Photo by dcJohn

With Independence Day less than a week away, it’s crunch time to find some quick activities to keep the kids busy.  Check out the crafts, freebies, and downloads below to get your started.  Before you know it, you’ll be ready for the Fourth of July!

A Star-Spangled Welcome Wreath

This adorable paper wreath is perfect for even the preschool crowd.  Jazz it up by using scrap booking paper or wallpaper book pages!

Patriotic Pebble

Swipe a smooth river rock from a floral vase and turn it into a testament to patriotism.  For the teen, this craft can be complete with details and measurements.  For the toddler, a colorful collage of red, white, and blue paint might be more the thing.

Color-by-Number American Flag Printable

Introduce little learners to the concept of color-by-number pages with this American Flag coloring page.  After the flags have been colored, cut them out, glue them on a sheet of construction paper and cover with clear contact paper for an easy 4th of July placemat!

Balloon Rockets

If the thought of giving your child sparklers or fireworks on the 4th of July is just not happening, try these easy and kid-friendly Balloon Rockets instead.  All you need is a straw, a balloon, a rubber band, and a rocket fin template to get you started.

Hooray for the Red, White, and Blue! Printable

Children’s author, Jan Brett, has a website filled with wonderful printables and activities for young learners.  This coloring page features her signature character, Hedgie the Hedgehog with some of his friends.  There is also a Friendly Letter template with a patriotic theme available for download.

Fourth of July Word Scramble

Figure out some 4th of July theme words with this cute word scramble.  Finished it too quickly?  Try printing out the word search too!

Patriotic Coloring Pages

Create your own coloring book by printing out a bunch of the coloring pages and stapling them together.  Add a red, white or blue construction paper cover and your coloring book will be ready to go.  Make a couple extra for any children who will be visiting your house for a 4th of July barbecue!

Amazing Mazes

No matter how old your child is, this site features mazes for everyone from preschoolers to teenagers.  Simply click on the level you need and print out the pages for some amazing fun.

Patriotic Clip-Art

Download some patriotic clip-art for your budding artist to use in her creations.  Also great options for use on your personal blog!

Patriotic Printables

Everything from Independence Hall to the first three words of the Preamble of the Constitution can be found and printed out.  Bookmark this site for when you are studying U.S. History and Government with your class!

Have a fun and safe 4th of July!