Social distancing is recommended for Arkansasans this holiday weekend. That, of course, doesn’t mean Little Rock families have to skip celebrating Independence Day. Here are a few at-home, virtual and socially-distant ideas for lots of Fourth-worthy family fun. 

Cool Off

Get outside! These activities can be enjoyed in your yard, around the metro or across the state. 

  1. Make homemade popsicles. We love these three-ingredient pops from Sally’s Baking Addiction. 

  2. Get creative with backyard water games. Here are 10 ideas from Fabulously Frugal to prime the pump. 

  3. Take a family-friendly hike around the metro. 

  4. Take a spin on a beginner bike trail. 

  5. Float down the river. 

Dig In

Any celebration calls for delicious food! Don’t forget to bring a sense of fun to your family meal. 

  1. Make a delicious slider or try your hand at steak with our summer cookout recipe guide. 

  2. Have a hot dog taste test. Try out different brands, mustards and toppings to crown your family’s favorite. Fun Fact: Americans eat 150 million hot dogs each 4th of July. 

  3. Pack a picnic — here are six spots with spectacular views. 

  4. Make some red, white and blue treats. 

Go Boom 

  1. Stream a fireworks show like this truly majestic option from Disney! 

  2. Attend a local show. Find all the details on our sister publication Little Rock Soiree. Jacksonville, Benton, Bryant, Maumelle and Sherwood are all offering socially-distanced firework shows. Grab your mask, bug spray, blanket and enjoy the display! 

Learn More

  1. Read a book about American history. May we suggest starting with books that celebrate diversity? 

  2. Read – and even learn – excerpts from famous American speeches. 

  3. Make a festive craft, and teach the kids about what each color represents as you make something red, white and blue. 

    • Red: hardiness and valor

    • White: purity and innocence

    • Blue: vigilance, perseverance and justice

  4. Sing a patriotic song – your decision whether to include pot and pan drums or not.

  5. Virtually visit the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. 

  6. Screen a Fourth of July movie. 

  • All ages: An American Tail, Yankee Doodle Dandy, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

  • For tweens and teens: Independence Day, Jaws, 1776, and, of course, Hamilton is available on Disney+ starting July 3.