Independence Day Activities for Kids

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Parents and children are invited to dive into our Virtual Library and enjoy ebooks, videos, music, crafts,
recommended reads, and more! Check back each week for a new set of themed activities.
Click on the title/image to go to the listed activity, or watch our pathfinder videos if you need help.
To access these activities, you'll need a Thousand Oaks library card and PIN.
Don't have a library card? Sign up for a card now! 
If you have questions, call us at 805-449-2660 (M-F 10am-5pm) or email us.

Looking for more fun? Sign up for our Summer Reading Club!

WATCH & LISTEN

Book_Cover-And_Then_What_Happened,_Paul_Revere?
And Then What Happened, Paul Revere?

Full of well-known and lesser-known details, this animated story follows the life of Paul Revere before, during, and after his exciting ride. To watch the story, click "Watch Now" to create a new Kanopy account with your library card or "Log In" if you already have a Kanopy account.
Kanopy-Banner_Characters_CropDaniel Tiger's Neighborhood - Daniel's Picnic
Daniel, Prince Wednesday, and Miss Elaina are having a picnic, but the weather has other plans. When it starts to rain, the friends decide that an indoor picnic will be just as fun.  This episode also contains Daniel's Birthday.
Book_Cover-Grace_for_President

Grace for President

When Grace learns that the United States has never had a female president, she decides to be the first! To kick off her political career, Grace becomes a candidate in the school's mock election. To watch the story, click "Watch Now" to create a new Kanopy account with your library card or "Log In" if you already have a Kanopy account.
Kanopy-CharactersI Can Be President - A Kid's-Eye View
Winner of a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Children's Program, this animated documentary features a diverse group of children who share their thoughts on leadership, ethics, war, and becoming an adult. Their ideas, both hilarious and touching, offer a promising vision of the nation's future.
Book_Cover-Journey_of_The_One_And_Only_Declaration_Of_IndependenceJourney Of The One & Only Declaration Of Independence
The Declaration of Independence has defined and symbolized American freedom for over two centuries, but it's also been rolled up, moved, hidden, copied, and transported many times. Can you keep up with the daring declaration as it travels through history? To watch the story, click "Watch Now" to create a new Kanopy account with your library card or "Log In" if you already have a Kanopy account.
Yellowstone-Hot_SpringA Kid for the Wild: Music Videos in Nature
Experience the natural beauty of America with eleven music videos filmed in the Tetons and Yellowstone National Park and set to music by Walkin' Jim Stoltz, a singer-songwriter who hiked over 28,000 miles in the North American wilderness.
Kanopy_Kids-Logo_BlackLiberty's Kids
In this animated series, two teenage reporters at The Philadelphia Gazette, Ben Franklin's newspaper, cover the events of the Revolutionary War. James, an American colonist, brings the rebels' point of view to life while Sarah, a young Englishwoman stranded in America, provides the British viewpoint with letters to her mother back in London.
Kanopy-Little_BearLittle Bear - Picnic at Pudding Hill
Little Bear travels to the top of Pudding Hill for a picnic with good food, great friends, and plenty of fun. This episode also contains Little Bear's Walkabout and Little Bear's Secret Friend. To watch the episode, click "Watch Now" to create a new Kanopy account with your library card or "Log In" if you already have a Kanopy account.
Fireworks-Trio
Making Stuff - Fireworks show

Robots Gear and Wiz investigate how a fireworks extravaganza is designed and set up for maximum "WOW!" effect.
Kanopy-Banner_Characters_CropThis Land Is Your Land
Sing along as Woody and Arlo Guthrie's beloved folk song is brought to toe-tapping life using glorious illustrations. To watch the show, click "Watch Now" to create a new Kanopy account with your library card or "Log In" if you already have a Kanopy account.
Book_Cover-What's_the_Big_Idea,_Ben_Franklin?

What's The Big Idea, Ben Franklin?

Spark an interest in history and science with this introduction to Ben Franklin, a Founding Father known for his inventiveness, humor, and love of life.
Book_Cover-Why_Don't_You_Get_A_Horse,_Sam_Adams?

Why Don't You Get A Horse, Sam Adams?

