As we celebrate the birth of our country this year, we are bound to find that, due to the COVID-19 restrictions, we can’t do all the things that we have done in the past. Even so, there are plenty of ways to celebrate! In this blog, you’ll find many patriotic-themed ideas of fun things to do with your family and delicious foods to serve throughout the day.
Start the day with red, white, and blue–blueberry pancakes with raspberry syrup and whipped cream!
Decorate your porch with stars and stripes and all things red, white, and blue.
Make chalk drawings on the driveway or sidewalk. You might draw the U.S. flag, fireworks, images of historical events or prominent people, or patriotic sayings. Be creative!
Organize a neighborhood parade. Kids can decorate their bikes, their pets, and themselves and ride or walk around the neighborhood. To make it more festive, add some patriotic music like “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
Enjoy city-wide events–hot air balloons, plane parade, truck parade, and more. Details here.
Learn about patriotic symbols and proper flag etiquette.
Have your children read some patriotic speeches (or quotes) and dress in character to recite them. Think George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine.
Have a water balloon toss using red, white, and blue balloons.
Play yard games like tug of war, giant Jenga, corn hole, and ladder ball.
Make red, white, and blue tie dye t-shirts.
Create firework paintings; for extra pizzazz, use glitter paint on black paper. For the how-to on this and other crafts, click here:
Read David McCullough’s The American Spirit: Who We Are and What We Stand For to gain insight on important American principles and characteristics that make us who we are and help guide us into the future.
Check out all the recipes below to add some patriotic flare to your meals and munchies.
In the evening, enjoy glow sticks and sparklers.
Above all, give thanks to the Lord for the blessing of our country, for the heritage we have, and for the freedoms we enjoy. Let’s celebrate the Lord’s goodness.
We want to recognize Vicki Schubert for submitting many of these ideas. Thanks, Vicki!
Download and print
recipes here.
Becky Young is a counselor, spiritual director and writer. She has been a
member of Faith Church for four years and serves with Faith’s Photography Team, Writing Team and Care Ministry. Becky enjoys writing about soul care and cultivating a deeper life with God.
Becky was born and raised in Colorado and enjoys spending time with her husband, gardening and exploring God’s creation.
Janet Smith and her husband Dan have been members at Faith for 15 years.
After years of homeschooling their four children and leading a homeschool group, she now works in the Faith office as Assistant to Care Ministry. She serves in Stephen Ministry and in Women of the Word.
Outside of work and ministry, Janet enjoys baking, reading, hiking, crocheting, and spending time with her kids and grandkids.