41 Best 4th of July Activities To Enjoy in 2025

When the weather finally starts to warm up and summer is in full swing, there’s always one question on everyone’s mind: What 4th of July activities are planned? Are you thinking of gathering the whole crew for a backyard bash? Or do you want a low-key celebration with just your dog this year? 

Interestingly, the National Park and Recreation Association (NRPA) reported that at least 56% of people generally plan to attend a 4th of July event. So it's not surprising that many are eager to choose a fun activity for the day.

And, while a more recent survey by CouponFollow puts this number closer to 1 in 3 Americans, there are still many exciting, patriotic, and even affordable 4th of July events to enjoy if you're one of those people planning a day of activities.

To make planning the perfect 4th of July easier, we’ve curated a guide to the best 4th of July activities for all occasions, group sizes and interests. From trying a new pie recipe to supporting your local community, there's sure to be something for you. 

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• Fun Foodie Things To Do on the 4th of July
• Other Fun Things To Do for the 4th of July

Fun Foodie Things To Do on the 4th of July

1. Take a Cooking Class

If your idea of fun 4th of July activities involves less takeout pizzas and more homemade food buffets, it’s time to book yourself into some hands-on cooking classes near you. 

Whether you're mastering the perfect brisket rub or learning how to sear a steak without setting off the smoke alarm, taking a few cooking classes is a good way to prepare for all the food-based 4th of July activities coming your way. 

Don’t feel like leaving the house? No problem — there are also plenty of online cooking classes, ideal for keeping the aircon on and the tunes blasting while you sharpen your culinary skills. 

2. Book a Private Chef for a Personalized Meal

Leave the stress of burnt burgers at the door and invite the pros in. Booking a private chef near you is one of the more luxurious 4th of July activities out there. Letting them handle everything from appetizers to the grand finale leaves a lot more time for you to relax with family and friends. 

Whether you’re throwing a kid-friendly backyard party or an adult-only patio soirée, private chefs can tailor your menu to fit any kind of 4th of July event. Best of all, they’ll clean up after themselves, which can’t always be said for other guests in your home around the festive season! 

3. Explore Your City on a Food Tour

Let someone else do the cooking this 4th of July and discover new local eateries on a food tour near you. With this fun 4th of July activity, you get the chance to explore all the hidden gems of your city, like the best spot for street tacos or the hidden-away ice cream parlor your cousin swore was "just okay" (spoiler alert: it’s amazing). 

Food tours offer a great opportunity to support local businesses, and even long-time residents may find a few new spots to visit. These tours also give you a chance to scope out any other potential things to do on the 4th of July, like going to a new fairground pop-up or a patriotic sale at your favorite store. 

4. Learn New Skills in an Online Mixology Class

Learn a new skill this 4th of July and try your hand at some online mixology classes. Boozy 4th of July activities like this are equal parts educational and intoxicating, which is a great combo if you want to sip something a little stronger than soda. 

Learn to shake up classics like spicy margaritas and Black Manhattans, or opt to stir together more contemporary recipes like a Paper Plane, Penicillin or Jungle Bird cocktail. 

You can even invent your own bevvies to bring to your next party. Mixology classes are a surefire way to add a touch of class to your roster of 4th of July activities, and you might just discover your next favorite hobby. 

5. Join an Online Baking Class

When you’ve been asked to provide dessert for the neighborhood gathering, there’s no better way to prepare yourself than by adding a few online baking classes to your list of must-do 4th of July activities. 

Picture this: cupcakes rising in the oven, a sourdough loaf proving near the window, or even a freshly baked cherry pie cooling off on the counter. 4th of July activities like this are perfect for everyone, from solo celebrants to groups of friends and those looking for family bonding activities. 

You’ll come out the other side with a repertoire of skills to brag about, more than enough sweet treats to last you through the celebrations and zero regrets — just the way all 4th of July activities should end. 

6. Make Red, White and Blue Popsicles

When the temperature hits new heights for the year and you’re left wondering, "Will it ever be cold again?", nothing saves the day like a batch of homemade red, white and blue popsicles made with all your favorite summer fruits. 

