No booms needed: Top ideas for celebrating Independence Day without fireworks
Lights are on
Students wave glow sticks in the air during an attempt at breaking the world record for simultaneous lighting of glow sticks at Spanish Fork High School on Tuesday. Miss Spanish Fork organized the attempt in conjunction with the high school's H.O.P.E. Week to inspire those who are struggling with depression to come, "out of the darkness." Read more at bit.ly/1bZS5NC.
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Lights are on
Students wave glow sticks in the air during an attempt at breaking the world record for simultaneous lighting of glow sticks at Spanish Fork High School on Tuesday. Miss Spanish Fork organized the attempt in conjunction with the high school’s H.O.P.E. Week to inspire those who are struggling with depression to come, “out of the darkness.” Read more at bit.ly/1bZS5NC.
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- From left, Seven Castan, 8, Brykel Hansen, 13, and Halee Hiatt, 9, glow brightly as they listen to the pre-race briefing before the start of the Glow in the Dark half marathon, 5K and fun run in Eagle Mountain Friday, July 13, 2012. (MARK JOHNSTON/Daily Herald)
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- Phillip Hansen and Angie Hofheins share a laugh while attaching chains of glow sticks together in an attempt to break a world record on Friday, May 6, 2016 at the Scera Park in Orem. (SAMMY JO HESTER, Daily Herald)
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- Much fun can be had with glow-in-the-dark duct tape. (Jeff Harris/FamilyFun Magazine/TNS)
Being careful when using fireworks is always applicable (as discussed in last week’s Living section) — but the only way to eliminate the risks is to not use them at all.
This year the dry conditions and fire risks have resulted in sweeping bans on fireworks across Utah. It’s just too dangerous and we all need to do our part to prevent more damaging wildfires from ravaging the state.
Most professional fireworks shows will still go on as scheduled, so there will still be opportunities to watch bursting fireballs streak across the sky. But it is still disappointing to many who love setting off their own bright explosions.
The prohibitions and safety measures of 2026 can be seen as an opportunity to start some new traditions this Independence Day.
Here are a look at some ideas from a number of sources on ways to celebrate the Fourth of July this weekend without needing fireworks:
Set up a Glow-in-the-Dark Activity Table
Consider lighting up the night without all of the noise and safety concerns. “Glow-in-the-dark is the best for Fourth of July, as parties can go into the evenings and this really lets kids experience the night in a new safe way,” says Sara Pattison, owner of The Perfect Party Planner. “Set up a glow-in-the-dark kid’s table!” Glow sticks, glow-in-the-dark sunglasses, bracelets, necklaces, even these glow-in-the-dark helicopter launchers on Amazon for $25, will offer hours of illuminating fun for little ones — and even adults. Anything goes here and you can find it for cheap on Amazon.
– Raechel Conover, Cheapism.com
Have a Super-Soaker Fight
Sure, we all have nostalgic memories of shooting our siblings with Roman Candles as kids. But here’s a way better, way cooler alternative: Hit your friends with a blast from the biggest water gun you can find, instead. Better yet, hand out a few and declare war.
– Corey Buhay, PublicLands.com
Volunteering and Community Service
Celebrate the spirit of independence by giving back to your community. Organize a neighborhood clean-up, volunteer at a local shelter, or participate in a charity run. Many communities have service events on the 4th of July, focusing on helping those in need. This not only brings people together but also underscores the importance of civic responsibility and community solidarity.
Host a Backyard Fourth of July-Themed Movie Night
Collect a few large cardboard boxes and provide a few red, white, and blue craft supplies. Party planner Sara Pattison recommends having each child create their own patriotic drive-in movie seat out of the boxes. Show a patriotic, family-friendly movie projected on a white hanging sheet as the screen and serve festive snacks like a red, white, and blue punch and Pop Rocks for candy. A popcorn bar that includes red, white, and blue M&Ms or Nerds to decorate their popcorn is sure to score with kids.
– Raechel Conover, Cheapism.com
Health and Wellness Activities
Start a new tradition by focusing on health and wellness. Organize a yoga session in the park, a group hike, or a fitness boot camp. These activities not only bring people together but also promote physical well-being. Afterward, enjoy a healthy picnic with fresh, locally-sourced foods. Incorporating wellness into your celebration can make the holiday rejuvenating and refreshing.
Set up Glow-in-the-Dark Bowling
Party planner Sara Pattison also recommends glow-in-the-dark bowling as a family favorite. “Take six empty tall plastic bottles and add glow sticks for the pins,” she says. “You could use any ball, but a hamster ball would be fun. Just add glow sticks.”
