It's almost July, so it's time to bring out the red, white, and blue! Here are a few patriotic ideas to celebrate with your toddlers.

1. Firework Painting: start saving a few toilet paper or paper towel tubes now and you'll be ready to cut the ends, flare them out, and let your little firecracker explode with paint. We used red and blue non-toxic finger paint and dipped the ends. Mr. G loved making unique patterns that look like fireworks. I can't wait to show him the real thing (with ear phones of course!).

Toilet paper tubes clipped to make firework paint brushes

Red & blue explosions

2. Hear the Wind Blow: Recycle some cans (adult assistance needed) by painting them blue, use red and white crepe paper, and let little stick on 50 stars. Punch a nail through for a string and let the wind blow your festive decor. Instructions here.

3. Patriotic Books: I happened upon this beautifully illustrated one at a consignment sale, but your local library should have a good selection, or here is a list from Amazon.

Patriotic titles teach with images

4. Sing-a-long-Sam: Make a playlist on Pandora, Amazon, Spotify, or other music service and teach your kiddos the classics. Pretend to be in marching band or parade! Bonus: help them learn to recognize the first few nots of the Star-Spangled Banner and they will have fun picking it out during the Olympics soon. Here are a few classics to get you started, but you can always add in some new classics like "Born in the USA!"

Source: July 4th: A Patriotic Playlist | NBC News 

5. Honor the Brave: Take a trip to your local fire, police, or rescue station to deliver cookies or a meal. We planned to thank them with something special, and ended up with a special surprise ourselves (thanks for the hat Huntersville FD)!

Deliver a treat to your local first responders

Happy Fourth of July!