As far as 4th of July activities go, making DIY popsicles checks all the boxes: fun, refreshing and incredibly rewarding after you've waited for them to freeze. 

Making these popsicles is also a great addition to your list of kid-friendly 4th of July activities, and they’re one of the best popsicles to serve when looking for festive 4th of July pool party ideas. All you need is a freezer, some fresh fruits and a willingness to eat dessert before dinner. 

7. Host a Backyard Barbecue

Hosting a backyard barbecue is one of the all-time classic July 4 activities, and there’s no better way to show off your grilling skills than with a perfectly marbled T-bone steak or a stack of juicy, grass-fed burger patties. 

For something a little different this year, smoked baby back ribs with blueberry BBQ sauce bring a sweet-and-savory twist to the table. Plus, they go great with all the classic sides like Hawaiian mac salad, coleslaw and plenty of grilled corn. 

Grilling some meaty masterpieces is practically a rite of passage for 4th of July activities, so light that fire, pass the tongs, round up the best BBQ sauces, and let the summer BBQ shenanigans begin. 

8. Celebrate Local Cuisines With a U.S. Food Potluck

There’s something extra special about Independence Day plans that spotlight the melting pot of people and cultures in your neighborhood, especially when good food is involved. Plan a meal around the American food local to you, and make each bite a nod to the states — and stories — that helped shape the country’s palate.

From New England clam chowder to Tex-Mex sheet pan nachos and a deep-dish pizza worthy of a Chicago zip code, there's no shortage of great dishes to make. 4th of July activities like this can also be turned into a fun game for your guests, as you can provide a map of the US with pins for people to guess which foodie city, state or general area their meal is inspired by. 

The best things to do on the 4th of July always seem to end with satisfied bellies — and this one certainly checks those boxes. 

9. Challenge Friends to a Hot Dog Eating Contest

The barbecue has been revived from its winter hibernation, and that can only mean one thing: 4th of July activities are in full swing, starting with some serious grilling. 

Why not take the summer fun up a notch and challenge your friends and family to a hot dog-eating contest? No 4th of July activities are complete without a prize, so don’t forget to grill an extra dog for the winner — or maybe just let them have bragging rights if they’re feeling a little full. 

10. Have a Beach Cookout With Friends

Sun, sand and sausages — name a better trio for 4th of July activities. A beach cookout is the quintessential summer meet-up activity, and ideas like this are perfect when the weather is great but your friendship group is too big to fit in your own home. 

If you're looking for things to do for the 4th of July that include equal parts relaxation and time in the sun, just pack a cooler with your favorite drinks and cold side dishes like bow-tie pasta salad. Don’t forget the portable grill and a mini speaker. 

Pro tip: Always check your local beach rules for restrictions around noise, barbecues or drinking alcohol, and always grab twice the amount of trash you came with to keep the beaches clean for everyone. 

11. Pick Fresh Berries at a Local Farm

There are few 4th of July activities quite as nostalgic as packing a sun hat, slathering your face and arms in sun cream, and getting to work picking fresh berries at a local farm. 

Berry picking is a sweet summer tradition that combines fresh air, fresh fruit and fresh excuses to sneak a few samples. Best of all, there are excellent pick-your-own fruit farms across the U.S., with many also offering other types of fruits to pick and fun activities, like hay rides for kids.

Additionally, this July 4 activity is perfect for almost everyone, from groups of friends to couples to families. Plus, what better way to prepare for a 4th of July dessert table than with ingredients you foraged with your own berry-stained hands?

12. Set Up an Ice Cream Sundae Bar

When the summer heat hits and you’ve got a crowd of guests to cool down, setting up an ice cream sundae bar by the pool beats all other July 4 activities.

Hand out scoops of classic vanilla and let the kids (and adults) build their dream sundaes with festively colored toppings like strawberries, raspberries, cherries, blueberries and blue candy.

You could even get creative, skipping the standard grocery store ice cream and going with internationally-inspired flavors like ube ice cream or somewhat weird ice cream flavors, such as beer ice cream. 

