Fun Alternatives to Fireworks for Your 4th of July Celebration

Our country's patriotic celebrations have included fireworks since they lit up the night sky during the first 4th of July in 1776. They bring wonder and inspiration, but they are best left in the capable hands of professional pyrotechnicians. Luckily, there are plenty of fun alternatives to fireworks that can bring a different kind of spark to your Independence Day festivities—especially at our Sun Outdoors resorts, where fireworks are not allowed.

4th of July Kids Crafts That Make a Bang

Get into the Team USA spirit with these easy and patriotic DIY crafts. You'll likely find most of the materials needed already packed in your outdoor vacation supplies.

Bombastic Bubbles

Glow-in-the-dark bubbles make for an entertaining evening! Simply add the contents of a glow stick or the felt pad of a highlighter to your favorite bubble solution. The more you add, the better the glow. Start the show when it gets dark!

You can also make a homemade bubble solution using water, dish soap, and light corn syrup for extra fun.

All-American Bubble Art

Don't put the bubble-blowing solution away just yet. This inexpensive activity creates a frame-worthy piece of art:

1. Place white paper or poster board on the ground or a protected tabletop.
2. Add red and blue food coloring or poster paint to separate bowls of bubble solution.
3. Use a straw or bubble wand to blow bubbles over the paper.
4. When they pop, they'll leave colored splatters.

Experiment with different heights and color concentrations. Let your masterpiece dry for some authentic American artwork ready to display!

Balloon Poppers

Make some noise and have fun with an easy-to-assemble balloon popper. All you need are balloons, empty toilet paper tubes, and environmentally friendly camping confetti, like fallen leaves or dried flowers.

1. Tie a knot in the balloon.
2. Cut across the balloon a bit above the knot.
3. Slip the knotted part over one end of a toilet paper roll.
4. Decorate the roll with red, white, and blue embellishments.
5. Fill with camping confetti and pull the balloon knot down to launch!

Safe Sparkler Substitutes

Sparklers can be dangerous, so here are some fun alternatives that sparkle without the risks:

Sticks That Glow

Inexpensive glow sticks cast a cool light around the resort. When activated, the non-toxic mix within the sticks sets off a glow that can last for hours, with various colors to choose from.

Get All Wand-Up

LED sparklers and fiber optic wands are becoming popular fire-free options for traditional sparklers. For a festive touch, repurpose decorative solar garden lights in a starburst pattern for a stunning display.

Phone Displays

Use your smartphone to harness the power of the internet with animated sparkler images and videos, or download a sparkler app to safely shine your light throughout the resort!

Quiet Fireworks Make Big Noise

Many towns and cities put on explosive displays near our resorts. Some communities are now using "quiet fireworks," known as "silent fireworks," which provide bright colors without the loud booms. These low-noise fireworks are perfect for those with noise sensitivity, including individuals with PTSD, young children, and pets.

We hope these ideas inspire you to celebrate the holiday safely without using traditional fireworks. Do you have favorite activities for celebrating the 4th of July? Share them with us!

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