Team Building & Retreats tips
Published on
November 21, 2024

21 Fun and Engaging Team-Building Activities For The 4th of July

Independence Day is more than a national celebration. If you put on your business goggles, you’ll see it as an opportunity to step back, reflect, and invest in building stronger connections within your team.

Deloitte's research shows that high-performing teams are better at getting results and have strong practices to work well together, even with different skills and roles. Team diversity— in identities, or ways of thinking—can boost performance, but it needs to be supported with the right team-building activities.

As employees seek more opportunities to unwind and reconnect, special occasions like the 4th of July—when paired with well-planned/exciting team-building activities—can be a powerful way to boost team spirit and workplace culture.

Why not use the festive energy of Independence Day to bring your team closer together? From epic Hot Dog Eating Contests to creative games like Patriotic Pictionary, or even an out-of-the-box 4th of July Cocktail Making workshop, there are activities to suit every group dynamic. And worry not: remote teams are not forgotten! 

In this article, you'll discover:

  • Top 5 Team-Building Activities for the 4th of July
  • Independence Day Activities for the Office
  • Independence Day Virtual Activities
  • 4th of July Activities to Unwind
  • Outdoor Activities for the 4th of July

Get ready to learn more about our carefully curated lineup of activities that’ll have your team bonding during firework season!

In This Article
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Top 5 Team-Building Activities for the 4th of July

1. 4th of July Scavenger Hunt

Turn your 4th of July celebration into a team adventure with a patriotic scavenger hunt! Groups race to find holiday-themed items like mini flags, red, white, and blue decor, or classic picnic foods that were previously hidden in the office or nearby park. Add clues related to U.S. history or riddles for extra fun.

  • Time estimate: 1-2 hours
  • Group size: Up to 30 participants
  • Great for: Encouraging teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity.
  • Price estimate: $10 - $50 (cost of printed clues and small prizes)
  • Accessibility: Yes (can be adapted for indoor or outdoor settings)


2. 4th of July Magic Show

Treat your team and bring some extra sparkle to the office with a professional or DIY magic show. Book a magician or have talented team members prepare simple tricks to amaze the group. Use red, white, and blue props to keep the holiday spirit alive.

  • Time estimate: 30-60 minutes
  • Group size: Groups of any size
  • Great for: Boosting morale, creativity, and engagement.
  • Price estimate: $100–$500 (if you hire a professional)
  • Accessibility: Yes


3. Holiday Costume Contest

Let your team’s creativity shine with a patriotic costume contest! Encourage employees to dress up in their best 4th of July-themed outfits, from Uncle Sam hats to Statue of Liberty crowns. Add categories like “Most Creative,” “Funniest,” or “Best DIY” to ensure everyone has a chance to win.

  • Time estimate: 30 minutes to 1 hour
  • Group size: Groups of any size
  • Great for: Fostering creativity and lighthearted competition
  • Price estimate: $10–$50 (optional prizes or decorations)
  • Accessibility: Yes


4. 4th of July Team Barbecue

Nothing says the 4th of July like a good old-fashioned American barbecue. Organize a cookout where team members can grill, eat, and relax together. Include team-building games like cornhole or water balloon tosses to keep the energy high.

  • Time estimate: 2-3 hours
  • Group size: Groups of any size
  • Great for: Building camaraderie and team bonding.
  • Price estimate: $100–$300 (if organized by the company
  • Accessibility: Outdoor settings may have limitations; ensure dietary accommodations


5. Independence Day Bingo

Give bingo a festive twist by using Independence Day-themed words or images on the cards—like fireworks, bald eagles, or sparklers. Distribute cards to employees and play as a group for small prizes. Complete the experience with drinks and snacks.

  • Time estimate: 30 minutes to 1 hour
  • Group size: Any size
  • Great for: Icebreaking and casual fun.
  • Price estimate: $10–$30 
  • Accessibility: Yes


Independence Day Activities For The Office


6. 4th of July Cocktail Making

Shake things up with a 4th of July-themed cocktail-making session. A mixologist can guide your team in creating red, white, and blue drinks, or you can go DIY with recipes shared ahead of time. Offer mocktail options to include everyone, and enjoy sipping on your creations while bonding with colleagues.

  • Time estimate: 1–1.5 hours
  • Group size: Up to 20 participants
  • Great for: Encouraging creativity and breaking the ice.
  • Price estimate: $100–$200 (ingredients, mixologist fees optional)
  • Accessibility: Yes


7. 4th of July Team Trivia

Test your team’s knowledge of U.S. history, pop culture, and Independence Day facts with a themed trivia game. Teams are divided in groups and compete for small prizes. You can host it in person or virtually using trivia platforms, making sure everyone gets involved in the festive spirit.

