Your independence day celebrations do not have to be expensive. The whole family can enjoy July 4th and have a wonderful holiday weekend without going over budget.
Fourth Of July Celebration On A Budget
- Attend a free fireworks display
- A great way to celebrate that does not cost a thing is by watching the fourth of July fireworks display put on by your city.
- Many smaller towns will go all out with parades, live music, and more. If you are able to visit a small town it is worth the short drive.
- Make your own patriotic decorations using construction paper, balloons, and other materials
- Many discount stores, such as the dollar store, have great options for decorations but another way to get festive would be to make your own diy decorations with items you already have.
- Host a potluck BBQ with friends and family
- Serve hot dogs from your local grocery store and ask guests to bring side dishes. Someone is sure to have a famous potato salad recipe they are dying to share.
- Play outdoor games like frisbee, cornhole, and horseshoes
- Last year we celebrated this national holiday by playing games in the backyard. It was an affordable and fun way to celebrate with kids.
- Have a water balloon or squirt gun fight
- We live in Texas where fourth of july weekend and hot summer day just go hand in hand. If you do not have access to a swimming pool then a water balloon fight is a great option for cooling down while still having fun.
How Can I Spend My Fourth Of July At Home?
Celebrating July 4th doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate, but it can still be a fun and memorable time with loved ones. There are many ways that you can celebrate the fourth of July at home without breaking the bank.
So many of the examples in this post can be done at home. In fact, the year my daughter was born I was heavily pregnant and just not really up for doing much on the fourth of July that included a hot Texas summer and a rambunctious toddler. We spent a lovely day at home and ended the night watching some fireworks from the comfort of our back deck. Sure it was not a big fancy display, just what we could see from people in our neighborhood, but it was perfect for us and completely free.
I will always remember that summer and our little fireworks display. Making memories is about so much more than spending a lot of money. As long as you are enjoying yourself and cherishing the people around you then you are doing a perfect job of celebrating and making memories.
Independence Day Weekend On A Budget
- Go on a bike ride or hike with friends and family
- Getting outside and moving around is always a good time and a fantastic way to spend a long weekend.
- Watch a patriotic movie or documentary
- Take this opportunity to learn more about the founding fathers and our country’s independence.
- Read the Declaration of Independence aloud with the entire family
- Maybe this is just the homeschool mom in me but I am always looking for educational opportunities and what better time to talk about the history of the United States of America.
- Visit a local historical site or museum
- Our family lives in a town that is rich with history and full of historical monuments to visit. If you do not have something similar you could also visit a nearby museum.
- Have a backyard campfire and make s’mores
- Personally, I love this idea. I am a big fan of s’mores.
- Make your own red, white, and blue popsicles or ice cream treats
- Our own flag has undergone several changes over the years so if your first few attempts at a American flag popsicle is a bust just keep trying.
- Play a game of capture the flag
- Capture the flag is believed to have originated in the early 1900s in summer camps in the United States. Since no one really knows how far back the game goes it might have been enjoyed by one of the earlier Presidents such as Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909) or Woodrow Wilson (1913-1921).
- Visit a local beach or lake and have a beach day
- I grew up watching a fireworks show over the lake every year for the fourth of July. It is very nostalgic and fun for me.
- Attend a local parade or festival
- I have never been to a big party for July 4th but I’ve always had the best time spending the day watching the parade, eating from food trucks, and ending with evening fireworks. Sometimes simple is simply the best.
- Have a DIY photo booth with patriotic props
- I feel like this one could be fun for adults and kids alike. I picture silly faces and lots of laughter.
Celebrate July Fourth Weekend Without Spending A Lot Of Money
- Host a karaoke or sing-along party with patriotic songs
- Make your own patriotic crafts, like tie-dye shirts or friendship bracelets
- Host a trivia night with questions about American history and culture
- Fun fact: Americans consume an estimated 155 million hot dogs on this patriotic holiday
- What state sells the most fireworks for the fourth of July? Missouri!
- Three U.S. Presidents have died on the Fourth of July: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson in 1826 and James Monroe in 1831.
- Have a backyard carnival with games like ring toss and bean bag toss
- Play a game of American-themed charades
- Go stargazing and look for constellations named after American icons
- Have a backyard talent show with patriotic songs and skits
- Make your own sparklers with wire and tissue paper to light up the night sky.
- Attend a local community event, like a free concert or street fair
- Make your own patriotic desserts, like a fruit pizza with red and blue berries
July 4th On A Tight Budget
- Have a themed potluck with dishes that represent different regions of the country
- Go camping, even in the backyard
- Have a picnic in a local park or backyard or living room if it’s raining
- Create a patriotic playlist and have a dance party with friends and family
- Organize a scavenger hunt with clues related to American history and culture
How Do You Spend The Fourth Of July?
Overall, it is possible to have a fun and memorable Fourth of July celebration at home or around town without breaking your budget. The important thing is to focus on spending time with loved ones, creating a festive atmosphere, and making lasting memories.
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