Best Fun 4th of July Party Games and Activities

Sharing is caring!

Are you hosting a celebration to honor America’s birthday and searching for fun ideas for your party activities? If so, keep reading, we’ve got you covered with the perfect way to add some fun 4th of July party games to your holiday celebration this year.

---

I may earn a small commission for affiliate links in this post at no extra cost to you. Please read my privacy policy and privacy page for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

---

The Fourth of July is the time of year to celebrate patriotism on America’s birthday.

It is a good time for friends and the whole family to gather together and honor the birth of the nation.

Along with traditional holiday activities such as parades and firework displays, a popular way to commemorate this holiday is by hosting a Fourth of July party.

And what better way to liven up your holiday party than with some fun and festive party games? 

Whether you’re planning a small backyard July 4th celebration or one of the large 4th of July parties with all your loved ones, incorporating games with a patriotic spin into your Fourth of July party is a great way to keep your party guests entertained and create lasting memories. 

To help you find different patriotic games perfect for your party, we will explore the best 4th of July party games to add to your perfect holiday celebration. 

So, get ready to add some excitement with these 4th of July party ideas and games to have everyone loving your party.

1. Play Some Fun 4th of July Games like a Patriotic Scavenger Hunt

A popular Independence Day celebration game idea is to set up a fun and festive 4th of July party scavenger hunt. 

A standard scavenger hunt is one of the fun traditional games to offer, but for this party – add a fun twist! 

Be sure to add some Fourth of July-themed items to find, such as red, white, and blue American Flag decor or patriotic ideas and symbols like Uncle Sam or the Statue of Liberty.

Whether you choose to organize your scavenger hunt into groups of team members or just have a solo event, set up different things all around your backyard, or even throughout your neighborhood, for a fantastic way to keep guests entertained and create lasting memories during your 4th of July party.

2. Grab Water Balloons for a Fun 4th of July Game of Water Balloon Toss to Beat the Summer Heat

With the summer heat in full swing, it’s important to find enjoyable ways to stay cool during your 4th of July celebration. 

One simple game to include in your party is the classic water balloon toss game. 

For a great game of water fun, grab a pack of water balloons and gather your friends and family for some friendly competition. 

The goal of these backyard games is simple – toss the water balloon back and forth without it breaking. 

This simple idea of this game is not only fun but the best part is that it’s a great way to beat the heat while having fun at your 4th of July party. 

3. Feature Patriotic Lawn Games During the July Celebration Party

Celebrate the spirit of patriotism and add a touch of friendly competition to your 4th of July party by featuring a selection of patriotic lawn games. 

These great activity games not only provide entertainment but also create some friendly competition among your guests. 

Here is a list of some fun lawn games to set up at your 4th of July party:

Giant Jenga: Stack oversized wooden blocks and take turns removing one block at a time without toppling the tower.

Ladder Toss: Players throw bolas (two balls connected by a string) at a ladder-shaped target, aiming to wrap them around the rungs for points.

KanJam: Teams take turns throwing a frisbee at a can while their partner tries to deflect or slam the frisbee into the can.

Giant Four in a Row: A supersized version of the classic game where players take turns dropping colored disks into a vertical frame, aiming to get four in a row.

Ring Toss: Set up bottles or pegs of varying heights and have players toss rings to try to land them around the objects for points.

Giant Twister: Create a DIY version of Twister using spray paint to make colorful circles on your lawn. Guests will have a blast trying to contort themselves to match the calls.

Capture the Flag: Divide guests into two teams and set up territories with flags. The objective is to capture the other team’s flag and bring it back to your territory without being tagged.

Giant Tic-Tac-Toe: Draw a large tic-tac-toe grid on a tarp or use rope on the lawn. Provide large X and O pieces for players to place as they try to get three in a row.

Horseshoes: Set up stakes in the ground and have players take turns tossing horseshoes, aiming to land them around the stake for points.

Bubble Soccer: Rent or purchase inflatable bubble suits for guests to wear while playing a game of soccer. The bubbles add an extra layer of fun and hilarity to the game.

Glow-in-the-Dark Lawn Games: As the sun sets, switch to glow-in-the-dark versions of games like ring toss, frisbee, or lawn bowling by adding glow sticks to the equipment.

Balloon Dart Board: Inflate different colors of balloons like red, white, and blue balloons, and attach them to a corkboard or wooden backdrop. Players take turns throwing darts to pop the balloons and earn points.

