Kids' 4th of July Craft & Snack Party

We are gearing up for the 4th of July at our house. There is something about this particular holiday that I just love. It embraces the feel of summer, patriotism, family, and fun all in one. We usually try to do a pre-4th party for the kids to enjoy snacks and a craft. Here’s what’s happening at our Kids’ 4th of July Craft & Snack Party.

Ahead of time, I am going to make these delicious Red,  White and Blueberry Pops. I know it takes some pre-planning but they look and sound delicious so I’m thinking it will be worth it. Here’s the recipe:

red, white and blueberry popsicles**

Ingredients:

2 cups halved, hulled strawberries

6 tablespoons sugar, divided

5 tablespoons lime juice (from 3 limes), divided

1/2 cup full-fat plain yogurt

3 tablespoons heavy cream

2 cups blueberries

Directions:

1. In a blender combine strawberries, 2 Tbs. sugar and 1 1/2 Tbs lime juice. Puree, scraping down sides as needed. Pour through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing on solids; discard solids. Divide puree among six 4-ounce or eight 3-ounce freezer pop molds. Freeze until firm, about 1 hour.

2. Combine yogurt, cream and 2 Tbs each of the sugar and lime juice. Remove molds from freezer and top with yogurt mixture. Freeze until firm, about 1 hour.

3. In a clean blender, puree blueberries, remaining 2 Tbs sugar and remaining 1 1/2 Tbs lime juice. Pour through clean sieve into a bowl, pressing on solids; discard solids. Remove molds from freezer and top with blueberry puree. Freeze until solid, 6 hours or more. Just before serving, briefly run molds under hot water to release pops. Enjoy!!

Doing these ahead of time makes the day of our little party that much easier. These delicious, cool treats are ready to go whenever we want them!

The second treat I am going to make with the kids while they are here. They are super simple but completely adorable. The kids will love these.

Mini Banana Splits!

Here’s the ingredients:

Bananas

Blue Wilton candy melts (found mine at Hobby Lobby)

Red, white & blue sprinkles

Can of whipped topping

fresh cherries

First, peel and cut the bananas into thirds. Next, put the candy melts into a microwave safe bowl and micro for one minute, or until melted. Stir the melted candy coating, dip each banana first into the coating and next into the sprinkles. Set on wax or parchment paper on a tray or cookie sheet and pop into the fridge.

When ready to serve, add a dollop of the whipped topping and add the cherry on top. Serve and enjoy!!

Now, on to our craft. We are making-

** Pool Noodle Firecrackers! **

****Very cute and easy to make. This can be done easily with the little ones but also let older kids get more creative with their version. Here’s what you need:

pool noodle with a hole in the center (1 makes 3 firecrackers)

patriotic-themed scrapbook paper (the larger size)

4th of July metallic spray picks (Hobby Lobby .99 each)

decorative ribbon, optional

Mod Podge

foam brush

serrated knife

poly-acrylic spray

skewers (optional)

Directions:

1. Cut your pool noodle to the desired sizes with the serrated knife. Vary the length of each piece.

2. Measure the scrapbook paper to fit around the firecracker. Roll the paper until it wraps back around itself and draw a straight line leaving a little to slightly overlap.

3. Spread Mod Podge on the noodle and carefully roll the paper onto the noodle applying additional Mod Podge if needed to get a good adhesion. Tuck cut edge of paper under factory cut edge to have a nice clean seam. Allow to dry.

4. Trace around the noodle end onto the scrapbook paper so you can cut a circle out of the paper to fit the top of the noodle. Lay circle on top of noodle and poke a hole through the top with a pencil before gluing down. Make sure to match seams up so none of the noodle show through.  Allow to dry.

5. Trim with decorative ribbon, patriotic cut-outs, stickers, etc. Anything extra you can find so each kid can really personalize his/her own firecracker.

6. Spray with two coats of poly-acrylic spray for a water resistant finish.

7. Insert metallic spray into top and through the hole in the noodle. Trim off any of the end that sticks out of the bottom of the noodle.

8. If desired, poke a wooden skewer into the foam on the bottom of the firecracker and insert into a flower pot or into the ground in the yard….really, wherever you think they would look festive!

Once we are done it’s into the pool for some cool, refreshing games on our American pool inflatables while we enjoy our popsicles and mini banana splits.

For an additional American-themed craft to do with the kids, check out the Firecracker Tie Dye shirt from one of our earlier Kids’ Create Blogs!