Fourth of July Family Activities

I love it when the Fourth is on the weekend because it means we get a long weekend and can head out of town or just lounge around town relaxing for an extra day. Here are some things to do with your family to help get in the spirit of the holiday.

• Make a patriotic paper airplane with this free Americana-inspired printable.
• You have to make one of those flag cakes. Here’s a quick flag cake tutorial.
• Make some colorful “red, white and blue sparkle marshmallows” on a stick. Cute and easy.
• A little piece of history here … Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, the only two who signed the Declaration of Independence to become President of the United States, both died on July 4, 1826 — within hours of each other. It was the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration. (Video.)
• That said, about Jefferson and Adams, go ahead and do you and your family a favor and order the HBO mini-series, “John Adams” right now. It’s so well done and really brings America’s history to life. I wish this series was around when I was in high school. Would have made those lectures from teachers bearable.
• If you’re not watching fireworks live, be sure to catch what I think are the best fireworks display — right over our nation’s capitol, “A Capitol Fourth.” 2010 is the 30th anniversary of the special. Airtime is 8:00 p.m. EST.
• Most importantly, be careful if you are using fireworks — even sparklers. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has a short quiz you should take (pay attention to number 5) to see if you know know about the dangers of fireworks.

Have a fun and safe holiday weekend!