Hula Hoop Ring Toss: Set up a series of stakes or poles at varying distances in your yard. Each stake has a different point value. Players take turns tossing hula hoops, aiming to land them around the stakes. The closer they get to the target stake, the more points they earn. It’s a fun twist on the classic ring toss game, adding the challenge of using hula hoops as the rings.

These classic Fourth of July games are a great idea to create a festive holiday vibe and encourage guests to engage in friendly competition.

4. Grab Bean Bags and a Stars and Stripes Cornhole Set for Fun Games at the Party

An easy way to get everyone in a party mood is to set up some bean bags and a stars and stripes cornhole set at your party. 

Cornhole, a beloved American pastime, involves tossing bean bags toward strategically placed holes on a wooden board. 

By providing a stars and stripes-themed cornhole set, complete with bean bags, you can create a fun and festive set of outdoor games that are a blast for your holiday guests.


 

5. Set Up the Karaoke Machine with Some Great Music and Patriotic Songs 

As you plan your 4th of July party celebration, be sure to add a karaoke machine ready to go with lots of patriotic songs. 

Get your guests on stage to showcase their patriotic singing talents while embracing the spirit of Independence Day. 

For a fun idea, prepare a playlist of popular patriotic songs, such as “God Bless America” or “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and provide a microphone and speaker system for party guests to use. 

6. Host a Friendly Competition Potato Sack Race for a Perfect 4th of July Game Idea

Keep the fun going at your 4th of July gathering, with a fun-filled potato sack race.

This nostalgic and fun activity is sure to entertain guests of all ages and have everyone smiling. 

Divide participants into teams and provide each team with a burlap sack for them to step in. 

Mark out a clear starting point for the first person/first player and finish line, and let the race begin.

The objective is for each participant to hop forward in their sack, with the first team to have all members cross the finish line declared the winners. 

7. Feature a US History Printable Game of American History and Historical Figures for Fun Game Ideas

In addition to traditional party games and activities, one of the fun things to hand out is printable games that highlight American history and historical figures. 

These patriotic games are a fun way to engage guests while educating them on the nation’s heritage and facts. 

There are tons of great 4th of July printable trivia games and activities featuring George Washington and Abraham Lincoln as well as other historical figures and American history facts. 

Grab a cheap game on Etsy that includes game instructions and all the information for a great holiday celebration.

8. Host a DIY 4th of July Game of Olympics to Celebrate America’s Birthday

Another fun holiday game idea is to host a backyard Olympics event to add an exciting twist to your 4th of July celebration. 

This festive and energetic group game allows guests to participate in friendly competitions while celebrating America’s birthday. 

To enhance the festive atmosphere, decorate the Olympic stations with patriotic colors and symbols.

Here are a few backyard Olympic game ideas for your party:

Obstacle Course: Design a challenging obstacle course using items like cones, tires, ropes, and tunnels. Time guests as they navigate through the course for medals.

Three-Legged Race: Guests pair up and tie one leg to their partner’s leg. The pairs then race to the finish line.

Egg and Spoon Race: Participants balance an egg on a spoon while racing to the finish line without dropping it.

Tug of War: Divide guests into two teams and see which team can pull the other across a designated line first.

Basketball Shooting Contest: Set up a basketball hoop and see who can sink the most shots in a timed competition.

Mini Golf Tournament: Create a backyard mini-golf course with obstacles and see who can complete it with the fewest strokes.

Target Archery: Set up a target and provide toy bows and suction cup arrows for guests to practice their archery skills.

Disc Golf Course: Create a DIY disc golf course in your backyard using designated targets and see who can complete it in the fewest throws.

Bocce Ball Tournament: Set up a bocce ball court and organize a friendly tournament to see who has the best aim and strategy.

Long Jump: Mark a starting line and see who can jump the farthest from a standing position.

9. Have a Jelly Bean Counting Contest at Your 4th of July Party

Test every guest and their math skills with a jelly bean counting contest at your 4th of July party.

This activity is a sweet and fun game idea that will have guests of all ages eagerly participating. 

Simply fill a large jar with colorful jelly beans or red, white, and blue candies and place it prominently on display on a picnic table or party table with a sign inviting guests to guess the correct answer to the number of jelly beans inside. 

Grab a printable guessing game ballot on Etsy and pens for guests to write down their guesses throughout the party. 

Near the end of the party, announce the winner who guessed the correct number or came closest to it.

