If kids are on the guest list for your Independence Day barbecue, be ready with refreshing watermelon slices and entertaining games to keep them engaged. No matter if the weather turns out sunny and warm or unexpectedly rainy, these activities are guaranteed to bring joy. From patriotic-themed water balloon challenges to DIY backyard bowling, these 4th of July games will elevate your celebration to unforgettable heights.

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Bottle Rocket Tag

Transform the classic game of tag into a patriotic adventure. Len Saunders, an exercise physiologist and author of Keeping Kids Fit, suggests this dynamic twist. One child is “It” and tags others during the game.

When tagged, a player must crouch and jump up five times, mimicking a "bottle rocket," before rejoining the game. "Kids really enjoy it," says Saunders.

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Bean Bag Toss

Bean bag toss is a timeless activity for all ages. If you don’t own a bean bag or cornhole set, use buckets as targets and toss bean bags in patriotic colors like red, white, or blue to stay on theme.

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Patriotic Baseball

Water balloons bring an exciting twist to backyard baseball. Fill balloons in red, white, and blue, and hand kids a wiffleball bat. After hitting the balloon, kids can run to a designated base and back to home plate before being tagged.

For a challenge, Saunders suggests placing a bucket near home plate. Outfield players can toss tennis balls into the bucket while the batter races back, adding a fun layer of competition.

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Carnival Games

Recreate a fair-like atmosphere with backyard games such as balloon darts, ring toss, and tin can bowling. For a patriotic spin, replace "Pin the Tail on the Donkey" with “Pin the Stars or Stripes on the Flag.”

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Scavenger Hunt

Rain or shine, a scavenger hunt is always a hit. Hide printouts of American flags or other patriotic symbols around your space, attaching small challenges like “Do five jumping jacks” to each. This keeps kids moving and adds excitement to a traditional game.

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Water Snake

Cool off on a hot day with this water-based game. Have one child swing a garden hose in a circle, simulating a "snake." The rest must jump over the stream without getting wet—if they do, they become the next “snake.”

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Soda Bottle Bowling

Craft a bowling game with 12 empty soda cans, wiffle balls, and poster board. Wrap the cans in patriotic-colored paper and arrange them in a circular pattern to mimic the stars on the Betsy Ross flag. Knock them over with wiffle balls for backyard fun.

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Relay Race

Organize a George Washington-themed relay. Assemble two oversized outfits resembling the first president and scatter the pieces along the race path. Kids must collect and put on each piece as they run, with the first fully-dressed participant winning.

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Arts and Crafts

Unleash creativity with patriotic DIY projects. Kids can make popsicle stick flags, finger-painted T-shirts, or unique American flag designs with construction paper, star stickers, and glue. It’s the perfect rainy-day or cooldown activity.

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Patriotic Parade

Arm kids with American flags, themed accessories, and simple instruments like kazoos or hand drums. Play festive music and have them parade around the yard. For older kids, provide bikes and streamers for decorating before they join in.

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Flag Relay

Divide into teams and host a flag relay race. Instead of a baton, kids will pass a small American flag, aiming to be the first team to plant it at the starting line.

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Hula Hoop Contest

Challenge kids with a hula hoop competition using patriotic-colored hoops. Add extra hoops, try hooping around different body parts, or see who can keep it going the longest for added fun.

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Capture the Flag

This team game fosters strategy and teamwork. Hide flags (or bandanas) and see which team can retrieve them first. It’s a spirited addition to any Independence Day party.

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Cookie Decorating Contest

Let kids unleash their inner pastry chef with a cookie decorating contest. Provide plain sugar cookies, icing, and toppings in red, white, and blue. Add fruits like strawberries and blueberries for an extra touch of flair.

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Obstacle Course

Keep kids active with a DIY obstacle course. Use cones, tunnels, and ropes to create challenges, incorporating existing backyard equipment if available. End the course with a refreshing splash through sprinklers or a dive into the pool.

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Play Pickleball

Introduce kids to the ever-popular pickleball. Provide paddles, balls, and a makeshift court using chalk or tape. If space permits, consider purchasing a regulation-size court set for added authenticity.