The 4th of July is a bit different this year. You might not be hosting your annual BBQ or heading out to watch fireworks with friends. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be FUN! Especially for the kiddos.

Here’s a fun and easy craft your kids can make to celebrate Independence Day. You might even have all these supplies on hand already.

These fun balloon paddles will get your kids moving and laughing (and will give you a few minutes to pour yourself a glass of wine). You can thank messforless.net for that.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 paper plates

• Red, white and blue paint

• Paint brushes

• Masking tape

• Red and blue balloons

• Large red popsicle sticks (or regular large popsicle sticks painted red)

STEP 1: The first step is to paint red, white and blue stripes on the inside of two paper plates. Pro tip: use two different paint brushes for the red and the blue so you don’t have to constantly cleaning the brushes

STEP 2: Give the plates some time to dry. If you don’t have red popsicle sticks, take this time to paint the popsicle sticks red.

STEP 3: When everything is dry, use some masking tape to attach the large, red popsicle sticks to the backs of both plates.

STEP 4: Blow up a balloon and you are ready to play!

There are a couple of different ways to play:

1. The he kids hit the balloon back and forth to each other.

2. Give each child a paddle and a balloon and see who can use the paddle to keep their balloon up in the air the longest. This is also great for only children.

Give it a try and let us know what you think! When you’re done, be sure to properly dispose of the balloons…because, you know…sea turtles, and other wildlife think they’re food. Thanks!

*Craft brought to you by messforless.net*