Want to know what you need to bring along to have the best 4th of July party at the lake, or even in your own backyard? These are the 4th of July party must-haves that you need to know about.
Planning a 4th of July party at the lake is so much fun and if you are anything like me, you are preparing all you can to make it a great time that no one will forget.
After celebrating the 4th of July at the lake for over 25 years with lots of kids running around, I am giving you the top 4th of July party essentials that my family and I swear by.
You are going to learn about all the 4th of July party items from supplies, food, games, activities, party favors, and more!
After learning about all these party essentials, you will be incredibly prepared to have the best day celebrating the red, white, and blue.
Let's jump into the best 4th of July party essentials you need when celebrating at the lake.
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Best 4th of July Party
Every summer since I was a little kid, I have been spending the 4th of July at the lake with my parents and siblings. My parents rented a cabin at a resort and we would fish, swim, play tons of games, and so much more.
Now that I am married with 4 kids, we take our kids to the lake and celebrate the 4th of July with my entire family.
I have 7 siblings so there are lots of people everywhere! And we have pretty much taken over the resort for the week.
This checklist was created as a kid-friendly 4th of July party at the lake but can be adjusted to any age range you intend to have at your party.
It can also be adjusted to have in your backyard.
The Land of The Free, Because of The Brave!
Happy 4th of July!
4th of July Party
Essentials
1. Speaker
What is a party without some music? Make sure to bring along a portable speaker to keep your party rocking.
I am sure you will have some guests who will want to show off some dance moves as the day goes on.
This portable speaker has been our go-to for music in our house, in the backyard, and at the beach.
2. Sunscreen
You will be having lots of fun in the sun, so make sure to protect your skin from sunburn.
That would make for a terrible next couple of days.
I have always had great luck with this sunscreen.
My kids and I all use it and the best part is that it is tear free.
3. Bug Spray
You will be having so much fun celebrating that you do not want to be swatting at bugs all day long.
Nothing ruins a great outdoor party faster than bugs!
We have been using this bug spray for a long time.
This fogger bug spray has always done a marvelous job of keeping the bugs away during our parties.
4. Beach Towels
If you are at the lake, there is a great chance you or someone you are with will be taking a dip in the water.
Don't forget some beach towels.
I love this 4 pack of towels since they don't cost that much and they are nice and big.
5. Lawn Chairs
Usually a 4th of July party is an all day event. So don't forget your lawn chair!
We searched for a long time to find this amazing chair.
It is so comfortable and does not pinch into the bottom of your legs.
We love this chair so much; we have 3 of them.
6. Coolers
Bring all the food and drinks you need in this large hard sided cooler.
I like the fact that it can double as a seat.
We have had this cooler for years now and it has always done a great job at keeping our food and drinks cool.
7. Swimming Pool Floaties
Since you are at the lake, you and your guests will probably want to test out the water.
Make swimming a bit more fun with some swimming pool floaties.
We have a couple of different kinds since there are so many of us.
This multi-person floatie, giant floatie, and personal floaties have held strong for a few years now.
And believe me when I say they have been put through the wringer.
8. Portable Shade
Do you want to spend your entire day in the sun? Um, no thanks!
Get some relief from the sun with a portable sun shade. Especially for the kiddos. Sometimes that sun beating down can be brutally hot.
There are a few options you can go with here.
This beach umbrella is sturdy and large enough for you and a few others at the same time.
Nothing wrong with taking turns.
If you are looking for something a bit bigger, you are going to want to try out this pop up gazebo canopy.
It is big and tall enough to fit multiple people under it without them having to hunch over.
4th of July Party
Food and Beverages
Here is a list of food ideas that could easily be made at or brought to the lake. I have done all of these.
Look to Pinterest, that is what I do as I am not that creative on my own, to get some really festive ideas.
- Fish Fry (only if you go fishing first as we do)
- Sandwiches
- Burgers
- Hotdogs
- Salads
- Chips – Individual Bag Chips like these, found on Walmart, go over really well
- Veggie Tray – Peppers, Carrots, Snap Peas, Broccoli, Radishes, Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Celery, some vegetable dip and more!
