by Anna Fletcher
July 4th is the perfect holiday – great food, warm weather, fireworks, and sunlight until 9 pm. It’s a long weekend to escape from everyday life, spend time with friends and family, and have some fun. Too bad it only comes once a year!
For outdoor enthusiasts, there are endless possibilities when it comes to planning a July 4th celebration. Here are 5 ways you can celebrate America’s birthday outside:
White Water Raft. Many rafting companies all across America have special July 4th trip discounts and package deals that include pre- and/or post-trip music, parades, meals, games, and fireworks. After a day out on the river, you can kick back and celebrate into the night with your fellow rafters!
Go to a Music Festival. There are quite a few festivals scheduled for the July 4th weekend. Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, and High Sierra Music Festival in Quincy, CA are some of the larger ones, but there are always smaller local festivals to check out! These are a perfect way to combine good music, food, and company. And isn’t that what the Fourth is all about?
Run an 4th of July 5k, 10k, or Marathon. Get patriotic AND support a good cause! With costumes, t-shirts, and post-race activities, races are a great way to be active while you celebrate. And of course, there will almost always be the option of a fun walk if running isn’t your thing.
Take a Camping Trip. Pack some grillin’ food, fireworks, and a flag and spend the long weekend in the middle of the woods. More than likely, other outdoor enthusiasts will have the same idea. So depending on where you are, you may have quite a few neighboring camp sites. Take this opportunity to turn your small celebration into a camping block party! Go from campfire to campfire and share food, drinks, and stories.
Hold an Independence Day Mini Olympics. If you’re not looking to go anywhere, turn your yard into an outdoor Olympic arena. Invite everyone you know, divide up into teams (or countries), and have a day of games. The possibilities are endless: corn hole, volleyball, tug-of-war, KanJam , outdoor bowling, relay races, hula-hoop contests… Cook out and blast music throughout the day, and of course have an awards ceremony at the end.
After an event-filled day outside, you will need to relax once the sun starts to set. An end-of-the-day bonfire is a must for all July 4th weekends. String up some lights and don’t forget your Lounger Chair ! It’s a great time to reflect on the day while you watch the fireworks.
