy!
More Patriotic Projects
If you're looking for more 4th of July crafts and activities for kids, try making an American flag or some summer decorative crafts. Or, you can make a photo scrapbook or social media display with fun 4th of July captions. They're great for Independence Day, but you can use them for the entire summer too!
