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If your kids are anything like mine, they love the idea of crafting, but let’s be honest, if it’s too complicated or takes too long, we’re all going to end up sticky, frustrated, and surrounded by glitter. That’s why I pulled together a list of Fourth of July crafts that are festive, fun, and most importantly, kid-approved.
These projects use things you probably already have at home or can grab on a quick errand, and they don’t require an art degree (or unlimited patience). Let’s make something cute without losing our minds.
1. Patriotic Paper Plate Shakers
Great for: toddlers and preschoolers who love noise
You’ll need:
- 2 paper plates
- Dry beans, rice, or beads
- Red, white, and blue paint or crayons
- Stapler or tape
- Ribbons or streamers (optional)
How to make it:
- Let your kids decorate the bottom side of both plates. Go wild with paint, crayons, stickers, whatever you have.
- Once dry, add a handful of rice or beans to one plate.
- Place the second plate on top, decorated sides facing out, and staple or tape all around the edges. (Sometimes I do both for extra protection!)
- For extra flair, tape ribbons to the edges for a firework-like effect.
Why we love it:
It’s festive, hands-on, and perfect for little ones who just want to do something. These shakers double as noisemakers for backyard parades or dance parties and can even be used during fireworks for kids who need a little distraction from the loud booms. It’s one of those crafts that turns into a toy, and that’s a win in my book. Just make sure it is somewhat supervised or you’ll wind up with beans everywhere!
2. Star-Spangled Sensory Jars
Great for: calming overstimulated kids or toddlers who love shaking things
You’ll need:
- An empty plastic jar or water bottle
- Water
- Clear glue or baby oil
- Red, white, and blue glitter/sequins
- Optional: small patriotic buttons or beads
How to make it:
- Fill the jar halfway with water.
- Add clear glue (for slow movement) or baby oil (for shimmer).
- Drop in glitter, sequins, and small themed items.
- Seal the lid with hot glue or strong tape.
Why we love it:
This is a fun way to bring a little sparkle to the day without making a huge mess. My toddler can shake this for a solid five minutes straight (which is basically a miracle), and it’s surprisingly soothing for older kids too. Perfect for winding down after a busy day of BBQs and sunshine, or even to keep in the car during summer road trips.
3. Coffee Filter Fireworks
Great for: toddlers and big kids alike—any age that enjoys coloring and a little splashy fun
You’ll need:
- White coffee filters
- Washable markers in red, blue, and purple
- Spray bottle of water
- Paper towels or tray
How to make it:
- Let your kids color the filters with dots and scribbles.
- Place on a tray or stack of paper towels and lightly spritz with water.
- Watch the colors bleed and blend into firework-like designs.
- Let dry, then hang in the window as faux fireworks!
Why we love it:
It’s like a craft and a science experiment all in one. Kids are fascinated watching the colors mix and spread, and you get a mess-free fireworks display that lasts longer than the real ones. Hang them in your windows or string them as a garland for instant holiday cheer that doesn’t involve sparklers or staying up past bedtime.
4. Handprint Flag T-Shirts
Great for: a wearable keepsake
You’ll need:
- White t-shirt
- Fabric paint (red, blue)
- Paintbrush
- Paper plate or foil
How to make it:
- Paint your child’s hand blue and have them press it in the top left corner like the stars on the flag.
- Use a paintbrush to add red stripes across the shirt.
- Let dry completely before wearing.
Why we love it:
There’s something so sweet about a handprint shirt you can pull out every year. It’s a wearable memory of how little they once were—and they’ll love showing off their design at the cookout. Plus, if you’re trying to get a family photo with matching outfits, this is an adorable (and affordable!) way to DIY it.
5. Popsicle Stick Flags
Great for: elementary-age kids
You’ll need:
- 7-10 popsicle sticks per flag
- Paint or markers
- Glue
- Paper stars or star stickers
- Optional: string or magnets
How to make it:
- Line up sticks and glue two perpendicular sticks across the back to hold it together.
- Paint red and white stripes across the sticks. Paint the top left corner blue and add a star sticker.
- Add a magnet to the back or glue string on top to hang.
Why we love it:
This craft gives slightly older kids something more detailed to work on, and the end result is super cute. Whether they want to turn it into a magnet, hang it from their bedroom door, or make one for every grandparent, these mini flags are fun to personalize and easy to mass-produce if you’re hosting a group of kids for a Fourth of July get-together.