Plainspoken Sam Adams loved to walk around Boston with his dog Queue, and he never wanted a horse. However, once the Revolutionary War starts, Sam must learn how to ride for the good of his country! To watch the story, click "Watch Now" to create a new Kanopy account with your library card or "Log In" if you already have a Kanopy account.
Kanopy-CharactersWibbly Pig - Picnic
When Wibbly, Bear, and Dragon have a picnic, they each bring their favorite food. Even though Bear doesn't like what Dragon eats and Wibbly can't eat what Bear likes, Wibbly finds something they can all agree on and the picnic is a great success!
Freegal LogoAmerica
Twinkly Kids presents a set of classic patriotic songs. Stream songs anytime and download up to 5 songs per week with Freegal.
Children-Diversity
America: An Album for All Ages

Celebrate American spirit and diversity with these inclusive songs from The Bobby Susser Singers!
Freegal LogoAmerica, Let's Get Started Again (Miss Abrams And The Strawberry Point 4th Grade Class, Track 13)
Released in 1970, this timeless song contains an important message about coming together to deal with difficult situations. Stream songs anytime and download up to 5 songs per week with Freegal.
Flag-FadeOutAmerica the Musical: 1776-1899
Can't figure out why Yankee Doodle likes pasta? Increase your historical and musical knowledge as Kindermusik International sings classic American songs and explains their famous (if sometimes confusing) lyrics.
Star_Shield
Captain America (Spider-man And Friends, Track 4)

Spend July 4th with Cap, an all-American hero who's red, white, blue, and always true! Stream songs anytime and download up to 5 songs per week with Freegal.
Fireworks-MultiburstFavorite American Patriotic Songs for Kids
Add sparkle, flash, and Kiboom to your playlist with classic and original patriotic songs from The Kiboomers!
Fireworks-BlueFireworks (Baby Goes Pop - Baby Lullabies, Track 23)
After the parties and picnics, put little ones to sleep with a lullaby version of Katy Perry's inspirational song. Stream songs anytime and download up to 5 songs per week with Freegal.
Freegal LogoFourth of July (Kidmixx, Vol. 11 Holidays and Special Occasions, Track 5)
Rock out to the red, white, and blue beats of KidMixx!
Statue_of_Liberty-SideThe Great American Album
Hear how it all began with a collection of classic songs and marches that includes readings from the Declaration of Independence. Stream songs anytime and download up to 5 songs per week with Freegal. 
Freegal LogoIndependence Day (Happy School Holidays, Track 14)
You are free to clap along as Timmy Wells wishes America a "Happy Birthday"!
Flag-Cartoon_Star
Kids Sing for America

Enjoy patriotic music of the past and present with The Hit Crew's mix of classic, rock, pop, and folk songs. Stream songs anytime and download up to 5 songs per week with Freegal.
Picnic_Supplies
On a Picnic We Will Go (Hop Along: A Wacky Kids Sing and Dance Along, Track 1)

No Fourth of July is complete without a picnic, so join Sharon, Lois & Bram on their musical outing!  
Freegal LogoPicnic Time (Kids Vol. II, Track 2)
Douglas Wood's cheerful instrumental song is perfect for picnics or playtime! Stream songs anytime and download up to 5 songs per week with Freegal.
Sunglasses-Flag_Design
Stars and Stripes Forever: Kids Celebrate the 4th of July with Fun and Patriotic Music

Celebrate the magic of summer in America with a collection of famous and funny songs. 
Girl_Watermelon
Watermelon (What Kind of Cat Are You?, Track 8)
W-A-T-E-R-M-E-L-O-N spells fun in this silly song dedicated to one of America's favorite summertime treats! Stream songs anytime and download up to 5 songs per week with Freegal.
Liberty_Bell-Flag_Colors

Yankee Doodle Sing-Along

Little ones will love to clap and sing along to these patriotic and educational songs from Dream Baby.

READ & EXPLORE

britannica-library-children-button13 Colonies
Explore the settlements that became the first states of America when they declared their independence from Great Britain.
Rushmore-Partial
American Revolution

Britannica Library for Children describes the causes and battles of an eight-year revolutionary war that resulted in the colonies' independence and the creation of the United States of America.
britannica-library-children-buttonDeclaration of Independence
Discover how a declaration adopted by the Continental Congress in 1776 became a founding document of the United States.
Flag-Hands_HoldingIndependence Day
Check out these quick Fourth of July facts from Britannica Library for Children.
Bookflix-buttonAmerica Titles in BookFlix (People and Places)
Learn about the people, places, and ideas that make America wonderful with video storybooks and non-fiction ebooks! Watch our pathfinder video for BookFlix first, then click on the BookFlix icon.
Bookflix-buttonPresident Titles in BookFlix (Family and Community / People and Places)
These titles with presidential protagonists and facts about real American leaders get our vote! Watch our pathfinder video for BookFlix first, then click on the BookFlix icon.
Book_Cover-Unite_or_Die
American History (Playlists: English)

