Summer is well under way and Independence Day is right around the corner. The holiday marks a time of celebration for Americans as the celebrate the founding of their nation and remember those who are fighting to preserve the freedoms Americans have come to love. What are some ways as a family to spend the holiday and still hold true to the meaning of the holiday. Well, assuming with the high cost of travel, a trip to Washington D.C is out of the question. In that case, how can we make the holiday fun and educational at the same time. Keeping with the rights we are secured in the Constitution, enjoy a holiday filled with fun activities.
Go to a gun range
I know not the typical way to spend the holiday, but think about the stress relief. It can also be a time to get educated by taking a gun safety course. For something to do as a family that isn't so loud, go to a paintball field and take on each other in a July Fourth battle royale!
Send A Care Package To A Soldier
This is a great family activity. It is a great way to pull together as a family and do something for a hero who puts his life on the line everyday for our freedoms. A great website to check out is MoveAmericaForward.org. The site is holding a telethon in an effort to create the largest-ever care package campaign for US troops to be sent by the holiday.
Visit the police station or local courthouse
Kids will love getting to meet police men. If you call ahead, you might be able to have your kids fingerprinted or even put in a cell. My best friend's dad was a U.S. Marshall. Growing up, he would lock us in the cell and take mug shots. It was a great experience to learn and see the office close up.
Visit your state capitol
This may take some creative planning. Since most government offices are closed on the fourth of July. However, you can visit before or after. It is neat to see laws being made. Plan ahead and call your local congressman. That way, you can schedule a stop or visit with him.
Have A Party
Celebrate the repeal of the prohibition of alcohol with some fun creative drinks. Be sure to get into the red, white and blue theme with some fun drinks. You can also make some non-alcoholic drinks for the kids out of different color Kool-aids and gingerale. One great adult drink that tastes like a chocolate covered cherry is the American Flag
. Ingredients are 1/3 Grenadine, 1/3 Crème de Cacao and 1/3 Blue Curacao. When prepared properly this shot will look red, white, and blue. First pour the grenadine, then the Crème de Cacao then the Blue Curacao. There are a ton of recipes on the web.
Get creative in celebrating the Fourth. Move away from the traditional summer picnics and outings. Visit a museum. Read a newspaper. Check out the
Constitution and find a freedom you have been taking for granted. Then do something about it.
