If you’re in search of life, liberty, and the pursuit of budget-friendly Independence Day fun – there are plenty of ways to celebrate and get in the star-spangled spirit without breaking the bank. From DIY-ing patriotic decorations to taking advantage of the great outdoors, here are some last-minute ways to celebrate like it’s 1776 while sticking to your 2025 budget.

1. Make Patriotic Decorations

You don’t need to spend a lot to let freedom ring this Fourth of July. There are plenty of patriotic decorations that can be made from materials you might already have at home. For example – if you have three mason jars, red/white/blue paint, a paint brush, and tealight candles, you can create July 4th mason jar lanterns. You would simply paint the jars, place a tealight candle at the bottom of each one, and voilà – you have a lit centerpiece. You can also check out local dollar stores if you’re low on supplies at home. Pilar Newman of Loud Money Moves made a list of some Fourth of July crafts that can be made with supplies you can commonly find at the dollar store.

2. Bake Red, White, and Blue Treats

Making homemade Fourth of July themed treats is an affordable way to get in the spirit and get the family involved at the same time. Red, white, and blue food coloring can easily be applied to any treat for a patriotic look. Some inexpensive and simple ideas are an American flag cake, Rice Krispie-inspired star pops, and star spangled parfaits. The internet is your oyster if you’re still in search of more holiday baking inspiration (psst … Pinterest)!

3. Catch a Free Fireworks Show

Nothing says Fourth of July like fireworks – and there are plenty of free or inexpensive ways to watch fireworks in a town near you. Check out the websites or social media accounts of local to you towns, schools, and parks to see if they are hosting a Fourth of July celebration that includes fireworks. If you’re local to our native Monmouth and Ocean Counties in NJ, Jessica Norton of The Jersey Shore Girl graciously made a list that’s growing by the day – of where you can catch fireworks displays in Monmouth and Ocean this year. If your holiday weekend travels will be taking you out of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, check out New Jersey Family’s list of various fireworks displays happening across the Garden State in 2025.

4. Host a Pot Luck

If you’re looking to entertain guests while keeping costs down, consider hosting a pot luck. Invite friends and family to bring their favorite summer dish, while also making sure you have all of your bases covered – drinks, appetizers, entrees, and dessert. A pot luck allows your guests to get involved and show off their favorite recipes, without leaving your wallet to take the hit.

5. Hold a Patriotic Scavenger Hunt

If you have little ones, or are looking for an activity that will get the whole family involved – consider organizing a patriotic scavenger hunt. The hunt can happen out-and-about or wherever your Fourth of July travels may take you, or even right from the comfort of your home. Creativity goes a long way with this one – have your participants search for whatever you put on your list of patriotic items they should uncover. Some ideas are an American flag, red/white/blue buttons, and a hot dog (just to name a few). The Teach Beside Me Blog made a free printable patriotic scavenger hunt list if you are looking for inspiration – all you need to do is print it out, grab pens for those doing the searching to cross off items as they go, and get looking.

6. Learn Some Local History

Have you ever explored the town or region you call home? Although Independence Day celebrates our nation, it offers the perfect opportunity to explore your piece of it. Your town’s history is not only a part of our national history – it offers a glimpse into what events, people, and culture have shaped it into the municipality you know today. You can explore local history by visiting area museums and historic sites, finding nearby events, taking an organized or self-guided walking tour, going to a state park, or borrowing books from your community library. You can also contact your local historical society, if your town has one – they are a wealth of knowledge in preserving history and making it accessible.

We hope that you and your loved ones have a fun, safe, and budget-friendly Independence Day!