Setting up an ice cream sundae bar is a great way to round out your pool party food spread. After all, few things in life beat the combo of sprinkles, whipped cream and total creative control over your sundae masterpiece.

13. Roast Marshmallows Over a Fire Pit

As the sun sets after a long day of entertaining, there’s nothing better than huddling around a fire pit with plenty of marshmallows ready for roasting. 4th of July activities like this are perfect for all ages (with a little supervision) — because who doesn’t love gooey, toasted marshmallows sandwiched between chocolate and graham crackers? 

No backyard bash feels complete without the smoky-sweet smell of s’mores in progress, and you get bonus points for ghost stories and acoustic guitar solos.

Roasting marshmallows belongs on every list of 4th of July activities, and if you can’t set up a fire pit, you don’t have to miss out! Simply make s’mores in the oven, or whip up some s’mores cookies or s’mores dip. 

14. Shop for Ingredients at the Farmers Market 

Kick off your 4th of July activities with a morning stroll through your local farmers market. Grab a coffee, select the perfect summer vegetables from the produce vendors, and see what exciting cuts of meat your local butchers have available. 

These types of 4th of July activities add a feel-good start to the day, and you can support small growers and local businesses while stocking up on ingredients for the ultimate "made-here" meal. 

Once the bags are full, it’s apron time: turn your bounty into a fresh and colorful feast for your friends and family and discover just how different feta tastes when you’ve met the farmer who made it.

15. Mix Up Some Patriotic Cocktails

Put the "spirit" in patriotic spirit with 4th of July activities like a DIY patriotic cocktail-making bar. This has 4th of July fun activities for adults written all over it, especially if you can stock your bar with everything you need to make red, white and blue cocktails. 

Our favorites include a rotation of a Shark Bite cocktail for something blue, a red Campari spritz to mellow out the sweetness and a classy snow-white lychee martini to end the festivities. 

Cocktail-inspired 4th of July activities like this go down easily and pair perfectly with fireworks shows and burgers fresh off the grill. Just don’t forget to include everyone in your 4th of July activities, so grab plenty of mocktail alternatives for any kids or non-drinkers.

16. Plan a Picnic in the Park

No backyard? No problem. Picnics in your local park are a great excuse to meet up with friends or family. A park picnic is the underdog MVP of 4th of July activities — it’s budget-friendly, highly customizable and doesn’t require a single power outlet. 

Bring picnic foods like sandwiches, fruit skewers and sparkling lemonade, and you've got the foundation for a perfect day. Just add a frisbee, a Bluetooth speaker or a round of trivia to make it even more memorable. What’s great about this 4th of July activity is that it requires minimal effort for maximum reward. 

17. Organize a Pie-Baking Contest

Ready, set, bake! Nothing gives festive vibes quite like 4th of July activities that pit friends against friends, and a pie-baking contest will always be the peak of any 4th of July party. 

Bonus points for matching aprons, judging panels, and possibly a heated debate about whether apple crumble pie counts as a "real" pie (FYI: it does and it’s delicious). These types of 4th of July activities are ideal for friendship groups or families with a competitive streak, and best of all, everyone wins when there are plenty of desserts to go around. 

18. Try a New Local Restaurant

Skip the prep and cleanup, and instead, pencil in a 4th of July activity that treats your tastebuds to something new. Trying a local restaurant you’ve never been to — especially one with a special holiday menu — is something a little different from the usual barbecue-centered festivities. Plus, it’s a great way to support local businesses that may not be able to afford to close for the holiday.

If you’ve got 4th of July activities like parties and gatherings coming up, why not call ahead and see what catering options are available from your local restaurants? 

19. Run a Homemade Lemonade Stand

If you’re looking for sweet and refreshing things to do on the 4th of July​ that also give back to the neighborhood, why not set up a homemade lemonade stand on the sidewalk? 

Whether you’re serving humble lemonades from a cooler box or selling high-end frozen lemonade for a premium, this is one of those timeless 4th of July activities that brings communities together and provides your kids with something fun to do while you’re busy preparing for the evening's dinner party. 

