This Independence Day, I'm want to go all out. My 5 year is a great age to learn more about our founders, the Declaration of Independence, and July 4th traditions. Here are some ideas I'm considering:

1. Sadly, many Americans don't know why we have parades, fireworks, and barbecues on July 4. So I'll start by telling my kids what Independence Day is all about. (Hint: It's the day we celebrate the colonists breaking away from England, as put forth in the Declaration of Independence.) Here is a simplified version of the Declaration of Independence I will share with them. (Read the Declaration in its original language here.

2. Baking lasagna that looks like the American flag.

3. Making flag pinwheels.

4. Turning strawberries into red, white, and blue delights.



5. Making easy red, white, and blue popsicle or more elaborate watermelon star pops.

6. Baking cupcakes with white frosting and red and blue sprinkles, then top them with images of U.S. presidents and founders (images here, at Family Fun).


7. Making a super easy flag fan or slightly more elaborate round flag fans.

8. Helping the kids learn their states with this lovely United States of America map craft.

9. Putting together fun and simple flag kabobs with blueberries, strawberries, and bananas.

10. Making flag hats and flag chair covers.

11. Printing out and assembling a star spangled banner.

12. Making star spangled fruit treats.

13. Baking a blueberry, cherry, or strawberry pie - but make the top crust a series of stars. (To do this, simply use a star cookie cutter - or several star cookie cutters of different sizes - to make star shapes. Then lay them on top of the pie filling, close together but not overlapping.)

14. Or baking this stunning but not complicated flag pie with cherries and blueberries.

15. Make a layered flag cake.

How will you make your Independence Day special this year?

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