July 4th Activities for Kids in Boston
Since the coronavirus pandemic there have been many changes in how we celebrate holidays in public, giving scope for opportunities to celebrate in many different ways! If taking your children to a big street party isn’t your thing, nannies and parents can still have a blast with children on Independence Day with virtual activities, arts and crafts, and more at home.
1) Attend a virtual July 4th celebration
Many Independence Day celebrations are available as a virtual experience so Boston residents can enjoy traditional celebrations at home.
The Boston Pops July 4 concert and fireworks show is now streamed on television from its usual spot on the Charles River Esplanade. Tune in from 8pm to enjoy this spectacular party fro the comfort of your own home!
2) Learn about history with online experiences
If you’re looking for a little more history in your Independence Day celebration, there are lots of great educational resources online for kids. Try one of these documentaries:
American History for Kids on Amazon Prime
“What you might not know about the Declaration of Independence” on TedEd
“History of the Holidays: Independence Day” on History Channel
3) Make patriotic tie-dye tees
Want to get outside and enjoy the summer weather with a kid-friendly craft activity? Try these red, white, and blue tie-dye tee shirts! Pick a safe spot outside to work, and lay down an old blanket or plastic garbage bags in case of spills. Wear gloves, too!
What you’ll need:
Plain white tee shirts (washed first)
Rubber bands
Dye in red and blue
Gloves
Plastic zip bags
Scissors
Instructions:
To make a swirling tie dye pattern, lay the tee shirt flat on your work surface.
Pinch the fabric in the center. Twist the fabric in a circular motion so that the shirt bunches up in a spiral pattern.
Then, wrap rubber bands around the shirt to hold it in its spiral form.
Apply red and blue dye to the spiral ball of fabric. Remember to get both sides!
Place your dyed shirt in a plastic zip bag and let it sit for 24 hours.
After 24 hours, remove the shirt from the bag and cut off the rubber bands.
Rinse the shirt thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess dye. It can then be washed with other tie dye shirts (separately!) before wearing.
If you want to get more creative with your tie dye patterns, check out these other ideas.
4) Send a letter or care package to a soldier overseas
Don’t forget about our friends and neighbors overseas! Show appreciation to those who serve our country by sending a care package or letter to a soldier abroad. There are plenty of nonprofit organizations that will pass on your mail to a soldier, if you don’t personally know anyone stationed overseas.
Operation Gratitude accepts letters year-round, and sometimes looks for letters specifically written to new recruits, first responders, wounded soldiers, and more. Look through Operation Gratitude’s helpful tips and instructions for writing a letter. The kiddos can even draw or paint a picture to include in the letter, too!
Want to send a care package instead? You can choose a nonprofit from a list posted on the Military website. Be sure to pick up a free Military Care Kit from USPS, which includes supplies you need for sending packages overseas.
5) Celebrate with family and friends at home
For a more relaxed July 4th activity, throw a mini Independence Day movie watch party at home. Pop some popcorn and watch family-friendly flicks like An American Tail, The Sandlot, Independence Day, or Yankee Doodle Dandy.
With everyone celebrating at home this year, there may be a veteran in your neighborhood that’s feeling lonely during the holiday. Say hello, invite them over for a backyard barbecue, drop off some goodies, or even leave a handmade thank you card by the kids on their doorstep.
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