Looking for cookout ideas for 4th of July?! Hosting a family-friendly cookout is a fantastic way to celebrate Independence Day. I have easy ideas, so that you can have the best time!
To help you plan a fun event, here are some super fun and EASY cookout ideas for the 4th of July with kids that will make your celebration sparkle.
Hosting Hacks
Individual Salad Cups: Serve salads in plastic cups with lids, so that serving is easy and you keep bugs away. It’s both a neat and tidy way to enjoy some greens, and kids will love having their own little salad cup.
Include dressing in the bottom, and a fork in the top!
Freeze Fruit Tray: Keep your fruit refreshingly cool by freezing a tray of water and using it as a base to keep your fruit tray cold. As a result, your fruit stays fresh and delicious even on the hottest days.
Paper Plate and Napkin Storage: Place paper plates and napkins on a cake plate with a lid, so that you can keep items from blowing away in the wind.
Bubble Fun: Set up a bubble station with bubble wands and plenty of bubble solution. Then tape up the bubble wand containers to prevent spills, and let the kids have a blast chasing and popping bubbles. It’s a simple and fun way to give young guests something fun to do!
Shop bubbles and our favorite outdoor toys here!
Food Hacks + Cookout Ideas for 4th of July
Catch Popsicle Drips: Add a paper cupcake liner to the bottom of the popsicle to catch drips!
Star-Spangled Fruit Skewers: Transform watermelon and pineapple into stars using cookie cutters. Then alternate these star-shaped fruits with blueberries on skewers – such a healthy and festive treat.
DIY Ice Cream Sandwich Pops: Take an ice cream sandwich, pop it on a craft stick, and dip each side into red, white, and blue sprinkles. These treats are fun to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
Build-Your-Own Hot Dog Station: Set up a hot dog bar with all the fixings: ketchup, mustard, relish, cheese, onions, and even fun extras like crushed chips or chili. Kids will love getting creative and making their hot dog masterpieces.
BBQ Meatball Sliders: Sweet, savory, and oh-so-delicious! Make BBQ meatball sliders using Hawaiian bread rolls. These bite-sized treats are sure to be a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
Firecracker Corn Dogs: Mini corn dogs are perfect for little hands. Then add a pretzel stick to each corn dog to make them look like mini fireworks. They’re a fun twist on a classic favorite!
Other Tips and Cookout Ideas for 4th of July
Bike Parade: Decorate the scooters and bikes and let kids parade up and down the street.
DIY Coloring Banner: Make your own coloring banner using butcher paper! Then add stars and fireworks in Sharpie for kids to color in.
With these awesome cookout ideas for the 4th of July, your celebration will be packed with both fun and fantastic memories. Happy Independence Day!
Looking for fun ways for the kids to cool off?! You will love these water activities for kids!