July 4th Activities for Kids in Chicago

Since the coronavirus pandemic there have been many changes in how we celebrate holidays in public, giving scope for opportunities to celebrate Independence Day in many different ways! Whether you’re a nanny or a parent, have a little arts and crafts fun, show kindness to others, and learn more about the history of this important holiday.

1. Make patriotic tie-dye tees

2. Send a letter or care package to a soldier overseas

3. Read a book or watch a documentary

4. Celebrate with family and friends at home

1) Make patriotic tie-dye tees

A red, white, and blue tie-dye tee shirt is super easy to make, and a fun summer activity to do with the kids. Pick a spot outside to work, and lay down an old blanket or plastic garbage bags in case of spills. Wear gloves, too!

What you’ll need:

• Plain white tee shirts (washed first)

• Rubber bands 

• Dye in red and blue

• Gloves

• Plastic zip bags

• Scissors

Instructions:

1. To make a swirling tie dye pattern, lay the tee shirt flat on your work surface.

2. Pinch the fabric in the center. Twist the fabric in a circular motion so that the shirt bunches up in a spiral pattern.

3. Then, wrap rubber bands around the shirt to hold it in its spiral form.

4. Apply red and blue dye to the spiral ball of fabric. Remember to get both sides!

5. Place your dyed shirt in a plastic zip bag and let it sit for 24 hours.

6. After 24 hours, remove the shirt from the bag and cut off the rubber bands.

7. Rinse the shirt thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess dye. It can then be washed with other tie dye shirts (separately!) before wearing.

If you want to get more creative with your tie dye patterns, check out these other ideas. 

2) Send a letter or care package to a soldier overseas

Show appreciation to those who serve our country by sending a care package or letter to someone overseas. If you don’t know anyone stationed abroad, there are plenty of nonprofit organizations that can help you out.

Operation Gratitude accepts letters year-round, and sometimes looks for letters specifically written to new recruits, first responders, wounded soldiers, and more. Look through Operation Gratitude’s helpful tips and instructions for writing a letter. The kiddos can even draw or paint a picture to include in the letter, too!

Want to send a care package instead? You can choose a nonprofit from a list posted on the Military website. Be sure to pick up a free Military Care Kit from USPS, which includes supplies you need for sending packages overseas.

3) Read a book or watch a documentary

It’s easy to forget why we celebrate American holidays. To refresh the children’s memories, or to explain the meaning of Independence Day for the first time, why not read a book or watch a kid-friendly documentary? Here are some of our favorites!

Books

• Good Night America by Adam Gamble and Suwin Chan, kids ages 2-3 years

• The Night Before the Fourth of July by Natasha Wing and Amy Wummer, kids ages 3-5 years

• We the People by Peter Spier, kids ages 5-9 years

• The Case of the July 4th Jinx (Milo and Jazz Mysteries) by Lewis B. Montgomery and Amy Wummer, kids ages 7-11 years

Documentaries

• American History for Kids on Amazon Prime

• “What you might not know about the Declaration of Independence” on TedEd

• “History of the Holidays: Independence Day” on History Channel

4) Celebrate with family and friends at home

For a more relaxed July 4th activity, throw a mini Independence Day party at home. Don’t forget: Illinois is one of the few states in the country that makes it illegal to buy or use fireworks. However, you and the kids can enjoy novelty items like noisemakers and sparklers.

With everyone celebrating at home this year, there may be a veteran in your neighborhood that’s feeling lonely during the holiday. Say hello, invite them over for a backyard barbecue, drop off some goodies, or even leave a handmade thank you card by the kids on their doorstep. 

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