Games to Enjoy the Holiday

This Independence Day invite your friends over for a picnic filled with patriotic games. Here are a few traditional favorites and new ways to enjoy this summertime holiday.

Games to Help Enjoy the Holiday Celebration

Red, white, and blue tag

Give each competitor one token of each color. When the whistle blows, the game starts! Challenge players to be the first to gather one red, one white, and one blue token by tagging other players. This game is perfect outdoor fun for young kids.

Patriotic balloon pop

Put a “You win!” note inside deflated red, white, and blue balloons, then blow them up and and place them around the party area. Have party guests pop the balloons to find out if they win a prize.

Fourth of July bingo

Perfect for indoor or outdoor fun, print out free patriotic Bingo cards online or design your own using construction paper and stickers. Give away small prizes to winners for extra fun.

Costume Contest

Independence Day costume contest

Ask guests to come dressed in their favorite patriotic attire (Hamilton, anyone?) for a costume contest. Give top prizes for patriotism and creativity.

Uncle Sam hat competition

Set up a card table with safety scissors, glue, star cutouts, construction paper, cotton balls, glitter and tape and have guest create their own Uncle Sam hat. After everyone is done, have a parade of Uncle Sam hats and let the party decide on the winner. Instagram bonus: Partygoers in their newly-made hats will make the perfect photo-op.

American History

American history competition

Challenge guests to a little bit of history trivia. Compile facts about U.S. history and divide guests into four teams. The winners get to be the first to the dessert table! Consider including these fascinating facts about the America flag!

Patriotic scavenger hunt

Set up and plan your very own Americana-packed scavenger hunt. Give guests clues to search for mini versions of a Liberty Bell, Declaration of Independence, soldiers, flags, and more!

Fourth of July Jar Games

Fill a large fishbowl or jar with red, white, and blue candies and challenge guests to guess how many candies are in the bowl. Put a pen, paper, and an empty basket beside the bowl and have guests place their names and guesses in the basket. The winner gets to take home the whole container of goodies.

Bike Decorating

Bike Decorating Competition Games

Perfect for block party fun, have kids and families decorate their bikes with an Independence Day theme: think streamers, flags, bike spoke beads, and more. Winners get year-round bragging rights!

Baseball Games

Start up the fun with America’s favorite pastime! Get the whole crowd involved by serving hot dogs and peanuts to spectators.

Red, White, and Blue Concentration

Have everyone sit in a circle. The first person names something red, the next names something white, and the next something blue. Each time someone repeats or can’t think of anything, they’re out!

Capture the American Flag Games

In this classic game, one team must capture the other team’s flag and bring it back to their territory to win. If a player is tagged by an opposing team member, you have to go to jail (a patch of the field you’re playing on). Players can only get out of jail if their own team-member tags them. Make it patriotic by making one flag blue and the other red!

Water Balloons

Water Balloon Dodge Ball Games

Divide up the group into two teams and fill up some red, white, and blue water balloons. If you get hit, you’re out. The last one standing wins!

Pin the Hat on Uncle Sam Games

While blindfolded, each person must try to pin the hat on Uncle Sam in this Fourth of July rendition of Pin the Tail on the Donkey.

We hope you have a fabulous time with your family and friends while celebrating the 4th of July!

Hope for Children Foundation