Since the very first Independence Day, July 4, 1776 to this year, Americans have come together to celebrate our country’s independence from Great Britain. Big families can get creative with the fun they have as they gather together on the fourth. If you have a big family, try some of these Fourth of July ideas.
1. Family reunion
When I was a kid, my family would travel from Colorado and Wyoming to get together on the 4th of July for a family reunion. It was a great and memorable time with 50 to around 70 people or so. We’d have a potluck picnic all day long and then shoot our fireworks off for our own show.
You will want to start planning for this type of family reunion well in advance, but you could put together a quick invite to some of your closest relatives for a time to reminisce about the good ole’ days this year. Just pick up the phone and make some calls.
2. At the park
Gather the whole family at a park for a picnic with traditional foods like fried chicken, potato salad, watermelon, and root beer floats. Enjoy a family-friendly game of baseball, kickball, or volleyball. Then pull out the sparklers for the kids once it gets dark.
More: 10 Fun Ways to Spend Quality Time with Your Grandchildren
3. Backyard BBQ
Nothing beats a backyard barbecue with the family. Provide the main meat for the barbecue whether it be pulled pork, chicken, or beef. Have the others bring their favorite side dish or dessert. Set out jars of sun tea and lemonade, and provide fun backyard games like the following:
- Water balloon dodgeball
- Squirt gun showdown
- Horseshoes
- Croquet
- Frisbee
- Glow in the dark ring toss
- Outdoor bowling
- Three-legged races and other traditional games
4. Camping
Take the whole family camping whether it be in tents or campers. This is another activity you will want to plan for. I suggest reserving your campsite a year in advance.
Cook hot dogs and brats over the campfire and top dinner off with the traditional S’mores but add some red, white, and blue candy confetti to the melted marshmallows.
Can’t find a campsite? Use your backyard if you have the room.
5. Scavenger hunt competition
Scavenger hunts are always a lot of fun, and with a big family, you can really get competitive. Use the Red, White, and Blue theme for the items to search for. Here are a few ideas you can use:
Red
- Bandana
- T-shirt
- Balloon
- Ladybug
- Firework
- Checkered table cloth
White
- Vanilla ice cream
- Sno-cone
- Flip flops
- Bandana
- Hat
Blue
- Blueberries
- Firework
- Bandana
- Jeans shorts
- Balloon
- Bird
More: 7 Ways to Keep Kids Busy When You Can’t Afford Camp
This year as you celebrate our Independence Day with your big family, take time to be thankful for your freedom, family, and food you share that day. Be sure to take a lot of pictures or videos and enjoy the time just being together as a family in the land that we love. Happy Fourth of July!