Fourth of July picnic party  (all Ages)  Invite Close friends and family for a picnic at your local park. (if your city has a fireworks show)  Start the party in the evening and make sure the firework display is in view. (1 to 2 miles from detenation place, i.e. Fairgrounds)  Bar b que ribs and chicken. pot luck the rest of the dishes.  (helps out with cost)  Have waterballoon fights, football, waterguns, art projects with awards and a piñata.  Have guests bring blankets and chairs for the show. Will get late and chilly but adds to the whole experience. Roast marshmallows and make s'mores, instead of cake and Ice-cream. Much more fun than that same old cake and Ice-cream. There are many things to add and many other takes on this. This is my plan for my daughters 2nd birthday on the 5th of July.  We'll celebrate on the fourth and get the whole family together. It makes for a much more pleasant and less stressful day.  By inviting whole families you won't have to run a daycare at the same time.