Looking for kid-friendly July 4th or Memorial Day activities that are both meaningful and enjoyable? These patriotic musical activities for kids are perfect for celebrating the holiday at home, in a classroom, or outdoors. Through music, movement, and a whole lot of creativity, children will learn about gratitude (in general and toward our veterans), the meaning of Memorial Day, and American traditions – all while having fun! Continue reading for instructions on how you can lead these 5 Patriotic Musical Activities with your kids.
1. Make Your Own Patriotic Shakers
Perfect for bringing to an Independence Day / Memorial Day parade, or creating your own in your backyard, your kids can make their own red, white, and blue instruments for any musical activity. These simple and fun shakers come together super quick, so your child can get to playing without missing a beat!
Materials:
- Empty plastic water bottles or clear containers
- Uncooked rice, dry beans, or pasta
- Red, white, and/or blue construction paper
- Tape
- Glue
- Scissors
- Optional: Stickers or cut out stars to glue on
Instructions:
- Fill each bottle halfway with rice, beans, or pasta.
- Seal the lid securely (glue it shut if using with toddlers).
- Using your construction paper, decorate the bottle however you like. If you want some inspiration, check out my YouTube video below to see how I made mine.
- Trim down your construction paper to fit your bottle or container and tape it to the outside.
- Shake along to patriotic songs like “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” or create your own patriotic parade within your home!
2. Patriotic Sing-Alongs
Choose a few classic, uplifting, and patriotic songs that young kids can sing and move to. Great options include:
- “This Land is Your Land”
- “The Star Spangled Banner”
- “America the Beautiful”
- “Yankee Doodle”
- “You’re a Grand Old Flag”
- “God Bless the U.S.A.” by Lee Greenwood
Add some fun: Clap or shake along with your DIY shakers, march in place or around the room, create different movements to the lyrics, or freeze when the music stops! Making sing-alongs interactive is a great way to foster deeper connections between you and your child.
3. Musical Moment of Gratitude
To start this activity, you’ll need to create an environment of reflection with music.
How to do it:
- Play an instrumental version of a patriotic song (i.e. “America the Beautiful” or “Taps“).
- Ask your child to sit or lie down, close their eyes, and think about someone who helps others – like a parent, firefighter, teacher, or soldier.
- Afterward, let them share, draw, or write about the person they thought of.
Alternatively, you can also ask them to think of someone they’re thankful for in general. This can be a great way to start discussions about practicing gratitude, as well as increase emotional development.
4. March Like a Hero – A Music & Movement Game
Turn your living room or backyard into a musical parade! This activity is perfect for developing rhythm, coordination, and listening skills.
Play marching music, patriotic music, or any of your child’s favorite tunes and call out fun prompts for your child to follow:
- “March like a hero”
- “Tiptoe quietly”
- “Freeze and salute when the music stops”
- “Wave your flag”
Switch turns with your child and have them call out the prompts for you to follow! This game is great for burning energy while reinforcing rhythm and listening skills.
5. Patriotic Coloring Page & Song
Print out our free music-themed coloring pages and pair it with a patriotic song (like ones from our patriotic sing-alongs list). Then, join your child in coloring to begin engaging in age-appropriate discussions about the meaning of the holiday and why it’s important.
Summary
These 4th of July and Memorial Day music activities are a joyful and respectful way to help kids celebrate the holiday. From singing and crafting to mindful moments of gratitude, they offer age-appropriate ways to honor the meaning of the holiday.
Whether you try one or all of these ideas, I hope your holiday is filled with joy, music, and moments of reflection.
Let’s Hear from You!
I hope you enjoyed these 5 Patriotic Musical Activities for Kids! Which one will you be doing this holiday? Share your family’s favorite 4th of July or Memorial Day song in the comments below! Also make sure to send a picture of your child’s finished Patriotic Shakers to our Facebook page (The Melody of Life) or on our Instagram (@the_melody_of_life_mt). Pin this post on Pinterest to save for later, or share it with friends on social media. Finally, don’t forget to download your free “Thank You Heroes” and “Memorial Day” coloring pages.
Until next time! Have a happy Memorial Day!
The Melody of Life 
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