family fun
Creative Ideas to Celebrate Independence Day at Home By Jennifer Halter
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elebrating the 4th of July isn't just about watching fireworks. There are many fun activities you can do with your family to celebrate this day without leaving your house. Here are five favorites.
Host a Red, White and Blue Birthday Party
It's America's Birthday, so why not throw a party to celebrate? Everyone can dress in their favorite red, white and blue clothing and prepare snacks of the same colors. You can even bake a special birthday cake with white frosting and decorate it with fresh strawberries and blueberries to keep with your theme.
Patriotic Rocks
Rock painting has become a favorite past-time in many families, because it not only allows for the creative juices to flow, but it provides an opportunity to connect with others through a game of hide and seek. You will need some smooth rocks of various sizes, acrylic paint and your imagination to complete this activity. You can add a sealant to your finished creations, but it's not required. Some patriotic painting ideas include flags, fireworks and stars. Once completely dry, hide your rocks around the neighborhood for others to find.
Salt Painting
This is a fun and easy craft for all ages. You will need heavy paper (Cardstock works best, but construction paper will do.), white glue, salt and watercolors. Use the glue to draw pictures, such as fireworks or stars. Before the glue dries, sprinkle salt completely over your designs and then shake off the excess. Allow the designs to dry. Use your watercolors to paint the dried salt pictures. The watercolors will spread over the salt in the most magical way. Allow to dry completely before displaying.
Sensory Play
Sensory play is a great learning tool for younger children, although older children may want to get in on the fun, too! Be warned, sensory activities can get a little messy, but that just adds to the experience. For the perfect toddler/preschooler activity, try making red, white and blue shaving cream. You will need plain white shaving cream (not gel) and red and blue food coloring. Grab a container (a rectangular plastic bin will work best) and spray three sections of the shaving cream. Add red food coloring to one section and blue food coloring to another section. Leave the final section (continues on page 26)
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July 2020 prince william living