- Fruit Tray – Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Muskmelon, Pineapple, Grapes, Blueberries, Strawberries, Kiwi, and more! Don’t forget the fruit dip.
- Smores – Graham Crackers, Chocolate, Marshmallows and these Marshmallow Roasting Sticks
- Festive Desserts
- Water
- Juice Boxes
- Gatorade
- Soda
- Adult Beverages
For sure don't forget all of these products!
4th of July Party
Games
The following games are ones that we play or have played in the past and can easily be brought to the lake.
They are a blast and can be played with 2 people or you can get your whole crowd together for a tournament.
These can also be played by a large age range of people.
All these games get even more entertaining after some adult beverages are consumed.
Let me know in the comments below what your favorite yard games are for kids and adults.
1. Corn Hole/Bean Bags
These corn hole boards have worked well for us for the last 10 years now.
This is my favorite yard game.
It is always funny to me how competitive people become when they start playing this game.
Does that seem to be the case with your crew?
Let me know in the comments below!
2. Ladder Toss
Every time this ladder toss game is brought out it gets used.
You and your group will have an awesome time with it.
It seems no one can resist the challenge of taking on and winning this game, at least in our group.
3. Giant Yard Dice
I just got this set of yard dice for this year's 4th of July party so I haven't had a chance to use them yet.
You can play 20 different game and the instructions are included.
Let me know in the comments below if you have these yard dice and what you think of them.
4. Ring Toss
The kids will love having a ring toss game out. Mine sure do
It is easy enough for them but the adults will have fun joining in on this game too!
5. Frisbee, Football, Kickball
Do you only have a small amount of space left in your vehicle? Pack along a frisbee, football, or kickball.
Every time one of these items is brought out, I have seen countless people join in to play.
We have this frisbee, this football, and this kickball.
With 4 kids of my own, their friends, and daycare kids using them all summer long, I can say these were built to last!
If you are looking for some durable bases for kickball, pick these up.
Game on!
4th of July Party
Activity Ideas
1. Water Fun
What better way to cool off besides jumping in the lake but to have a water fight?
You can form teams or let it be a free for all and get everyone soaked.
Bring some 5-gallon buckets along, fill them up from the lake, and spread them out as filling stations (away from the food!).
These are our favorite water blasters and water squirt guns
One rule we have is no squirting an opponent as they are filling up. This gives the younger kids a fighting chance!
2. Bonfire
Nothing is more fitting for a beach party than having a bonfire.
Even though you will not need to be warmed up, hopefully, the sun is doing that, this is still so much fun to have.
And it is a great way to make all those hotdogs and smores!
It is also so nice to relax by.
3. Pinata
Are you looking for another way to entertain the kids at this celebration?
Word of advice, skip the chocolate treats.
Made that mistake one year and will never again. What a melty mess!
And you will need stuff to fill it up.
This candy and small party favors will be enough. Unless you want to go crazy, then get 2 of each.
4. Sand Toys
Is the beach you are going to have a good amount of sand? Most lake shores do but you never know.
Just in case, pack a few sand toys for your kiddos.
My kids have spent hours playing with these sand toys and they are still holding up well.
I love the mesh bag it comes in. Makes it easy to shake out the sand at the end of the day.
4th of July Party
Party Favors
It is fun for everyone to get in the celebrating mood especially if there are fabulous party favors.
And a bag of party favors doesn't have to just be for the kids. All the grown-ups at our parties love party favors too.
Here are some great items you can include in your bags.
4th of July Party
Fireworks
What is a 4th of July party without some kind of fireworks?
Please follow the rules for your area about what you can and cannot have when it comes to fireworks.
We usually pick up sparklers and noisemakers for the kids to do.
Sometimes we also pick up some larger fireworks that we can shoot out over the lake as it gets dark.
This post was all about how to have the best 4th of July party.
Leave a comment below about what you like to do or include when you celebrate the Red, White, and Blue. It is one of my favorite holidays.
I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for stopping by!