Here are a few fun and festive suggestions to help you make the most of the upcoming holiday with your family and friends.

• Get Creative in the Kitchen: Start the day off in the holiday spirit with a make-your-own red, white and blue breakfast. Or turn your favorite dessert recipe patriotic by decorating a cake, brownies, cookies or chocolate covered pretzels together.

• Go Hiking: With many pandemic restrictions lifted, take advantage of spending more time outdoors. A great way to celebrate the 4th is a group hike to get out and enjoy what nature has to offer.  

• Honor Military Members: Creating a care package for troops currently serving can be an easy and fun activity for the whole family. Everyone can also help craft a thank you card to a veteran that you know. 

• Build Your Own Water Park: Beat the summer heat and celebrate the holiday by getting wet. Water slides, water guns, water balloons or creative use of the garden hose can turn your backyard into a water park without traveling or spending lots of money.

• Enjoy the Fireworks Safely: It’s important to continue staying safe in large crowds. Find a socially distant place to watch or wear face masks to enjoy fireworks in a group. Your little ones may be sensitive to loud noises (which can also be triggering to veterans) so noise cancelling headphones are a good resource to be sure everyone can enjoy the display.