1. Play some baseball/softball
I mean, come on. You KNEW this would be on the top of our list. Playing baseball on the 4th is like peas and carrots. Even if you’re not that into the sport, you can swap it out for something easier! Kickball is a fun option that should be easy for all ages. You could also consider going to a baseball game! Every single MLB team is playing on the 4th, so don’t be afraid to watch a game at home or make a trip to go to one! Baseball and America are two best friends, and it’s worth going or playing if you haven’t in a while. That sweet feeling of hitting a baseball off a bat? Nothing like it.

2. Visit an amusement park
It seems to go without saying that part of the American culture is to send yourself down a series of ramps, loops, twists, and bends at 60 mph. Amusement parks have you covered in so many of your summer desires: something thrilling? Check—roller coasters. Something the whole family can enjoy? Check—rides for the kids, games, food, thrilling rides, etc. Something delicious? Check—amusement parks ALWAYS have the best funnel cakes. It must be some secret law the founding fathers snuck into the constitution. “All amusement parks must have superb funnel cakes, lest they cannot cater to our love of delicious, fried desserts.” – Benjamin Franklin, probably. Plus, most amusement parks have some sort of water attraction to help you cool off in this very warm summer.

3. Grillin’ and Chillin’
Do you have a grill? No? Well, it’s time to mooch off that one friend that enthusiastically announces that they’re grilling every single Sunday. Make use of that friendship by convincing them that they should grill for YOU as well. Have them teach you a thing or two about flipping burgers or grilling the perfect medium rare steak. Even crazier idea, you could BUY your first grill! Grills are awesome and can be used for a wide variety of foods—not just meats. Grilled veggies are insanely delicious coming from the grill. It’s wild the number of things you can make from some cauliflower: pizza, “steak” “chicken wings”. Let your imagination run and have a blast this 4th by trying your new grill for the first time.

4. Watch some dudes eat 1000 hotdogs
Have you ever watched one of those hotdog eating contests? You’d think it would not be interesting, but wow, there’s something very special about watching the nation’s best go absolutely nuts on hotdogs. You should see what they’re saying about hotdog eating on the official Major League Eating website: “The Nathan’s Famous contest is the crown jewel of the Fourth of July and stands as a beacon of freedom for all those who believe in American exceptionalism,” said George Shea of Major League Eating. “Joey Chestnut is a national treasure. The rock on which he stands is not a rock—it is the United States of America.”I’m telling you, you’ve gotta check it out. Maybe have a hotdog eating contest of your own! Only bad thing about that is that when you win, you also lose. I can’t imagine the stomachache after that feels good, but hey, it may offset itself with the incredible feeling of eating more than your small-stomached friends. Chumps. Check out more info on this year’s national hotdog eating contest here! https://majorleagueeating.com/contests/914

5. Classic yard games
This and the Grillin’ and Chillin’ naturally go hand in hand. Maximize your efficiency at having a good time in the backyard or park this year by bringing some essential games guaranteed to bring some great memories along with it. You gotta bring cornhole, naturally. Everyone knows what cornhole is, right? I’m from Ohio, and that game is certainly big in the Midwest. If you haven’t played it, you GOT TO. There’s also nothing wrong with some kickball, naturally. Football is pretty classic as well. Ultimate frisbee is also a great time and is, in my opinion, very underrated when it comes to sports to play in an open field.

6. Go on a campout
It might seem like a counter to the normal festivities that take place on the 4th. You know what’s super cool, though? Finding some remote place to go and just spend the time with nature. If you want, you can try to plan a hike or campout in a place that’s close enough to where some fireworks will be. If you get some good elevation, you could have an awesome view of the fireworks at a scenic viewpoint. Cook up some grub over the fire and get your hands sticky with some smores. Sleep under the stars for an amazing night.