You could even give the profits to a local charity. Just remember to check local bylaws if you are charging for the lemonade, or give cups away for free as a neighborhood holiday treat. 

20. Forage for Wild Herbs and Cook a Dish

Do something a little different for your 4th of July activities this year and consider foraging for wild herbs — perfect for making into homemade dishes like a wild garlic risotto or a herby sourdough focaccia.

From the hills to your home kitchen, this back-to-nature adventure is the perfect antidote to the usual array of socialite 4th of July activities, and you'll get to show off your bounty with a locally-sourced, home-cooked meal. 

Just remember to stay safe, only consume foraged goods you know are safe, and only forage on land where you can legally do so. You can always check out a guide to foraging for wild herbs as well. There are also plenty of foraging classes that run during the summer season if you struggle to differentiate the deadly hemlock from the delicious wild carrot. 

21. Throw a Movie Night With Festive Snacks

If the perfect end to your 4th of July activities includes popcorn, fairy lights and an all-American rom-com under the stars, then a backyard movie night is calling your name. 

Rent a projector, raid the snack drawer, and serve up party food classics like nachos, mini sliders and red, white and blue-dusted popcorn. This is a fun 4th of July activity to round out an action-packed day filled with pool parties, barbecues and plenty of socializing. 

22. Assemble a Build-Your-Own Burger Bar

Take the stress out of all the barbecue-related 4th of July activities and just set up a DIY burger bar instead. Diet preferences, food dislikes and arguments over which sauce is the best sauce are all left at the door, as each guest can choose their ideal combination. 

Whether you're piling on the pickles on a quinoa burger or doubling the cheese on a lettuce wrap burger, this is one of those 4th of July activities where even picky eaters have their voices heard. Just lay out the toppings buffet-style and get the grill heated up for made-to-order patties. 

Other Fun Things To Do for the 4th of July

23. Attend a Local Baseball Game

Hot dogs, foam fingers and a seventh-inning stretch: Sign us up. Few 4th of July activities are as quintessentially American as watching a baseball game.

Even if you’re not a fan of the sport, you’ll certainly pass as one when you’ve got a soft pretzel in one hand and a hot dog in the other. From Little League to the majors, grabbing tickets to a local game is a 4th of July activity that hits it out of the park every time.

24. Trace Your Family Roots and Share Stories

Before the grill heats up and the fireworks light the sky, take time for one of the most personal 4th of July activities around: learning your family’s story.

Whether you’re flipping through photo albums, searching for your surname in an online register or listening to one of Grandpa’s infamous tales, 4th of July activities like this bring generations together like macaroni salad at a picnic. 

Connecting to your roots is also a great way to honor your ancestors, as you never know — you might discover you’re related to someone who fought in the Revolutionary War or someone who just made a killer coleslaw recipe. 

25. Throw a Neighborhood Street Party

Unfold the lawn chairs, break out the bunting, and research the best potluck ideas, because nothing says "community spirit" quite like a neighborhood street party. 

This 4th of July activity has it all: tasty food and drinks, lawn games, sparklers and at least one uncle trying to show off his so-called DJ skills. Make it bring-your-own everything, and you’ve got one of the easiest and most festive things to do for the 4th of July on the block. 

26. Link Up With Other Petrolheads at a Car Meet

Got a whip you’d like to show off, or just looking for things to do for the 4th of July that involve the smell of engine oil and vinyl interiors? Finding a car meet near you is a fantastic chance to meet other petrolheads in your area, and as far as 4th of July activities go, few are as cool and culture-packed as this. 

Charge your camera, wear your favorite racing jersey and perhaps bring a reusable bag — because if there’s a Hot Wheels stand, it’ll be near-impossible to leave without a few additions to your collection. 

27. Head Out to a Summer Festival

Summer festivals are truly the peak of 4th of July activities that get you out of the house for a few hours. Whether you’re dancing barefoot to live music, browsing vintage clothing stands or tasting delicious eats at a food festival, attending a festival event is a 4th of July activity that’s fun for everyone. 

