4th of July at Home – Celebrations Ideas and Fireworks for Lake County Families

Much of this year’s festivities have been canceled or postponed but that doesn’t mean you have to mope at home with a lone sparkler and some snap caps. There are plenty of ways to have fun this Fourth of July while maintaining social distance.

4th of July at Home in Lake County

Fireworks | Recipes | Parades (virtual) | Crafts | Events

COVID-19 Statement: Experts have advised that the best thing for our community during the current Coronavirus pandemic is to reduce crowded gatherings. Please exercise caution when selecting outings. Ultimately it is your decision if you choose to go to public events and spaces. For the best and most up-to-date information on the outbreak locally, please visit the Lake County Health Department COVID-19 status page.

Fourth of July is one of the most fun-filled times of the year. Even if we choose to stay home there are lots of ways to celebrate the nation’s birthday with your kids. Gather your sparklers and get dressed in your best Americana apparel and celebrate the red, white, and blue.

Fourth of July Fireworks near Lake County

Fireworks at Richardson Adventure Farm, Spring Grove
Saturday, July 4, gates open at 6:00 p.m. Cost is $20 per car. No grills, you may bring food or purchase on-site.

Fourth of July Parades in Lake County

We may not be able to gather and march together but we can still have a parade!

• Decorate the kid’s bikes and have a neighborhood bike parade
• Join Highland Park’s Virtual parade! he Highland Park Chamber of Commerce invites all children and their pets to ‘participate’ virtually. They want to create a video celebrating the community, its residents, and this joyous holiday. Parents – submit a photo or brief video of your children with their decorated bikes, pets if you have one (or more!) 
• Watch the Waukegan Park District Shoebox Parade on Saturday, July 4th on their Facebook Page.
• Have a flag hunt! You can use the idea from No Time for Flash Cards, or just go for a walk around the neighborhood and see how many you find!

A parade that comes to you! Glencoe residents will have a drive-by parade around their neighborhoods, including park district and public work vehicles, between 1-3:00 p.m.

Barrington residents are encouraged to “take the parade to the people” and hold their own neighborhood car parades between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. You might even catch a glimpse of the voice of Barrington, Bob the DJ, as well as the Village’s antique fire truck and police cars as they do a “drive-by” through various neighborhoods all morning.

Fourth of July Crafts

Make decorations, fireworks without the spark, and more festive fun with these ideas.

• Have the kids paint a flag using painters tape
• Make fizzling fireworks – no spark, no boom, all the fun (with a little science thrown in)
• ChambanaMoms has several easy Fourth of July Crafts that are also perfect for the backyard parade!

Find more craft ideas on our Pinterest Board.

Fourth of July Recipes

The best part of the celebration is the food! Even if it’s just you and your kids you are are sure to impress with these red, white, and blue recipes.

• Make Heather’s Red, White, and Blue Layered Drinks
• or use your fresh strawberries for some Strawberry Lemonade
• Go dye-free this year and make some Red, White, and Blue dye-free Ice cream, it’s easier than you think!
• Skip the box of pops and make your own natural firecracker pops
• Make Fruit more fun by turning them into kabobs and serving with Cheesecake Dip
• It’s not all about the sides, how about some perfect southern barbecue beef brisket.
• Skip the bottle and serve some of Heather’s homemade ranch dip and have everyone begging for more veggies.

Or you can just head to The Latte Cafe & Bakery for their Firecracker Smoothie.

Fourth of July Events in Lake County

Ready to venture out? Want to do something virtually? A few local events are happening this weekend both virtually and in person.

July 2 – Fourth of July Spectacular Art Project
Lake Forest Library Facebook page. You will need TP rolls and paint.

July 4 – Independence Day Presentation
11:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on The Barrington White House YouTube channel. They are presenting an Independence Day themed program which will feature the Geneva Barbershop Quartet, historical presentations, and classic Americana music. 

It’s not what we’re used to but we can still make it great!

Happy Independence Day Lake County!