The Fourth of July, a day when all Americans rejoice in the glory of freedom and liberty, is here. In the United States, it is popularly regarded as Independence Day. On this day, the Congress, comprising delegates from the United States’ original 13 colonies, signed the Declaration of Independence, announcing the country’s independence from Great Britain. Today, the Fourth of July is observed with patriotic reflection and festivities, including fireworks, parades, family gatherings and expressions of national pride.
The day serves as a reminder of the enduring values and sacrifices of the people that define the American experience. However, expensive celebrations can easily burn a hole in your pocket. But, not anymore! Read along and find out how you can spend the Fourth of July on a budget with great spirits without compromising on fun.
Fireworks-free fun
Fireworks can be expensive. So, avoid personally purchasing them and, instead, go to a place where the local governments and institutions have arranged a display to watch the fireworks dance in the sky. It is one of the first things you can do if you want to spend the day on a budget. Instead of expensive fireworks, you can also consider throwing a bonfire to turn the evening into a special occasion. Get some wood from the nearby forests and create a pit with some bricks or stones to get the fire started.
Budget-friendly BBQ
While the bonfire sets the mood, you can also host a backyard barbecue with budget-friendly options like hot dogs, burgers, and grilled vegetables. To save additional money, you can buy generic brands of mayonnaise and ketchup. Keep it simple with paper plates and disposable utensils to minimize cleanup. Get your family and friends to chip in for the barbeque and make a fun party out of it. You can set up your own music system for songs and dances to enjoy the occasion.
Patriotic party games
Spend the day at home and invite your friends over. You can organize games with a patriotic twist, like potato sack races, three-legged races or a water balloon toss. These activities are fun for all ages and promote a festive atmosphere. You can also play fun trivia games where you can center your questions around America and its achievements.
DIY decorations
Don’t spend money on buying expensive indoor and outdoor decor items. Instead, create your own decorations using materials like construction paper, flags and ribbons. Make paper lanterns, bunting or a flag-inspired centerpiece to enhance the patriotic theme. You can involve your children in a fun activity to teach them about the importance of the Fourth of July, as well as budget hacks to enhance their knowledge.
Free and cheap outings
Why go on paid outings when there are so many fun and interesting free activities happening all over the country? You can visit parades and local parks for a picnic, hike scenic trails or explore historical landmarks with free admission. You can also plan a short road trip to the nearby beach to enjoy fireworks in the clear sky. It would be best to have community calendars for concerts or festivals celebrating the holiday.
Patriotic potluck
If you are hosting dinner, don’t take full responsibility for the food. Host a potluck where guests bring themed dishes, like red, white and blue desserts or dishes inspired by American cuisine. It is a great way to enjoy a variety of foods without overspending. You can also host a fun-filled cooking party where all your family and friends contribute to the occasion.
Beat the heat
After the meal, cool off with activities like water balloon fights, setting up a sprinkler for kids or making homemade popsicles. These activities deepen your connection with loved ones and are refreshing, unique, and inexpensive. A quick trip to the beach can also help you cool off the summer heat during the festive celebration.
Historical inspiration
Get inspired by the rich history of America by visiting museums and other historical sites related to American history. Learn about local history or participate in guided tours to deepen your understanding of Independence Day’s significance. Explain the significance of Independence Day and the freedom fighters who helped pave the way for a free country. This is another great way of learning about your country.
Volunteering for the 4th
Give back to your community by volunteering for local events or charitable organizations. Help set up community celebrations or assist with activities for children and families. There are a large number of NGOs and local groups that organize food drives and other activities to give back to the community on this remarkable day. Be a part of their efforts, inspire your friends and family to give back to the community and bring a major difference to society to celebrate the occasion.
4th of July Fireworks Safety Tips
Here are some important Fourth of July fireworks safety tips to ensure a safe celebration:
- Check local regulations regarding the use of fireworks. It would help if you always respected designated areas and times for fireworks displays.
- Make sure that fireworks are handled and ignited only by adults who are knowledgeable about fireworks safety.
- Do not involve kids when you are lighting fireworks.
- Maintain a safe distance from fireworks when they are being lit or launched. Keep spectators, especially children and pets, at a safe distance.
- Keep a bucket of water, garden hose, or fire extinguisher on the scene to extinguish the fire, just in case.
- Place fireworks on a stable, flat surface away from flammable materials, buildings, and dry vegetation
- Light only one firework at a time and move away as soon as it lights up.
- Once you are done with the fireworks, douse them with water and dispose of them by wrapping them on paper. Ensure that all of them are adequately doused.
- You can also wear protective gear like safety goggles to stay safe.
- Do not drink and handle fireworks.
Pet-Friendly Fun
Fourth of July fireworks can scare your pets. Therefore, it is paramount that pet parents keep their beloved animals safe and indoors during fireworks displays, as the loud noises can be distressing for their furry friends. Provide a quiet space with familiar sounds and comfort items. Offer them comfort when they get scared.
You can also go through the official websites of local authorities for advanced safety tips and precautions to keep your furry friends calm during the festivities. In addition, local pet stores and vets also offer a variety of remedies to comfort your pet and put them at ease during the loud celebrations.
Planning Ahead For Next Year
Start saving early for next year’s Fourth of July celebrations by setting aside some money each month. While this year you may celebrate the occasion frugally, planning ahead can help you celebrate on a more grand scale next year. It doesn’t have to be an exorbitant amount of money. Just $10 each month, and you will have around $120 to celebrate with next year. Small efforts now can go a long way in saving money for the future.
Conclusion
Celebrating the Fourth of July on a budget is not only feasible but can also be immensely enjoyable with a bit of creativity and planning. As mentioned above, you can just have a budget-friendly BBQ with friends and enjoy playing trivia games with them. By embracing these ideas and prioritizing smart spending, everyone can have a memorable Fourth of July while staying within their financial means. If you are looking for more such budget-friendly tips and tricks to celebrate monumental occasions in the US, check out Beem.
Read related blog: What To Do On Fourth of July?
FAQs
What are some fun things to do on the 4th of July that don’t involve fireworks?
Some fun things to do on the 4th of July include exploring local parks for picnics, organizing a patriotic-themed scavenger hunt, hosting a backyard BBQ with games like sack races and water balloon tosses, creating DIY decorations, attending community parades or festivals, and enjoying outdoor concerts or movie screenings. You can do these activities alone or with your loved ones.
I am on a tight budget this year. Are there still ways to celebrate the 4th of July?
If you are on a tight budget, then you can involve your friends to have fun. Arrange a potluck with friends where they will bring one dish each. Once you are done eating, you can visit parades or watch patriotic movies at home. You can also participate in community-sponsored events, organize a neighborhood block party, or volunteer for a local charity event.
What are some kid-friendly activities to do on the 4th of July?
If you have kids at home, you can plan some kid-friendly activities like organizing a bike or wagon parade in the neighborhood, setting up a backyard campout where you can stargaze with them, or creating crafts like making flags or patriotic bracelets. You can also host a watermelon-eating contest, play outdoor games such as relay races or tug-of-war, and cap off the day with a family-friendly movie night or storytelling session.