The kids can get their faces painted, the foodies can grab corn dogs and the golden oldies can enjoy all their favorite throwback hits. As 4th of July activities go, this one scores major points for appealing to all ages, though you’ll be hard-pressed to leave without a sunburn or a temporary henna tattoo!

28. Give Back at a Community Volunteering Effort

Wanting to partake in 4th of July activities that fill your cup (and maybe someone else’s, too)? Consider volunteering at a local non-profit or food bank for a 4th of July activity that makes a real difference in your local community. And let’s be honest, helping others is about as patriotic as it gets. 

Plant flowers, serve meals, help out at a nursing home or simply pick up litter at your local park or beach. This is also a super flexible 4th of July activity that can take just a few hours or fill the whole day, and it makes an even bigger impact if you get your family involved. 

If you’re not sure where to start, turn to a helpful volunteer database like Volunteer Match for opportunities in your area. 

29. Watch a Fireworks Display

Cue the oohs and aahs, because no list of the best 4th of July activities is complete without mentioning fireworks displays. Look up your local displays online to see when and where they are.

From setting up camping chairs in a stadium to being sprawled on a picnic blanket in your backyard, watching fireworks is one of the most iconic 4th of July activities out there. 

You might forget the bug spray, or you might sit behind someone way too tall, but when that grand finale of fireworks starts, 4th of July activities like this are worth every mosquito bite.

30. Visit a National Park

Unplug and get the hiking boots on, because heading to a national park for some wide-open trailblazing is one of the best outdoorsy 4th of July activities you can partake in.

Whether you're hiking toward a viewpoint, splashing in a creek, or just admiring the sheer number of squirrels coming out of hibernation, this is a 4th of July activity that reminds you what it’s all about — freedom, fresh air and maybe an emergency granola bar or two. 

Pro tip: Pack a small picnic in case you get peckish, and always keep an AirTag in your car so you know how to get back. 

31. Rent a Boat or Kayak for the Day

If there’s a lake or river near you, why not rent a boat or kayak for the day and get a front-row seat to Mother Nature’s version of fireworks: a sunset reflected in glassy water, fish jumping alongside you, and maybe even a beaver or two coming over to say hello. 

Whether solo or in a squad, 4th of July activities like this are perfect for when you need to just switch off your phone and unplug from the world. You can even rent inflatables if you need some 4th of July activities that help the kids burn off some energy for a few hours.

32. Host an American History Trivia Night

Celebrate Independence Day with brains and beers and organize an American history trivia night. A trivia night is a fun 4th of July activity for adults (and even kids who have been learning U.S. history at school) that can get seriously competitive. So, don’t forget the prize for the winning team, and definitely call dibs on your smartest friends first when creating teams. 

From Founding Fathers to flag facts and everything in between, this 4th of July activity is just as fun for history buffs as it is for people who like shouting answers they’re only 50% sure about.

You can write the questions yourself or grab some pre-prepared trivia questions, such as these from Reader’s Digest. And best of all, you can support your favorite local restaurants by providing a gift card as the winner's prize.

33. Start a New Family Tradition

Want to create more family traditions? Then why not start a new one as part of your 4th of July activities this year? It could be an extra-special pancake breakfast, a backyard talent show, or anything in between. 

It’s not often that families and communities can come together with no work commitments or scheduled meetings, so take the opportunity to build lasting traditions that people can look forward to every year. 

With so many options on this list of 4th of July things to do, you can always try a few before settling on your favorite as the annual tradition. Who knows? It could even outlast Grandma’s potato salad recipe. 

34. Create a July 4th Time Capsule

Are you looking to make your 4th of July activities a little more memorable this year? If so, grab a shoebox or a plastic capsule and stuff it with newspaper clippings, Polaroids, kids’ drawings and questionable fashion choices from this year’s party — the more sentimental, the better. 

Don’t forget to label your capsule with the date it was sealed and when it should be opened, and store it somewhere where it won’t be water-damaged or accidentally opened.