TumbleBooks invites readers to visit two great American cities and discover how our nation was built! The animated story playlist contains Postcards from Washington, Unite or Die: How 13 States Became a Nation, Pop's Bridge, and Postcards from Chicago. Watch our pathfinder video for TumbleBook Library first, then click on the book cover.
Tumblebook-logo-buttonBenjamin Franklin (Videos: History)
You can be anything you want to be, and this Founding Father seemed to be everything! Meet Benjamin Franklin, who was an author, printer, politician, postmaster, scientist, musician, inventor, and diplomat. Watch our pathfinder video for TumbleBook Library first, then click on the TumbleBook Library icon.
Book_Cover-Journey_of_Oliver_K._WoodmanUSA (Playlists: English)
Travel America from coast to coast with The Journey of Oliver K. Woodman, Crazy for California, and Postcards from New York City. Watch our pathfinder video for TumbleBook Library first, then click on the book cover.
Book_Cover-House_That_George_BuiltUSA Jr. (Playlists: English)
This animated story playlist describes great American achievements with Our California, Eight Days Gone, and The House that George Built. Watch our pathfinder video for TumbleBook Library first, then click on the book cover.
Bald_EaglesAll Eyes on Eagles
Focus your binoculars on these bold and beautiful bald eagles (Ranger Rick, June/July 2018 Issue, pgs. 22-25)! Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Brown_BisonBetter with Bison
After being hunted almost to extinction, American bison are making a comeback. Find out how their return is helping other plants and animals on the Great Plains (Ranger Rick, September 2019 Issue, pgs. 30-35). Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Fireworks-WhiteBy the Numbers: All About Fireworks
National Geographic Kids (June/July 2018 Issue, pgs. 8-9) counts all the ways that fireworks light up our world! Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
flipster-buttonCelebrating the Fourth!
Get the facts behind America's patriotic party in Highlights (July 2019 Issue, pgs. 32-33)! Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the Flipster icon.
Bald_Eagle-Flight

Eagles

Zoobooks' Eagles issue (September 2019) invites you to soar with our national bird and his cousins. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Flag-WavingFast Facts: U.S. Flag
Take a look at this timely trivia about our famous flag (Boys' Life, July 2017 Issue, pg. 6). Watch the pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Tents-SunlightGone Camping
Whether camping on the Fourth is a first-time or favorite activity, Ranger Rick (June/July 2019 Issue, pgs. 20-25) has tips, tricks, and fun ideas to make this year's outing outstanding! Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Tent_Flap-Outdoors

Happy Campers

Boys' Life (October 2017 Issue, pgs. 16-21) explores Texas' Palo Duro Canyon State Park and details eight steps for planning the perfect camping trip. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
flipster-buttonHaunted White House
Does the White House have its own stately specters? National Geographic Kids (October 2017 Issue, pgs. 24-25) studies the haunted history of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the Flipster icon.
ConstitutionLet's Find Out! Government Series
Britannica introduces readers to the basic form and functions of the United States government.
      What Are Elections?                 What Are State and Local Government?
      What Is Citizenship?                         What Is the Executive Branch?
 What Is the Constitution?                      What Is the Judicial Branch?
                                                                     What Is the Legislative Branch?

Click on any title link, then click on the blue "View eBook" button to read that title in Gale eBooks.
July_Fourth-Calendar
Let's Look at the Fourth of July

Flip through these fun Fourth facts from Boys' Life (June/July 2020 Issue, pgs. 22-24). After reading the article, test your searching skills with the Fourth of July Word Find on page 25 of the same issue! Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Flipster LogoLydia Darragh's Secret Mission
Pssst! You don't want to miss the story of Lydia Darragh, one of America's first spies (Highlights, July 2017 Issue, pgs. 26-27)!  Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the Flipster icon.
Bush-Baseball

