Family-Friendly Fourth of July Crafts & Activities

Everyone deserves to celebrate holidays in a manner that is fun, safe, and comfortable for every person involved, and Fourth of July is no exception to this. Though fireworks and huge gatherings of people are enjoyable for some, they may not be as enjoyable to people with autism spectrum disorders. Here are some fun, sensory-friendly activities you can do this Fourth of July!

1. Indoor activities such as board games, coloring, or baking patriotic treats are a good option if it is too hot outside. These activities are calming but also a fun way to celebrate the holiday. Baking is also a fantastic way to practice reading, math and sensory skills. Here are some yummy recipes you can try out.

2. Play a YouTube video of fireworks so that no one feels as though they are missing out on the colorful explosions. You can find firework shows that are much bigger than what you would see in person while being in the comfort of your own home. If you’re a fan of Disney, this video shows off their 4th of July fireworks show in Animal Kingdom. Here is Macy’s 2019 4th of July Fireworks in NYC if you want something more traditional.

3. Host a karaoke night with friends or family. Sing songs appropriate for the holiday such as “Party in the U.S.A” by Miley Cyrus to keep the patriotism strong. However, make sure the music is at a comfortable level for everyone in attendance. 

4. Have a red, white, and blue photoshoot. Purchase some star sunglasses and some patriotic clothing and accessories and take some fun photos. This way, you have pictures to remember the holiday, but you also have a fun time dressing up! Don’t forget to share the final product with us by tagging @MyAutism!

5. Tie-dye some t-shirts red, white, and blue. This is a fun activity for people of all ages and can be inexpensive. The shirts come out unique every time, and you can sport these t-shirts in a photoshoot as mentioned above! Some directions on how to tie-dye are here.

6. Have a craft night. Painting and doing DIYs is a fun distraction from the loud booms of fireworks outside. Here is a list of crafts you can do that are both enjoyable and safe for everyone. 

7. Build a sundae bar. Most people love ice cream, so you really can’t go wrong with having a line of toppings and drizzles to put on your favorite flavor of ice cream. Combine it with a good movie, and you have a successful ice cream movie night that is sure to make everyone comfortable.

 8. Conduct some science experiments. Have you ever combined Mentos and Coca-Cola, or made slime out of corn starch and dish soap? Children love science experiments and not only is it entertaining to watch and play around with, but it can teach them something as well. Here is a list of some science experiments you could try. 

9. If you feel that fireworks are an absolute necessity, opt for confetti poppers for children or sparklers if you feel the person would be safe around them. Sparklers are almost silent but are still fun to look at and play around with, while confetti poppers are safer with a much softer popping sound than fireworks. You can even make your own party poppers here.

Wishing you a wonderful celebration from the American Autism Association. Stay safe and have fun!