6. Star-Spangled Wand
Great for: parades, pretend play, or waving during fireworks
You’ll need:
- Popsicle stick
- Felt or paper stars
- Ribbons
- Glue
How to make it:
- Cut out or decorate a star shape.
- Glue it to the top of a popsicle stick.
- Add ribbons hanging from the base of the star for extra sparkle.
Why we love it:
It’s quick, cute, and kids can carry it around all day. Whether they’re waving it at a parade or just dancing around the backyard, it gives them a festive prop that makes them feel part of the celebration.
7. Firework Salt Paintings
Great for: sensory play and visual wow factor
You’ll need:
- Cardstock
- Glue
- Salt
- Watercolor paints or food coloring
How to make it:
- Draw fireworks on cardstock using glue.
- Sprinkle salt over the glue while it’s still wet. Shake off the excess.
- Use a paintbrush dipped in watercolor to lightly touch the salt—watch the color spread and sparkle!
Why we love it:
This one feels like magic. Kids are mesmerized watching the colors bloom through the salt trails, and it’s a great mix of fine motor work and creative expression. It also dries into a neat texture that feels cool to the touch.
8. Red, White, and Blue Bead Bracelets
Great for: fine motor skills and easy jewelry making
You’ll need:
- Pipe cleaners or string
- Red, white, and blue pony beads
How to make it:
- Help your child string the beads onto a pipe cleaner or string.
- Create a pattern or just let them go wild with color.
- Twist or tie into a bracelet shape.
Why we love it:
Even little ones can do this one on their own, and they’ll be so proud to wear their “parade jewelry.” It’s also a sneaky way to work on hand-eye coordination, color patterns, and counting—and it keeps them busy while you’re trying to prep food or pack a picnic.
9. Confetti Rockets
Great for: pretend play and party fun
You’ll need:
- Toilet paper rolls
- Tissue paper
- Stickers
- Glue
- Ribbon
- Tissue confetti
How to make it:
- Let kids decorate the outside of the tube with stickers, paint, or markers.
- Glue tissue paper or ribbon to one end for a “blast” effect.
- Stuff the inside with tissue paper confetti or streamers.
Why we love it:
Kids LOVE pretending to launch their own fireworks—without the noise or danger. These are safe, adorable, and make for fun photo props too. You can even turn them into party favors by filling them with tiny treats or stickers.
10. Painted Rock Flags
Great for: outdoor crafting and nature-loving kiddos
You’ll need:
- Smooth rocks
- Red, white, and blue acrylic paint
- Optional: sealant spray
How to make it:
- Collect or wash rocks and let dry.
- Paint flags, fireworks, or stars using paint and a small brush.
- Seal with clear spray if displaying outside.
Why we love it:
There’s something fun about painting on something unexpected like a rock. Kids get creative, and you can scatter these along your sidewalk, in the garden, or gift them to neighbors for a sweet patriotic surprise.
11. American Flag Suncatchers
Great for: window art and quiet craft time
You’ll need:
- Contact paper
- Tissue paper squares (red, white, blue)
- Cardstock (for frame)
How to make it:
- Cut a flag-shaped frame from cardstock.
- Stick the frame onto the sticky side of contact paper.
- Fill in the inside of the frame with tissue paper pieces.
- Add a second piece of contact paper on top to seal.
Why we love it:
These look beautiful in the window when the sun shines through, and they’re a calm, mess-free activity perfect for a hot afternoon. You can also make stars or fireworks shapes using the same method!
12. Sparkler-Free “Fireworks in a Jar”
Great for: science fun and kids who aren’t fans of loud booms
You’ll need:
- Clear glass or plastic jar
- Water
- Oil
- Food coloring
How to make it:
- Fill the jar with water.
- In a separate cup, mix oil with a few drops of different food coloring.
- Slowly pour the oil mixture into the jar and watch the colors swirl and pop like fireworks.
Why we love it:
No noise, no fire, just mesmerizing color explosions that even toddlers can enjoy safely. It’s a cool little science experiment disguised as a holiday craft—and perfect for keeping kids entertained while you finish the potato salad.
Keep It Simple, Mama
You don’t have to plan an elaborate Pinterest-perfect craft day. Pick one or two ideas, set up a drop cloth or old sheet, and let your kids take the lead. Remember—it doesn’t have to look perfect to be a perfect memory.
Got a favorite Fourth of July craft? Tell me in the comments or tag me on Instagram @tayloredmama if you try one of these!