  • Time estimate: 1 hour
  • Group size: Groups of Any Size
  • Great for: Encouraging collaboration and friendly competition.
  • Price estimate: Free
  • Accessibility: Yes


8. 4th of July Cookie Decorating

Challenge your team’s creativity with a cookie decorating contest! Provide plain sugar cookies, icing, and sprinkles in patriotic colors and let imagination flow. Teams can vote for the most impressive or funniest designs. The best part? Everyone gets to enjoy a sweet treat.

  • Time estimate: 1 hour
  • Group size: Up to 30
  • Great for: Creativity and team bonding.
  • Price estimate: $50–$100 (cookies, decorating supplies)
  • Accessibility: Yes


9. Independence Day Icebreakers

Kick off your 4th of July event in the office with quick, themed icebreaker games. From Pictionary to Name That Firework, these activities spark conversation and set a relaxing tone for the day. Customize questions or prompts to reflect the holiday.

  • Time estimate: 30–45 minutes
  • Group size: Groups of Any Size
  • Great for: Energizing the group and building connections.
  • Price estimate: Free
  • Accessibility: Yes


10. 4th of July Care Packages

Show appreciation by assembling festive care packages for a local charity. Gather in the office and plan ahead. Include snacks, treats, small flags, and other patriotic goodies. This activity encourages teamwork, helps the local community, and spreads holiday cheer both within and outside your organization.

  • Time estimate: 1 hour
  • Group size: Up to 30 participants
  • Great for: Fostering collaboration and giving back.
  • Price estimate: $50–$150 (supplies for care packages)
  • Accessibility: Yes


11. Craft Red, White, and Blue Decorations for the Office

Transform your workplace with the patriotic spirit of Independence Day and craft decorations with your team. Provide materials like banners, balloons, and streamers in festive colors. Team members can collaborate on designing and putting up their creations. Elevate the experience with a themed lunch.

  • Time estimate: 1–2 hours
  • Group size: Up to 30 participants
  • Great for: Creative teamwork and boosting office morale.
  • Price estimate: $30–$100 (craft supplies)
  • Accessibility: Yes


Independence Day Virtual Activities


12. State Capital Quiz

Test your team’s geography skills with a fast-paced online State Capital Quiz! Create a list of U.S. states and challenge participants to name their capitals. Add a patriotic twist by including facts about each state’s role in U.S. history. Offer prizes such as e-vouchers for top scorers. This is an engaging and effective team-building activity for remote teams

  • Time estimate: 30–45 minutes
  • Group size: Up to 30
  • Great for: Boosting knowledge, friendly competition, and engagement.
  • Price estimate: Free
  • Accessibility: Yes


13. Word Jumble

Start the day with some wordplay with a 4th of July-themed word jumble. Provide teams with a list of scrambled holiday-related words like “fireworks”, “freedom,” and “declaration.” The team that unscrambles the most words in a set time wins! It’s a simple way to encourage teamwork for remote teams.

  • Time estimate: 15–30 minutes
  • Group size: Up to 20 participants
  • Great for: Quick problem-solving and teamwork.
  • Price estimate: Free–$10 (cost of printed word lists)
  • Accessibility: Yes


14. Remote 4th of July Barbecue

For remote teams, host a virtual 4th of July barbecue! Provide team members with vouchers for BBQ kits or recipes they can prepare at home. Then, gather on a video call to share stories, compare recipes, and play virtual games like trivia or charades.

  • Time estimate: 1–2 hours
  • Group size: Groups of Any Size
  • Great for: Remote team bonding, relaxation, and holiday spirit.
  • Price estimate: $15–$50 per person (BBQ kits or vouchers)
  • Accessibility: Yes


4th of July Activities to Unwind


15. American Songs Karaoke

Let each element of your team channel their inner star with an American Songs Karaoke session. Create a playlist of patriotic tunes like “Born in the USA”, “Sweet Home Alabama”, or “America the Beautiful”, and let participants take the mic. It’s a great way to loosen up and celebrate the holiday together.

  • Time estimate: 1–2 hours
  • Group size: Groups of Any Size
  • Great for: Boosting morale, creativity, and team bonding.
  • Price estimate: $50–$200
  • Accessibility: Yes


16. Patriotic Pictionary

Put a festive spin on the famous drawing game with Patriotic Pictionary! Teams take turns sketching 4th of July-themed words or phrases like “fireworks”, “Betsy Ross”, or “apple pie”, while others guess. It’s a fast-paced way to break the ice and start your office celebrations.

