Austin LivingDesign + Lifestyle

GOT HOLIDAY: Ways To Celebrate The Fourth of July at Home

Fourth of July plans look a little different this year? Sometimes the best 4th of July holidays are the simple ones celebrated with your family at home. From a patriotic bike parade to a s’mores bar, we’ve got some great ways to celebrate the holiday from home.

Ways To Celebrate The Fourth of July at Home

Dine Al Fresco

Take the party outside! Grab some down-home American food from one of Austin’s local restaurants and dine al fresco. A few of our local favs are Lucy’s Fried Chicken, Schmidt Family Barbecue, Jack Allen’s Kitchen, Hat Creek Burger Company, and Black’s Barbecue.

Outdoor dining table
Statue of Liberty
Ways To Celebrate The Fourth of July at Home

Revisit History Through a Virtual Tour

If you’re hoping to learn a little more history this Independence Day, try taking a virtual tour of some of the Nation’s most impressive collections and locations. Maybe try the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, The Museum of Flight, National Women’s History Museum, NASA, and Statue of Liberty.

Ways To Celebrate The Fourth of July at Home

Plan a Patriotic Bicycle Parade

If there’s anything more fun than watching a parade, it’s being in a parade yourself. Trick out bikes and wagons with streamers, pinwheels, and flags, and then join friends and family (at a socially-approved distance) for a leisurely patriotic ride around the block.

Patriotic decorated bicycle
Outdoor movie setup
Ways To Celebrate The Fourth of July at Home

Plan an American Movie Marathon

No time like now for a perfectly planned movie night with a solid line-up of American films and all your favorite movie snacks. Check out a few of our top picks: Saving Private Ryan, Independence Day, The Patriot, Apollo 13, and Captain America.

Ways To Celebrate The Fourth of July at Home

Write Letters to the Military

The Fourth of July is an ideal opportunity to show appreciation for the military by sending them thank you letters. Visit Operation Gratitude, who offers Care Packages to Troops, Veterans, and New Recruits.

Envelopes
Smore kits
Ways To Celebrate The Fourth of July at Home

Create a S’mores Bar

Instead of setting out the traditional graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows, create a s’mores bar. Don’t forget to provide the sticks for marshmallow roasting!

Ways To Celebrate The Fourth of July at Home

Write Your Name with Sparklers

It wouldn’t be Independence Day without sparklers! Capture the fun and take a photo of writing your name in the air with a sparkler. Tip: Write the word backwards and use a long exposure app to capture the photo!

Sparklers spelling out July 4
Glamping tent
Ways To Celebrate The Fourth of July at Home

Have a Campout in Your Backyard

Set up tents, a fire pit, and sleep under the stars in your own backyard. Or if the outdoors aren't your thing, create forts, get out your sleeping bags, and have a camp out indoors!

Ways To Celebrate The Fourth of July at Home

Organize a Secret Uncle Sam

Secret Santa is for the birds. Organize a Secret Uncle Sam and share a little patriotic flair by hanging red-white-and-blue ribbons or balloons on neighbor's mailboxes.

4th of July balloons
Red, white, and blue frozen cocktail
Ways To Celebrate The Fourth of July at Home

Create a Signature Cocktail

Mix up some patriotic-themed cocktails and toast the good old U.S.A. Be sure to keep your cocktail cool with local Hearth and Soul’s True North Coolers.