The coronavirus or Covid-19 continues to ravage the world. With countries rushing to develop a vaccine and find a cure, most lives have come to a halt. People are now staying indoors to avoid catching the virus, businesses that closed in March are slowly opening back up with stringent safety measures to keep employees and customers safe, and many people are now practicing utmost safety by wearing face masks and coverings to prevent sharing the virus to their communities or catching the virus themselves. With the Fourth of July weekend coming up, many are wondering how to celebrate without holding large gatherings, which is still highly discouraged by the CDC to avoid the mass spread of the virus. The Fourth of July festivities are ones that are often looked forward to by many. But this year, we are all forced to celebrate in a safer, more meaningful way. Here are some tips on how to celebrate Fourth of July during a global pandemic.
Covid-19 Safety: How to Celebrate Independence Day During a Pandemic
Immerse in history in the comforts of your own home through virtual tours.
The global pandemic caused by the coronavirus has forced people to stay home and businesses to temporarily close, including those in the entertainment and leisure sector. While museums stay physically closed to the public, many have gone online to provide virtual tours to entertain those who are staying at home and have access to the Internet. Some of the museums and tourists attractions that are available to tour virtually right now are the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, National Women’s History Museum, or Google Arts and Culture’s exhibits on Frida Kahlo and Van Gogh. Take a virtual trip to the National Museum of the United States Air Force. You can even check out George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Statue of Liberty, National Gallery of Art, and for science buffs, NASA.
Gather the family for some American-themed entertainment and shows.
1. The Americans
Starring Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, this period drama revolves around the complex marriage of two KGB spies who are undercover as Americans in Washington D.C. during the Ronald Reagan presidency. Expect drama and suspense in this 4.6 out of 5-star rated FX show, now available on Amazon Prime.
2. American Experience
American experience is TV’s most-watched history series, with as much as 24 seasons to see. Originally on PBS, American Experience offers award-winning documentaries on American history, making it perfect to binge watch over the Fourth of July weekend. Get it now on Amazon Prime.
3. Edison
Get a taste of history with Edison, a show that follows America’s most famous inventor as it shows new perspectives on “America’s greatest inventor” whose work on the phonograph, motion picture camera, and light bulb has literally shaped the world as it is today. Available now on Amazon Prime.
4. Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan
This breakthrough web series starring John Krasinski as the titular character delves deep into the world of the CIA and espionage, as a rising terrorist leader prepares for a massive attack against the U.S. This series has two seasons now available for viewing and is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon Prime.
5. Knives Out
The 2019-released, Rian Johnson-directed film follows the aftermath of the death of renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey, whose family members have now become suspects linked to his untimely death. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon Prime.
Safely practice a sense of community with a picnic basket swap or porch potluck.
Country Living suggests having a picnic basket swap, in which you drop off a basket filled with classic Fourth of July treats such as ribs, potato salad, and cupcakes to a participant’s home. Homemade treats are often the best and it would be fun to have a sense of community during these trying times. Afterwards, host a Zoom meeting so everyone can chime in on how great your salads are! Alternately, you can also have a porch potluck, in which you are to drop off an Independence Day-themed dish at every participant’s house. Afterwards, head over to a conference call for fun times at a safe distance. For sharing with friends and neighbors, make sure to store food in containers that are safe to use and presentable. Here are some great picks.
1. Pyrex 22 Piece Food Storage Container Set
Celebrating the Fourth of July holiday often means preparing and sharing food. This is why you need the Pyrex 22-piece food storage container set, which features three 2-cup round containers with lids, three 4-cup round bowls with lids, one 3-cup rectangle container with lid, one 6-cup rectangle container with lid, and three 1-cup small round containers with lids. These versatile containers are made of dishwasher, microwave, oven, freezer and refrigerator safe glass and dishwasher safe plastic lids. Perfect for cooking up the best meals this season. Get 50% off and an additional 15% off when you use the code FOURTH at Macy’s.
2. Martha Stewart Collection 8-Piece Pastel Melamine Bowl Set
Fun, summer-appropriate pastel colors adorn this melamine bowl set from the Martha Stewart Collection, which features a 1.5-qt. bowl with lid, 2.4-qt. bowl with lid, 3.9-qt. bowl with lid, and 6-qt. bowl with lid. These items are dishwasher safe and are perfect for mixing to serving. Get 30% off with an additional 15% off when you use the code FOURTH at Macy’s.
3. Pyrex Easy Grab 3-Quart Covered Baking Dish
Serving delectable meals has never been this easy. A versatile glass dish, the Pyrex Easy Grab baking dish comes with an Easy Snap Lid™ to lock in freshness when storing for later. It’s great for cooking, storing, and reheating, all in one dish. It is made of non-porous glass that resists stains and orders and is safe to use in the oven, microwave, fridge, freezer, and dishwasher. The BPA-free lid is also dishwasher safe. Get 22% off with an additional 15% off when you use the code FOURTH at Macy’s.
4. Tools of the Trade 16-Pc. Tritan Food Storage Container
Whether you’re organizing your kitchen, storing leftovers, or sending food to a loved one, this set of food storage containers from Tools of the Trade will do the trick! The fun, versatile set, which will add a pop of color to your kitchen, features two 2.52-qt. (2.4L) containers with lids, two 1.47-qt. (1.4L) containers with lids, two 3.04-cup (720ml) containers with lids, and two 1.27-cup (300ml) containers with lids. The containers feature built-in day indicators on the BPA-free locking lids that help keep food fresh. The containers are made of Tritan plastic. Get 46% off with an additional 15% off when you use the code FOURTH at Macy’s.