This charming 4th of July game adds an element of friendly competition and fun to your holiday celebration, creating memorable moments for everyone involved.

10. Enjoy pool party 4th of July games

For your 4th of July celebration, why not make a splash with an unforgettable 4th of July pool party filled with festive games and activities? 

Transform your backyard oasis into a patriotic paradise by decorating the pool area with red, white, and blue floaties, balloons, and themed decorations. 

Keep your guests entertained with classic pool games such as:

Marco Polo: A classic pool game where one player closes their eyes and tries to tag other players by calling out “Marco” while they respond with “Polo” without leaving the pool.

Water Volleyball: Set up a net across the pool and divide players into teams for a fun game of volleyball with a splashy twist.

Water Obstacle Course: Create a water obstacle course where guests can race against each other or simply navigate the course for fun.

Water Basketball: Install a floating basketball hoop in the pool and have guests shoot hoops while treading water or from the pool deck.

Mermaid Races: Encourage guests to swim like mermaids or mermen from one end of the pool to the other, using their best underwater swimming techniques.

Splash Tag: A variation of tag where the person who is “it” tries to tag other players by splashing them with water.

Inflatable Bull Riding Contest: Set up an inflatable bull or animal float in the pool and see who can stay on the longest.

Underwater Treasure Hunt: Toss coins or small toys into the pool and have guests dive to collect them. The person who retrieves the most treasures wins a prize.

Whether you’re diving for treasures, participating in an obstacle course contest, or playing water volleyball, a pool party filled with 4th of July games will keep everyone entertained and create lasting memories of a fun-filled Independence Day celebration.

11. Include a DIY Photo Booth at the 4th of July Party

Setting up a DIY photo booth is a delightful way to capture memories and add a touch of fun to your backyard 4th of July party. 

Create a designated area with a backdrop featuring patriotic colors, stars, and stripes, or other festive decorations. 

Gather an assortment of props such as star shapes on sunglasses, hats, boas, fireworks display themed accessories, and American flag necklaces. 

Encourage guests to strike poses, laugh, and have fun while taking snapshots with friends and family. 

Provide a selfie ring light with a stand for easy self-service photography, or designate a friend to act as the photographer. 

Grab a photo printer so guests can print out and hang their selfies for everyone to see.

Have party guests vote on who wins for the most fun and patriotic picture.

12. Host a Fun-Filled Patriotic Limbo Contest at the 4th of July Party

A limbo contest adds an element of lighthearted fun to your backyard 4th of July party, inviting guests to test their flexibility and balance. 

Set up a limbo stick low to the ground and cue up some upbeat music to set the mood. 

Participants take turns bending backward and shimmying under the stick without touching it or falling over. 

As the limbo bar gradually lowers with each successful pass, the challenge intensifies, eliciting cheers and laughter from party guests. 

13. Set Up a Board Game Station for the Party Guests to Enjoy on the 4th of July

Setting out board games during your 4th of July party offers a cozy and engaging option for guests seeking a break from outdoor backyard activities or looking for some friendly competition. 

Arrange a selection of games on a table or blanket in a shaded area, inviting guests to gather around and enjoy some classic board game fun. 

Choose games that cater to a variety of interests and age groups, from classic favorites like Monopoly or Sorry to other party games like The Floor is Lava. 

The familiar click of dice, the strategic placement of tiles, and the burst of laughter from a successful play create a great holiday atmosphere and cherished memories during your 4th of July celebration.

Final thoughts 

We hope these 4th of July party game ideas are a great way to bring fun and excitement to your Independence Day celebration. 

Whether you’re hosting a small family gathering or a big backyard 4th of July bash, these games are sure to entertain guests of all ages and make your party one to remember. 

So gather your friends and family, fire up the grill, and let the games begin! 

We hope you have a safe and fun 4th of July.

---

Want more great DIY and everything home ideas? Be sure to follow us on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest posts, tips, and ideas.

---

Your turn

Are you hosting a 4th of July party this year and thinking about including games? Which of these 4th of July party games are you including at your event this year? Let me know in the comments.

RELATED POSTS:

• Best 4th of July Party Food Ideas Your Celebration
• 33 Ultimate Fun Birthday Party Theme Ideas for Adults
• Best Outdoor Backyard Sports Bar Ideas for Your Home
• Best DIY Cheap Football House Party Ideas for a Fun Game Day

Sharing is caring!