Meet the Athletes in Chief

Discover the athletic side of America's leaders with Sports Illustrated Kids (February 2019 Issue, pgs. 22-23)! Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Fireworks-FlareA Peek Inside Fireworks
Highlights (July 2017 Issue, pg. 36) explains the science behind the sparkle, boom, and beauty of fireworks! Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Llincoln-MemorialU.S. Landmarks Series
Early readers don't need a tour guide to unveil the history of U.S. landmarks! Abdo Kids has fun first facts about national buildings and memorials.
                  Lincoln Memorial                                     The Statue of Liberty
   Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial                        United States Capitol
                  Mount Rushmore                                         The White House
Click on any title link, then click on the blue "View eBook" button to read that title in Gale eBooks.
Statue_of_Liberty-FrontWaiting for Miss Liberty
Find out about America's largest lady and how she immigrated to the United States (Highlights, July 2017 Issue, pgs. 48-49). Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Libby-app
Fantastic Fourth of July eBooks
Meet famous Americans throughout history and celebrate all the colors and cultures that make up the red, white, and blue! OverDrive ebooks are accessible from any computer and from any device using the Libby or OverDrive app.
Novelist-K-8-logoFourth of July Reading List
Run this collection of titles for ages 0-8 up the flagpole, and everyone will find a story worth saluting! In the list, click on "Check the Library Catalog" to see if the Library has a copy.
Golden_Gate_Bridge My United States
Take a cross-country trip with TrueFlix and discover today's America! With topics for all fifty states, as well as Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., you can travel to a far-away place, learn something new about your home state, or visit every state on the map without leaving the house! Watch our pathfinder video for TrueFlix first, then click on the activity icon and choose the My United States category on the main page to see all 52 topics.
trueflix-buttonThe Thirteen Colonies
Travel back in time with TrueFlix topics about each of the original colonies. Watch our pathfinder video for TrueFlix first, then click on the TrueFlix icon and choose The Thirteen Colonies category on the main page to see all 13 topics.
White_House U.S. Government
Learn about the branches of government, documents that guide our democracy, and the importance of voting with this collection of TrueFlix topics. Watch our pathfinder video for TrueFlix first, then click on the activity icon and choose the U.S. Government category on the main page to see all 7 topics.
Arches_National_ParkU.S. Regions
America is a big country, and the climate, landscape, and culture can be very different depending on where you live. Find out about the regions of the United States and amazing U.S. landforms with this collection of TrueFlix topics. Watch our pathfinder video for TrueFlix first, then click on the activity icon and choose the U.S. Regions category on the main page to see all 6 topics.

ACTION!

Confetti-StarsCrafts - Confetti "Firecracker" & Starry Light Flashlight
Highlights (July 2015 Issue, pgs. 26-27) has your holiday and night covered with a festive confetti blast for the picnic and a star-filled light to guide your way to the fireworks display. Parental supervision is recommended for all crafts. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Flipster LogoCraft - Flowers for the Fourth
The festivities will be in full bloom with this star bouquet from Highlights (July 2019 Issue, pg. 17)! If you want to carry your utensils and napkins in style, create the Picnic-Perfect Basket on page 16. Parental supervision is recommended for all crafts. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the Flipster icon.
Girl-USA_Outfit

Craft - Made for the Parade

Family Fun (June/July 2018 Issue, pgs. 11-12) offers fashionable ideas for hats, shorts, water bottles, and tutus to prepare the perfect parade outfits! Parental supervision is recommended for all crafts. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Flipster LogoCrafts - Star-Spangled Table Topper & Flag Stands
Add some sparkle to the family's Fourth of July meals with this eye-catching centerpiece and patriotic place cards (Highlights, July 2018 Issue, pgs. 18-19). Parental supervision is recommended for all crafts. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the Flipster icon.
RWB_Bounce-GameCraft / Game - Bounce into the Red, White, and Blue
Ready the flag and test your color/coordination skill against family and friends (Highlights, July 2016 Issue, pg. 23)! Parental supervision is recommended for all crafts. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Stars-Red&BlueCrafts / Kitchen Crafts - Star Power
Family Fun (June/July 2017 Issue, pgs. 18-27) has seven jubilant July 4th crafts to make your holiday a star-studded success! Parental supervision is recommended for all crafts. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Uncle_Sam_HatGame - Founders Matching Game
Can you win this card game featuring an All-American cast of characters (Highlights, July 2020 Issue, pgs. 31-32)? After a few rounds, test your knowledge with Confounded by the Founders trivia on page 33! Parental supervision is recommended for all crafts. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Flipster LogoKitchen Craft - "Firework" Treats
Pass the Pop Rocks and prepare for an explosion of taste (Highlights, July 2018 Issue, pgs. 32-33)! Parental supervision is recommended for all crafts. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the Flipster icon.
Fourth-Popsicle_Cartoon

Kitchen Craft
- Make Cool Cupcake Cones!

Girls' World (August 2018 Issue, pg. 10) has the perfect recipe for chilling out during a backyard BBQ! Parental supervision is recommended for all crafts. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Watermelon-DrinkKitchen Craft - Patriotic Punch
Say "Cheers!" to red watermelon, white jicama, and blueberry with this delicious drink from Girls' World (August 2019 Issue, pg. 12). Parental supervision is recommended for all crafts. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Flipster LogoKitchen Craft - S'mores Cupcakes
Girls' World (November 2019 Issue, pg. 10) shows you how to cook up summertime smiles with cute cupcakes! Parental supervision is recommended for all crafts. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the Flipster icon.
Smores
Kitchen Craft - Super S'mores

Have s'more fun with inventive recipes from Owl (Summer 2017 Issue, pgs. 26-29)! Parental supervision is recommended for all crafts. Watch our pathfinder video for Flipster first, then click on the activity icon.
Coloring-Crayons
Coloring Pages

Free your crayons and make some democratic decorations for the Fourth!

PATHFINDER VIDEOS

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