5. Lock n Lock Easy Essentials Color Mates 36-Piece Food Storage Container Set
This summer, invest in smart storage that lets you store food efficiently and effortlessly. This set from Lock n Lock features 18 containers and matching color lids in 12 convenient sizes. It features a unique, patented 4-hinge locking system that is designed for long-lasting performance for up to 3 million uses. Its enhanced locking system keeps food fresh longer and is also leakproof. These containers are BPA-free so it’s safe to use for the whole family. Get 39% off with an additional 15% off when you use the code FOURTH at Macy’s.
Play backyard games with the whole family.
1. EastPoint Sports Cornhole Game Set
Who said spending the Fourth of July weekend at home is boring? Gather the family in the backyard for a game of cornhole with the EastPoint Sports Cornhole Game Set, a perfectly fun game that’s easy for both at home use or for going to the beach. It features rugged reinforced corners and sides to withstand seasons of playtime and an easy carry storage space for accessories and handles for easy carry away and storage. The boards measure 2 x 3 feet and are made of MDF. Comes with 8 premium cloth bean bags in stars and stripes theme, perfect for the holiday. Shop at Amazon.
Promising customer review: “I bought 2 sets. Well worth the money for the loads of fun this game can give. I like the patriotic design.” Richard
2. Wild Games by Kalamity Big Giant Jumbo Inflatable Dice Set for Dice Games
Dice games with the family got a whole lot interesting with this giant set from Wild Games by Kalamity. This pair of dice are reinforced with precision stitching that ensures durable inflation and supports shape, which makes it easy for stacking, rolling, tossing, and more. When you’re done, easily deflate and store. Each dice measures about 12 x 12 x 12 inches and made of quality thick PVC. Customers love it so much, it has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising customer review: “These have been incredible! I run a group home for individuals with special needs and I purchased these as an outdoor activity. They are large enough for my people who need help with motor skills, and soft enough that they don’t hurt anyone if thrown. I love this item and highly recommend!” Meg
3. GIGGLE N GO Kids Giant Bowling Set
Miss going to the bowling alley but can’t risk getting sick? Have fun at home with this set of giant bowling pins and balls from Giggle N Go. The pins feature a sand weighted bottom to keep them upright, but just enough so they can be knocked over by the ball. Each piece is made of strong quality PVC that’s perfect for use in the backyard or on the beach. This giant bowling set includes 6 giant inflatable bowling pins measuring 27″ tall, and one inflatable bowling ball measuring 24″ in diameter. Also includes a repair patch and hand pump. Shop at Amazon.
Promising customer review: “Very entertaining for the kids. Good material since my kids like to always roll over the ball and it hasn’t pinched or torn. Overall worth the money.” Ivette P.
4. GoSports Giant Wooden Toppling Tower
Imagine a larger than life game of Jenga in the backyard this Fourth of July weekend! With the GoSports Giant Wooden Toppling Tower, you can share the larger-than-life fun with the entire family. The tower stars at 2.5 feet tall and grows up to over 5 feet during play. This set includes a dry-erase board to make your own optional party rules. Each block is made of hand selected knot free pine blocks. Also includes a handy carrying canvas case. This product has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising customer review: “Quick delivery and easy opening. The blocks are already neatly packed into the carrying case. Comes with a little scoreboard too. I am having lots of fun playing with this with my friends and family. Highly recommend especially during these quarantine times.” Anni Frey
5. GoSports Giant Wooden 4 in a Row Game
This Fourth of July weekend, expect life-sized fun with the GoSports Giant Wooden 4 in a Row Game, a fun jumbo yard game for kids and kids at heart. It includes a board made from sturdy premium wood, 42 GoSports plastic coins (21 red and 21 blue) made of durable plastic that won’t break. Comes in a red, white, and blue color theme that’s perfect for the holiday. This game has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising customer review: “This game was a hit at the cookout. At first I was unsure of the wooden game and was looking into the plastic ones. So glad I got this one. It’s beautiful and comes in a neat carrying case. So much fun for the young and old. Great buy for your buck.” T. Bowman
BONUS: Elite Sportz Equipment Ring Toss Yard Game
Here’s an all-American classic, the ring toss yard game is a game that’s easy to set up and take down and helps kids and adults stay active throughout the quarantine. It helps develop kids’ hand-eye coordination and inspires all around fun for the whole family. This set includes 5 rope rings, 10 plastic rings, and a sturdy wood ring board with point markings on the pegs and convenient carry bag.This game has an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising customer review: “I only had a few minutes to play a quick game of this with my grandson. It was super easy to put together and we had a great time bonding and getting some fresh air! He beat me 110 to 55.” Dominique
If you want to know more about how to keep safe from Covid-19 during the global pandemic, check out the stories below.
COVID-19 Safety: Grocery Shopping Tips to Avoid Getting the Coronavirus
COVID-19: How to Protect Against Coronavirus at Home
COVID-19 Safety: Does Coronavirus Survive on Clothes?
COVID-19: How Coronavirus Affects the Body and How You Can Protect Yourself from the Virus
Your Guide to the Different Types of Face Masks for Covid-19 Protection
Just a disclaimer – We have partnered with these companies because we use their products and/or proudly trust and endorse them – so we do receive a commission if you make a purchase or sign up for services. Often, we are able to negotiate special discounts and/or bonuses, which we will pass on to you via our links. We often get short notice on sale items available for 24-48 hours as we will pass these savings onto you.
