Fourth of July Fun During the Summer of COVID
Fourth of July Fun During the Summer of COVID
As COVID-19 have spurred cancellations to annual 4th of July parades, events, and fireworks, this year’s Independence Day celebrations will be a bit different. And though public events have been canceled, the fun doesn't have to stop! We’ve compiled a list of fun activities and tasty recipes for you and your family to try while at home this year.
Amtrak San Joaquins is proud to run along California’s most productive agricultural region and one of the most productive in the world! Did you know that Central Valley farms are responsible for more than half of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts grown in the entire United States? More than 250 different crops are grown right here in the Central Valley! Below are a few recipes to try this 4th of July. Enjoy!
RECIPES
Try the Spicy Peach and Avocado Salad, a salad that’s both savory and spicy and made with Fresno Chili peppers (yes, from Fresno, CA).
Summer means delicious California tomatoes! Try out this tasty (and easy to make) Rustic Tomato Galette recipe.
Looking for some new dishes to add to your grilling repertoire? Then light up the barbecue and have some Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs, or learn how to grill pizza! To further hone your skills, try these 12 BBQ tips and tricks from pitmasters.
This 4th of July is sure to be a hot one. Grab a bottle of rosé (we suggest a Lodi winery) and sip on a raspberry and lemon rosé sparkler.
For dessert, treat yourself and experience love at first bite with this simple Strawberry Shortcake No-Churn Ice Cream recipe.
ACTIVITIES
Get Your Game On
Fourth of July is all about the outdoor games! Keep the entire family entertained with a cornhole tournament, water balloon fight, beach ball relays, a patriotic scavenger hunt, and Abraham Lincoln spoon race. Setup carnival games for the kids in your backyard. We recommend the water gun cup race! All you need are two plastic cups, a string or rope, two trees or poles, and two water guns. Cut a small hole in the cup, pull the string through and tie each side of the rope to the two trees or poles. Repeat these steps for the second cup and then you are ready for a race!
Celebrate America’s Birthday with a Virtual Tour
Several museums and historical sites are still temporarily closed, but many are offering virtual visits and tours. Learn about our country’s history with NASA, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, tour George Washington’s Mount Vernon, and explore the Statue of Liberty.
CRAFTS
Hats Off to Conductors in Training
Print out this Template and create your own junior train conductor hat. All you’ll need is paper, a printer, scissors, and some tape and your kids will be looking like conductors in no time! (bonus: the back has rail safety crossword puzzle that will help you learn how to be safe around trains)
3-D Train
This printable Template will give you a 3-dimensional locomotive to play with. Paper (thicker cardstock works better than thin paper), a printer, scissors, and some tape is all you’ll need.
Get Creative at Home
Bring patriotic pride into your house and make your place feel like the most festive destination to celebrate by designing and easily creating this homemade clothespin wreath!
Sparkler Firework Craft for Kids
Try this fun, kid-safe sparkler firework craft to add to your 4th of July festivities. You’ll need colored cellophane sheets, aluminum foil, jumbo straws, tape, and scissors.
Fun & Fruity Watermelon Pinwheels
This colorful watermelon pinwheel craft is so quick and easy to make and is a fun and fruity way to add a splash of color to your holiday! You’ll need colored paper, a straw, scissors, markers, a hole punch, a round head fastener, and tape.
