Welcome to a world of sparkle, color, and creativity with 4th of July Crafts for Kids! Whether you’re getting ready for a backyard BBQ or just looking for a fun way to spend the afternoon, these patriotic projects are the perfect way to celebrate. From stars and stripes to glitter and glue, crafting is a simple, joyful way to bring the holiday to life for kids of all ages.
4th of July Crafts for Kids
Celebrate Independence Day with fun and easy 4th of July Crafts for Kids! These creative activities spark imagination, encourage family bonding, and bring patriotic spirit to life.
Patriotic Paper Plate Wreath
This colorful wreath is an easy craft for kids and makes a festive decoration for your door or windows.
Materials:
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Paper plate
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Red, white, and blue construction paper
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Star stickers or cutouts
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Glue stick
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Scissors
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Ribbon (optional for hanging)
Steps:
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Cut the center out of the paper plate to create a wreath shape.
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Cut strips of construction paper or shapes like stars and circles.
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Glue them around the ring in a pattern or randomly.
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Add star stickers for extra sparkle.
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Tie a ribbon at the top if you want to hang it.
Fireworks Salt Painting
Let kids explore a fun texture-based painting technique that resembles fireworks exploding in the sky.
Materials:
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Black construction paper
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White glue
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Table salt
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Watercolors or food coloring mixed with water
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Paintbrush or dropper
Steps:
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Use glue to draw firework shapes on the black paper.
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Sprinkle salt generously over the glue and shake off the excess.
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Dip a paintbrush into watered-down food coloring and gently touch it to the salt.
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Watch the color spread like magic!
Handprint American Flag
This craft is a great keepsake and teaches kids about flag colors and patterns using their own handprints.
Materials:
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White paper
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Red and blue paint
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Paintbrush
Steps:
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Paint one hand blue and press it in the top left corner of the paper.
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Paint red stripes across the rest of the paper with a brush or fingers.
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Let it dry and proudly display!
Confetti Pop Rockets
Kids will love these adorable, mini rockets that shoot out red, white, and blue confetti—perfect for party fun.
Materials:
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Toilet paper roll
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Balloon
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Tape
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Scissors
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Confetti
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Construction paper
Steps:
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Tie a knot at the end of a balloon and cut off the top.
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Stretch the balloon over one end of the toilet paper roll and tape it securely.
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Decorate the roll with construction paper and stars.
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Add confetti inside the tube.
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Pull the balloon and let go to launch!
Popsicle Stick Flags
These mini flags are easy to assemble and great for waving during a parade or backyard fun.
Materials:
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Popsicle sticks
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Red, white, and blue paint
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Glue
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Star stickers or white paper
Steps:
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Paint sticks red and white for the stripes.
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Paint a few blue for the corner.
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Glue them side by side and add a blue square with stars.
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Let dry and display!
Uncle Sam Paper Plate Mask
Kids can dress up like Uncle Sam with this silly, creative mask made with simple materials.
Materials:
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Paper plate
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Cotton balls
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Red and white paper
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Glue
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Scissors
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Blue construction paper and stars
Steps:
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Cut out eye holes in the plate.
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Glue cotton balls for the beard and mustache.
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Make a top hat from paper and decorate with stars.
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Attach the hat to the top of the plate.
Red, White & Blue Bead Bracelets
Perfect for older kids who love jewelry, this craft is simple and wearable for the whole day.
Materials:
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Elastic cord
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Red, white, and blue pony beads
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Scissors
Steps:
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Cut a piece of elastic cord long enough to wrap around the wrist.
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Let kids string beads in patterns or randomly.
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Tie the ends tightly and wear it proudly.
Patriotic Windsocks
These flowy windsocks look beautiful outside and flutter in the breeze all day long.
Materials:
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Construction paper or cardstock
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Streamers or ribbon
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Glue or tape
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Hole punch
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String
Steps:
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Roll paper into a tube and tape it.
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Attach red, white, and blue streamers to one end.
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Punch holes in the other end and tie string for hanging.
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Hang on the porch or in the yard.
DIY Star Wands
Add some sparkle to your child’s 4th of July outfit with a star wand they can wave around.
Materials:
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Craft sticks
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Foam stars or cardboard cutouts
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Paint or glitter
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Glue
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Ribbons
Steps:
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Paint or decorate the stars.
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Glue the star onto a craft stick.
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Tie or glue ribbon strips behind the star to trail down.
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Let dry and start waving!
American Flag Paper Chains
This twist on the classic paper chain uses patriotic colors to make fun garlands for decorating.