– Raechel Conover, Cheapism.com
Watch an Asteroid Shower
Still miss fireworks? Seek out the natural kind. Grab a hammock, some blankets, and a camp chair that leans way back, and lay out under the stars to watch meteors enter the atmosphere in a blaze of glory. The Perseids become visible starting in mid-July, and the alpha Capricornids shower peaks near the end of the month.
– Corey Buhay, PublicLands.com
Organize a Fourth of July-Themed Scavenger Hunt
There are plenty of fun scavenger hunt ideas that can be played by the whole family. We like the idea of making it Fourth of July-themed to get everyone in the holiday mood. Things to include in your scavenger hunt: something red, something white, and something blue. Other Americana favorites can include hotdogs, hamburgers, the American flag, and a baseball (the all American sport).
– Raechel Conover, Cheapism.com
Fire a Biodegradable Confetti Cannons
Eco-friendly party poppers provide all the fun of confetti but with hardly any cleanup. Available online, they’re essentially a handheld tube filled with bits of rice paper, a plant-based starch that dissolves in water. (Be sure to pack out the tubes.)
– Corey Buhay, PublicLands.com
Historical Tours and Educational Activities
Instead of focusing solely on fireworks and festivities, take the time to learn more about the nation’s history. Visit local museums, historical landmarks, or monuments. Many places offer special events or reenactments on the 4th of July. You can also organize a historical walking tour in your city or town, exploring significant sites and stories from America’s past. For families, create engaging educational activities like history-themed scavenger hunts or trivia games to make learning fun for all ages.
Spray the Beard off Uncle Sam
This one comes from Simple Everyday Mom. Simply create two Uncle Sams out of cheap, clear, plastic plates and construction paper. Leave off the beards. Hang them up and fill in the beard with shaving cream. Provide two spray bottles filled with water and have kids see who can spray the beard off the fastest.
– Raechel Conover, Cheapism.com
Get Creative with Glow-in-the-Dark Sidewalk Chalk
Crayola makes a glow-in-the-dark sidewalk chalk, party planner Sara Pattison points out. If you can’t find them, there are tons of DIY recipes online like the one on the blog Growing a Jeweled Rose.
– Raechel Conover, Cheapism.com
Create a Glow-in-the-Dark Ring Toss
Repurpose the tall plastic bottles you use for bowling to make a glow-in-the-dark ring toss. Use glow-in-the-dark necklaces as the rings, party planner Sara Pattison suggests.
– Raechel Conover, Cheapism.com
Artistic Expressions
Express your patriotism through art. Host a craft day where participants can create their own decorations, artwork, or clothing in red, white, and blue. Organize a community mural project, allowing people to contribute to a collective artwork celebrating freedom and unity. You can also arrange a talent show or open mic night, giving local artists and performers a platform to showcase their skills.
Organize a Fourth of July-Themed Scavenger Hunt
There are plenty of fun scavenger hunt ideas that can be played by the whole family. We like the idea of making it Fourth of July-themed to get everyone in the holiday mood. Things to include in your scavenger hunt: something red, something white, and something blue. Other Americana favorites can include hotdogs, hamburgers, the American flag, and a baseball (the all American sport).
– Raechel Conover, Cheapism.com
My personal experience sidebar
I didn’t grow up shooting off a lot of fireworks. My extended family frequently gathered to celebrate Independence Day with a barbeque games like croquet and to watch a professional show at the Stadium of Fire, but about the only fireworks I recall using were sparklers.
When I was 8 or 9 years old, though, even the sparklers were set aside in favor of glow sticks.
Every July 4 we would grab a bunch of those plastic sticks, crack them and shake them, then watch them start to glow. The first few years I only recall using green ones but as the years past the color palette expanded.
We would tie string on them and make spinning patterns in the air, or toss them back and forth. We’d use them as flashlights in late-night games of hide-and-seek or as markers when playing tag in the dark.
I recall one year adding a glow-in-the-dark wiffle ball to the mix. Have you ever played wiffle ball when pretty much the only thing you can see is the bright glowing ball? It’s both challenging and a ton of fun.
As I’ve grown up, my Independence Days have evolved, with some being spent in the mountains or traveling. I’ve also spent time lighting fireworks with family and friends, so I have experienced that type of celebration — including nearly making a costly mistake by holding on to a lit firecracker too long.
But as someone who loves being active and playing games, I still prefer the extensive possibilities that come with glow-in-the-dark activities compared to the spectacle of personal firework shows.
This would be a good year to give such activities a try with your family and see what you think.
— Jared Lloyd
