With the 4th of July right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking in shades of red, white, and blue. To help you get in the spirit, we’re sharing 4 ways to make you the star of your 4th of July party, everything from crafts to festive desserts to how to make fireworks (that are safe for indoors!)

1. Make Fireworks: No, not real fireworks, don’t worry! These DIY kid-friendly fireworks are totally safe to make at home, and it’ll help your kids get excited about getting involved in the festive, patriotic spirit.

To get started, you’ll need:

push-up cake pop molds or empty ice cream push-pop containers (either use them once your kids eat them or simply rinse the filling out until you’re left with just the container, but use when dry)

construction paper

markers

glitter, pipe cleaners, confetti, and any other decorative/festive decorations you can fit inside

tape

Instructions:

Start by lining the bottom of the push-pop container with a round piece of construction paper, leaving it a little larger than the bottom circle so that it acts as a pocked for the glitter so none will fall out. (Make sure the stick is as far down as possible) Cover the outside of the push pop container with construction paper, and allow your kids to decorate the outside with markers. Fill inside with glitter, zig-zag folded pipe cleaners, and any other glitzy/festive glam you want to put inside. Finally, tape another circular piece of construction paper over the top until you’re ready to use. To activate, remove construction paper, push glitter/confetti out quickly and watch it go everywhere!

Note: we recommend you release them somewhere it won’t be a hassle to clean up the glitter after.

For something a little less messy, you can also make these Fireworks in a Jar. All you need is water, oil, and food coloring.

2. Get Crafty: Celebrate the “fork” of July with these super simple fork fireworks. All you need is some paper, forks, and paint.

Have the kids dunk their forks in the paint and go around in a circle making lines in the form of fireworks as shown.

3. Bring Dessert: Chances are, you’ll be celebrating the 4th of July outdoors, so why not bring a sweet summer treat? We love these patriotic chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches. All you need is cookies, ice cream, and red, white, and blue sprinkles. And for those of you “allergic to your kitchen,” this super simple fruit flag is the perfect solution– no cooking required. Just skewer the fruit, arrange, and you’re set!

We used 3 bananas, about 1/4 pint of blueberries, and a pint of strawberries.

4. Pack accordingly: We guarantee you’ll be the hit of the party if you come fully equipped with all the 4th of July essentials. To help you out, we’ve created a checklist of what we deem the absolute necessities of any awesome 4th of July party.

4th of July Checklist:



Sunscreen

Sunglasses

Yummy summery sips

Bathing suit/towel (if applicable)

Comfy shoes

Summer fruit

Fireworks/sparklers (see above!)

What makes you the star of your 4th of July parties? Tell us in the comments below!