While we live in arguably one of the most beautiful locations in the South and suffer no shortage of things to do and see, sometimes it’s just more fun to stay at home, especially during the Fourth of July. Nothing beats celebrating our nation’s history together with loved ones.

We want to share our list of Fourth of July activities you can enjoy with the whole family – all without leaving the house!

Have a Family Picnic

There’s something so special about sharing delicious, simple food together as a family in your own backyard. Grab your sandwich fixings, chips, sweet tea, and some delicious popsicles, and head outside to enjoy your family picnic.

Watch Patriotic Movies

For a few ideas to get you started:

The Sandlot

A League of Their Own

Forrest Gump

Top Gun

National Treasure

Remember the Titans

Apollo 13

Enjoy Waterslide/Pool Sports

It doesn’t matter if you have a splash pad, water balloons, a water hose, or a pool, you can enjoy staying cool during the day by turning on that spigot and enjoying water games.

Grill Out

We know you’ve got some meat smokin’ already, but for those who don’t, we encourage grilling out! What’s a better Independence Day staple than hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill?

Set Off Fireworks

Enjoy some sparkler and firecracker fun in your own yard. Don’t forget to practice the safety and awareness of yourself, others, and, of course, your pets!

Camp in the Backyard

While daytime is full of family fun and activities, nighttime is even more fun under the stars! Set up a campsite so you and your family can enjoy the fireworks show. Better yet, if you have a projector or laptop, set up a movie night and watch from your tent!

Write to Our Troops

Take a few moments out of your day to thank the men and women who are keeping us free so that we can enjoy time with our friends and family. Independence Day isn’t all about fireworks and baseball – it’s about our nation’s freedom. This is a great opportunity to teach your children about the cost of our freedom. For information about how to write our troops, visit this site!

Enjoy S’mores Over the Campfire

Set up a campfire and roast some s’mores to close out your evening. Invite your neighbors over, let them build their perfect s’mores, and connect while roasting the savory little sandwiches over the fire.

No matter what you end up doing this year, we urge you to keep safety in mind and to constantly reflect on the cost of your freedom. We hope you enjoy your holiday weekend!