The Fourth of July is a day set aside to celebrate the day our great country was unified as a nation. Many spend the day with family and friends, showing their American pride through food, fun, and, of course, fireworks! Check out this list of pure American fun to be had this Independence Day:

Learn About the Flag

The stripes on the American Flag represent the 13 original colonies, and the stars represent all 50 current United States. It is a way for our country to portray itself to the rest of the world. Let’s raise a flag this 4^th of July to show our pride and freedom for our country! Click here to learn more about the flag and its importance.

Dress in the Colors of the American Flag

What better way to show your patriotic spirit by dressing in red, white and blue on Independence Day! Patriotic gear is available at many local stores and online. Get the family together and take a family picture on this great holiday.

Attend a Parade/Festival

One of the top things to do on the 4^th of July is to attend the local parade. Expect to see proud veterans, color guard, fire trucks, ice cream, marching bands, and more at the celebration of our independent nation. Let’s cheer them on to show our patriotic spirit! It’s a symbol of pride and freedom.

Barbecue

Who doesn’t love a good hamburger or hot dog on a hot summer, day especially on the Fourth of July? Invite family and friends over for a patriotic barbecue in this Independence Day celebration tradition.

Backyard Games

July 4^th is the perfect time to plan some outdoor fun for the family! To cool off from the summer heat, fill some water balloons, make teams, and have a water balloon fight or douse each other with squirt guns. Amp up the competition with a prize for the winning team! Add a relay race to promote healthy living with some physical fitness.

Red White Blue Desserts

Grab the kids for a family fun activity in the kitchen creating patriotic desserts. Let’s get baking! From red, white and blue M&M brownies and sugar cookie pie, to angel food pudding cake with berries. Patriotic pie, cake, Jello, cookies and cupcakes; there are lots of recipes available that’ll get you baking. You won’t regret any of these options! Click here for recipes.

Attend Fireworks

What would Fourth of July be without fireworks?! it’s a tradition to see fireworks on this holiday. Michigan offers an abundant array of spectacular firework displays across the state. Take the family and enjoy the holiday with some patriotic fireworks. Click here to find local fireworks near you!

Finally, have fun and be safe. Enjoy the family time, and the freedom that we have today! Eat a bunch, hang out with friends and family, dress like a flag, see fireworks, go to the parade, and recognize all veterans and current active members! Happy Fourth of July, from our family to yours.