Materials:
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Red, white, and blue paper
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Scissors
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Glue or tape
Steps:
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Cut paper into equal-sized strips.
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Form the first loop and tape it closed.
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Continue looping and alternating colors.
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Hang your chain across tables, walls, or windows.
Painted Rock Flags
Take the fun outdoors with rock painting—turn plain rocks into tiny patriotic masterpieces.
Materials:
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Smooth rocks
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Acrylic paint
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Paintbrushes
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Sealant spray (optional)
Steps:
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Wash and dry the rocks.
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Paint them with flag designs or stars.
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Let dry completely and seal if desired.
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Place in the garden or use as decor.
4th of July Crowns
Let kids be the kings and queens of the holiday with a DIY paper crown decked in stars and stripes.
Materials:
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Construction paper
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Scissors
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Glue
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Star stickers or glitter
Steps:
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Cut a strip of paper to fit around a child’s head.
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Decorate with red, white, and blue accents.
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Glue on stars and glitter for flair.
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Tape ends together and wear with pride!
Cupcake Liner Fireworks
An easy and colorful craft using cupcake liners to make popping fireworks on paper.
Materials:
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Cupcake liners
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Glue
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Construction paper
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Markers or stickers
Steps:
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Flatten cupcake liners and fold them in half or quarters to create a burst effect.
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Glue them to paper like a firework.
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Decorate with stickers or marker lines to add sparkle.
Sparkler Painting
A safe way for young kids to enjoy “sparklers” using paint and creativity instead of flames.
Materials:
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Paint
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Construction paper
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Q-tips or brushes
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Glitter (optional)
Steps:
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Dip Q-tips into paint.
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Dab onto paper in starburst shapes.
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Sprinkle with glitter before it dries for shimmer.
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Let dry and hang as festive art.
Firecracker Toilet Rolls
These pretend firecrackers are colorful and fun, and they don’t make a sound—perfect for toddlers!
Materials:
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Empty toilet paper rolls
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Tissue paper
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Glue
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Markers or stickers
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Ribbon or yarn
Steps:
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Decorate the outside of the roll with paper or stickers.
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Glue tissue paper coming out of one end to mimic sparks.
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Add ribbon for flair.
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Set them up as table centerpieces or pretend to launch them.
Crafting Tips for a Smooth Day
Crafting with kids is all about fun, but a little preparation can make it even more enjoyable (and less messy!). Whether you’re hosting a Fourth of July playdate or crafting with your own little ones at home, these simple tips will help keep things organized and stress-free.
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Set up a craft station with all materials
Lay out everything your kids will need before you start—scissors, glue, paper, paint, and any extras. Having everything in one spot keeps the flow going and avoids mid-project scrambles. -
Use aprons or old shirts for messy fun
Protect those adorable holiday outfits by slipping on aprons or oversized old T-shirts. Kids can get creative without worrying about the mess. -
Let kids add their own creative twist
Don’t worry about perfection! Let little ones personalize their crafts. A few extra stars or a surprise color choice just makes the project more special and fun.
Crafting is all about enjoying the process, so relax, join in, and celebrate the 4th of July with sparkles, smiles, and lots of gluey fingers!
FAQ
What age group are these 4th of July Crafts for Kids suitable for?
Most of these crafts are perfect for kids aged 3–10, but older kids can enjoy them too with a bit more creativity and independence.
Do I need to buy a lot of supplies?
Not at all! Many of these crafts use simple materials like paper, glue, scissors, and markers—things you probably already have at home.
Are these crafts safe for toddlers?
Yes, but always supervise little ones, especially when using scissors, small beads, or glue. You can simplify steps for younger kids to keep it fun and safe.
How long do these crafts usually take?
Most projects can be completed in 15–30 minutes, depending on the child’s age and the level of detail they want to add.

Hi, I’m Victoria, an art and craft teacher at Newark City Schools, where I have the joy of working with middle school students to help them explore their creativity and develop their artistic talents. I believe that art is a powerful way for students to express themselves, and I strive to make every lesson a fun, engaging, and inspiring experience.
I created this website to share the art and craft projects, techniques, and resources that I use in my classroom, hoping to inspire both educators and young artists alike. Whether you’re a teacher looking for new ideas or a student eager to try something new, I’m excited to provide creative tools and projects that anyone can enjoy.
When I’m not in the classroom, I love experimenting with different art forms and learning new crafting techniques. My goal is to help others discover the joy of making things with their hands, and I hope my website serves as a space for everyone to explore their creative potential.