1. Attend a Firework Show: 

It isn't a 4th of July celebration without fireworks! Watch the sky light up with the entire family by attending a local fireworks show. Don't forget to pack a cooler and some lawn chairs! Mostly every city in the country has a firework show that is free to the public. 

2. Pool Day: 

Sometimes with holiday plans, less is more. Invite friends over, make delicious summer drinks, maybe play a few patriotic tunes, and then kick back, relax, and soak up some sun. Click the link below and find the right Fourth of July cocktail for your pool day! 

26 Red, White, and Blue Cocktails to Celebrate the 4th of July

3. Head to the Ballpark: 

I mean it is America's favorite past time, so why not go catch a ball game on America's day? Pack the family up and go to the local ballpark for some friendly competition or head out to the nearest stadium to watch your favorite local minor or major league team play. Unfortunately the Braves are not at home this year... 

Atlanta Braves vs. New York Yankees @ Yankee Stadium

July 4th, 2018 1:05 PM

4. Have a Barbecue 

I can't think of anything more American than a backyard full of friends and family, cold beers and drinks of all kinds, and a smoking grill whipping up some tasty barbecue for everyone to enjoy. This is your more traditional Fourth of July celebration but you can never beat a classic!

5. Plan a Patriotic Trip: 

 Around the country on the Fourth many cities will be hosting their annual Fourth of July event which often include parades, free concerts, fireworks, and of course food! These events are often free of charge and family friendly! Below I've listed a few events in the Southeast that I thought looked the most fun! 

• Let Free Sing! Music City's July 4th - The Music City July 4th celebration in downtown Nashville, Tennessee is a full day of family fun, fireworks, and free live music! Lady Antebellum is headlining this years free concert. 

• 43rd Annual Gatlinburg Fourth of July Midnight Parade - Each year the people of Gatlinburg pride themselves with being the first parade on July Fourth! Their parade starts at 12:01 AM and usually has 80,000-100,000 people come out and attend. From what I've read this is a family friendly parade but its also one big party! 

• National Independence Day Parade - In Washington DC the celebration starts along Constitution Avenue; in the afternoon with live music and a family day. In the evening, the biggest fireworks show in the country blasts off from the Reflecting Pool and lights up the sky above the Capitol, White House, and Washington Monument for almost 20 minutes.