by Sandy Winn

Created on: June 23, 2008   Last Updated: June 26, 2008

Fun 4th of July activities for children are a great way to help the day go by - especially for younger children who are anxious to see a parade or fireworks. This year, make your Independence Day extra special by taking a trip back to revolutionary times and intertwining it with modern activities.

* Homemade Root Beer. This activity is inexpensive and easy, but you will need to complete it the day before the 4th so it's "good and ready". While doing this project, discuss our once beer-brewing Founding Father, Samuel Adams.

- "You will need: small bowl, 1 teaspoon dry yeast, 1/2 cup warm water, stirring spoon, 2 cups of sugar, five teaspoons of root beer extract, a gallon jug with lid, and 8 cups of hot water.

Directions: Stir the yeast in the warm water until it dissolves in a small bowl. Pour sugar in with the yeast mixture and root beer extract into the jug. Add hot water, put the lid on, and then shake until the ingredients are mixed. Set the jug in a sunny window or outside in the sun, let the mixture rest for a few hours, and then put it in the refrigerator overnight. Drink it the next day." - (1)

* Let your children help make breakfast but keep it simple. Societies in Revolutionary times were not rushed and it was common for children (especially girls) to spend time with their mom in the kitchen helping prepare meals. Thanks to products like Bisquick (TM), pancakes can be made relatively simple. Young children would have fun adding the ingredients that you measure out by pouring them in and stirring. Older children would only need a little bit of supervision and, depending on their skill level, could also cook the pancakes. For a patriotic touch, add red food coloring for somewhat red looking pancakes. After they are cooked, make white stripes with vanilla frosting and add a few blueberries.

* Make an American "Thankful" Flag with poster board, glue, and markers to hang on the wall; you'll also need to cutout thirteen large stars. While you're doing this project, discuss the ideals of freedom, liberty, and equality with your children. Have your children write on the star or dictate to you what to write on it everything for which they are thankful. This actually is a good time for adults to add their thoughts as well.

* Write a letter or make a craft and send it to a member of our military to show your support and appreciation. Make small flags out of construction paper and on the back, put a picture of your family or child. You can make a service members

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