Bonus points if you include a prediction about how many hot dogs Uncle Dave will eat next year. With just a little bit of effort, 4th of July activities like this can become a touching family tradition that future generations will look forward to.

35. Try a Geocaching Adventure

If you’re hankering for a few hours outdoors — or you just really love treasure hunts — geocaching may become your favorite 4th of July activity. Armed with nothing but your smartphone, a pen (for the logbook) and a sense of adventure, all you need to do is download the geocaching app and get hunting in your neighborhood or local park. 

Whether you uncover a logbook, a tiny trinket or even a good poem, 4th of July activities like this will easily get you your 10,000 steps for the day — just make sure to always return whatever you find to its secret hiding place. 

36. Tackle a Long-Awaited House Project

Hear us out: Finally, sanding down the outdoor furniture or organizing the garage can totally count as a 4th of July activity. Especially if you’ve been putting it off since Memorial Day! 

With a free day and no work emails in sight, 4th of July activities like tackling house projects can actually feel… kind of satisfying. Plus, there are no restrictions around playing your favorite patriotic playlist while you work, and all your effort deserves something grilled as a reward.

Who knew productivity could be one of the best 4th of July fun activities for adults?

37. Play Lawn Games With Friends and Family

Few 4th of July things to do bring as much chaos and competitiveness as a solid round of cornhole, ladder toss or water balloon dodgeball — so invite the neighbors around and turn your backyard into a battleground for the day. 

This 4th of July activity is perfect for all ages and skill levels (unless someone brings out the custom bocce ball set — then it’s war). If there’s no more space in your garage for an extra-large Jenga set, no stress. You can also rent a lot of lawn games just for the day. 

38. Do a Neighborhood Clean-Up Day

Organizing a local clean-up might not sound glamorous, but it’s one of the most genuinely feel-good 4th of July things to do. Rally your neighbors, hand out gloves, bags and litter pickers, and plan your area of attack. 

From the beach to local parks, wherever you choose, 4th of July activities like this are guaranteed to leave your neighborhood looking better than it did when the party started. And don’t forget to appoint a designated grill master who will hand out everyone’s reward! 

39. Decorate Bikes for a Neighborhood Parade Ride

Need to get the kids out of the house for a few hours? Grab some red, white and blue streamers, a few glittery flags and maybe even a noisemaker or two, and get them and their friends to turn their bikes into a patriotic parade float to ride through the neighborhood. 

This kind of 4th of July activity combines creativity with plenty of critical thinking as they try to keep ribbons from getting caught in bike chains. Plus, seeing the street full of multicolored bicycles is a surefire way to bring a smile to the faces of anyone who may be spending their 4th of July alone this year. 

40. Make a Fireworks-Free Light Show at Home

For anyone with pets, toddlers or a general dislike for things that go boom, fireworks aren’t always the favorite part of the holiday. Luckily, you can still take part in dazzling 4th of July activities by hosting a DIY light show instead. 

A projector can be cast onto a building to display noise-free fireworks videos, plenty of string lights and glow sticks give kids the joy of sparklers, with no water bucket required. You can even incorporate a disco ball or some pre-programmed drones to mimic a classic light show, all to create a spectacle that’s safe, silent and still stunning. 

Some areas even host light shows in place of fireworks, so check your local events calendar to see if there is a fireworks-free 4th of July show nearby. 

41. Go on a Hike 

Even if you don't have a national park nearby, you can still take in the great outdoors by going on a hike. Whether you have some challenging trails nearby or just some gentle walking paths, this 4th of July activity allows you to appreciate your local area, chat with friends and family, and make the most of the summer weather.

You could even plan a scavenger hunt along the way, play a round of 4th of July trivia or take a picnic to enjoy at the end of the trail. 

From beach cookouts to pie-baking showdowns, the best 4th of July activities are always the ones that bring people together through good food, shared laughs and a little friendly competition. So this year, try something new and plan a few memorable 4th of July activities that you’ll talk about until next year. 

For even more activity ideas, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.