  • Time estimate: 30 minutes to 1 hour
  • Group size: Up to 30 participants
  • Great for: Encouraging creativity, quick thinking, and collaboration.
  • Price estimate: $10–$30 (drawing supplies or digital tools)
  • Accessibility: Yes


17. 4th of July Movie Marathon

Host a 4th of July movie marathon featuring classics like Independence Day, National Treasure, or Forrest Gump. Set up a projector or large screen and provide popcorn, drinks, and comfy seating for the ultimate team bonding experience.

  • Time estimate: 2–4 hours
  • Group size: Groups of Any Size
  • Great for: Relaxation and cultural connection.
  • Price estimate: $50–$150 (movie licenses, snacks, and setup)
  • Accessibility: Yes

Outdoor Activities for the 4th of July


18. Wild Goose Chase

Turn your 4th of July celebration into an adventurous outdoor hunt. Participants work in teams to complete patriotic challenges like taking a selfie with a flag or finding a specific red, white, and blue item. Use an app like GooseChase for a high-tech twist.

  • Time estimate: 1–2 hours
  • Group size: Groups of Any Size
  • Great for: Teamwork, problem-solving, and outdoor fun.
  • Price estimate: $30–$100 (app subscription and small prizes)
  • Accessibility: No


19. Independence Day Office Olympics

Combine holiday celebrations with competition by hosting an Independence Day Office Olympics! Create 4th of July-themed events like sack races, water balloon tosses, or three-legged races. Award medals (or snacks!) to the winning teams for extra motivation.

  • Time estimate: 2–3 hours
  • Group size: Up to 30 participants
  • Great for: Physical activity and boosting team spirit.
  • Price estimate: $50–$100 (equipment and prizes)
  • Accessibility: No


20. Rooftop Happy Hour

End your 4th of July festivities with a rooftop happy hour. Reserve the space and decorate it with string lights and flags, serve festive drinks and snacks, and enjoy the sunset with your team. Bonus points if you’re in a spot to watch fireworks!

  • Time estimate: 2–3 hours
  • Group size: Up to 20 participants
  • Great for: Unwinding, socializing, and enjoying the holiday spirit.
  • Price estimate: $100–$300 (drinks, snacks, and decor)
  • Accessibility: Yes


21. Hot Dog Eating Contest

Nothing says 4th of July quite like a classic hot dog eating contest, Coney Island style! Set up a friendly competition where participants see how many hot dogs they can eat in a set amount of time. Provide water and cheering sections to keep the energy high, and crown a “Hot Dog Champion” with a small prize.

  • Time estimate: 30 minutes to 1 hour
  • Group size: Up to 20 participants
  • Great for: Friendly competition, high energy, and holiday-themed fun.
  • Price estimate: $30–$100 (hot dogs, condiments, and prizes)
  • Accessibility: No (may not suit all dietary restrictions or preferences)


Why Choose Team-Building Activities for Easter?

Celebrate the spirit of Independence Day with fantastic team-building activities and see the immediate impact these have in your team.

From the typically American Hot Dog Eating Contest to Patriotic Pictionary, we bring you a selection of outdoor adventures, office games and icebreakers, and even activities for remote teams. 

Relax with your crew during a 4th of July Cocktail Making session and don’t forget crowd-pleasing options like Independence Day Bingo, a tasty 4th of July Team Barbecue, or even a professional magic show to truly make the day unforgettable.

Special occasions like the 4th of July and other holidays – such as Halloween, ThanksgivingChristmas, Easter, and St. Patrick’s Day — are the perfect excuse to step away from your routine and celebrate together. Happy employees are productive employees, and holiday-themed activities are a thoughtful way to show appreciation and foster a positive workplace culture. 

Ready to transform your next holiday into a standout team adventure? At TeamOut, we’re experts in crafting seamless, fun events tailored to your team’s needs. 

Contact us today to create a 4th of July celebration—or any holiday event—that inspires connection, collaboration, and joy. Let’s make this Independence Day your best team-building experience yet!

About the author
Thomas Mazimann
Update on
21/11/2024
Thomas Mazimann, a French entrepreneur and former international kayaking athlete, transitioned from sports to tech after moving to the U.S. He co-founded TeamOut, revolutionizing team gatherings.

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