Fun Fourth of July Activities for Military Families
Written by Grace Olinkiewicz
Celebrating the Fourth of July as a Military Family
As a young military spouse, I am excited to celebrate my first Fourth of July with the military community. Like many other military families, my Fourth of July will look different this year because my husband and I will be moving to California.
Military life is always changing with deployments, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves, and time away from extended family. But the beauty is that no matter the holiday, the meaning and community remain the same wherever you go.
It’s the people you surround yourself with and the memories you make that carry the importance and significance of each holiday.
Why the Fourth of July Feels Meaningful for Military Families
For military families, the Fourth of July is more than a holiday; it is a celebration of our nation’s freedom and a recognition of the sacrifice and service required to defend it. It is a time of gratitude and patriotism for all the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice. It is a reminder of all that is lost to maintain our nation’s freedom.
But it’s also a celebration of all who serve, especially those we love. Let’s celebrate!
5 Fun, Affordable Ways to Celebrate the Fourth of July as a Military Family
1. Attend Local 4th of July Military Events
Celebrate America’s birthday at your local installation’s Fourth of July celebration! Many bases host Independence Day celebrations for the military and their families with food vendors, a large fireworks display, and fun activities for kids. This year, Camp Lejeune is premiering live music from Dylan Scott and Hot Chelle Rae alongside the day’s festivities. For more information about military family events, see your installation’s community calendar.
Looking for more events? Check out your local community calendar or Google ”4th of July events near me” for off-base festivities such as parades, fireworks, live music, and even exclusive tours of the homes of some of the nation’s founding fathers in Virginia.
Connect with other military families at your local Fourth of July festivals and parades to create memories for a lifetime!
2. Host a Backyard BBQ or Potluck
Nothing says the Fourth of July like a backyard party!
I remember going to a few Fourth of July BBQ’s and potlucks when I was younger, and I would have the time of my life! People from all around town would come, and I would make so many new friends!
Hosting a nice get-together where neighbors, friends, and fellow military families can all come together and get to know one another is essential for building community and support. You get to meet people from all walks of life, or maybe even similar walks as yours, and that sense of community is what really makes the holidays like the Fourth of July special.
Hosting doesn’t have to be expensive either. Everyone can bring a dish, drinks, or even some decorations. It’s the simple things in life that have a lasting impact.
You don’t need fancy decorations or games; all you need is family, friends, and lots of yummy food!
3. Create Fourth of July Crafts with Kids
As a child, one of my favorite parts of the holidays was the crafts that my family would do together, gathered around our dining table. The Fourth of July was no exception to our crazy crafts, and we often made a long red, white, and blue paper chain that would span the dining room.
Simple activities like arts and crafts can make holidays special for kids. Put a tablecloth down and grab some glitter because these Fourth of July crafts are sure to build fun memories and bring a patriotic look to your home:
- Glitter Glue Fireworks
- Fourth of July Lava Lamp
- Paper Plate Flag
- Fourth of July Color by Code
- Pasta Fireworks
Instructions and materials can be found at ABCDeeLearning.
4. Plan a Family Movie or Game Night
If a Fourth of July potluck or glittery arts and crafts aren’t your thing, fear not! There are lots of other activities you can do to celebrate this year, like a movie/game night!
A family game night is a great option for families who are together or apart, navigating deployment. Many physical board games, like Monopoly and Uno, have now been digitized and can be downloaded from anywhere. It is a simple yet fun way to stay connected with family and friends overseas.
For those who prefer the classic tabletop games over digital ones, here are a few that are fun for the whole family:
- Catan
- Candy Land
- Sorry
- The Game of Life
- Wizardology
- Twister
- Don’t Step in It
As the night goes on and the winner is crowned, it’s now time to put on a movie! Similar to board games, watching movies is now as easy as a push of a button. Thousands of movies are at your fingertips and can be dual-streamed for family members overseas or living in another country or state.
And because it is the Fourth of July, why not watch patriotic movies such as Hidden Figures, Forrest Gump, or Saving Private Ryan?
Meaningful celebrations don’t have to be expensive or elaborate. It’s about celebrating our independence and spending time with the people we love, and no amount of money or showmanship can reproduce that.
5. Give Back to the Military Community
Give back to the military community by volunteering at local events like parades, where you can be a balloon handler, help carry flags, and stand side by side with friends to carry parade banners. Or attend community appreciation events such as flag-raising ceremonies or patriotic yard-decorating contests.
You can also give back to those who serve you. The nonprofit Armed Services YMCA provides year-round support for military families, including:
- Operation Kid Comfort: Volunteers create custom handcrafted photo-transfer quilts and pillowcases to help children cope with the stress of separation from their deployed parent.
- Operation Hero: A free after-school program tailored to the unique struggles of military children, Operation Hero provides the tools and opportunities for military children to adjust positively.
- Operation Camp: A fun and educational summer day camp that encourages healthy living and recreation, fosters social connection, and helps children grow their confidence.
- Food Assistance: Food pantries and distributions ensure no military family goes hungry.
- And other community-led events: Military Spouse Appreciation Day, Month of the Military Child, National RED Day, and more!
Volunteer at your local Armed Services YMCA to make a direct impact in your military community. Giving back is a fun (and easy!) way to show your support and gratitude.
Celebrating Freedom, Family, and Community
Every Fourth of July, we celebrate the freedom, resilience, and sacrifices military families make throughout the year. We prioritize togetherness and show gratitude to our troops and their families. Let this Fourth of July be filled with love and celebration as we honor all service members and their families — especially your own!
Military Family Support for Every Season
The Armed Services YMCA is proud to support military families on the Fourth of July and through every season of military life. Learn more about the programs and services that help military families build connection, community, and resilience all year long.
Grace is a military spouse originally from Long Island, New York, with a bachelor’s degree in English and a background in journalism. New to military life, she is navigating this transition firsthand as she begins her journey as a military spouse.
