Snap, Crackle and Pop Fourth of July Party

This great party idea is perfect for young kids and for those who are young at heart.

Invitations

Create a card that pops. To do this cut a window in the front of the card. Put vellum over the window. Then put a small piece of not popped packing bubbles in the window, pour in some glitter then cover the back with another piece of vellum. On the front of the card create fireworks using glue and glitter. Inside the card give the information for the time and place of the party. When the receiver pushes on the window the card will make a popping noise.

Craft

Alka Seltzer Rockets

Provide each person with a film canister that has a snap on lid, toilet paper roll, construction paper, scissors, marker, crayons, tape, paint, Alka Seltzer tablets and water in a container.

Have everyone cut the toilet paper roll straight up a side, then put the film canister in one end with the lid facing out. Tape the toilet paper roll so that it fits tightly around the film canister. Create the point of the rocket with a circle of construction paper. Let everyone decorate their rockets. When everyone is ready take the rockets outside. Turn the rockets upside down. Take the lid off the film canister. Pour in water until it is about a quarter full. Drop in an alka seltzer tablet put the rocket on the ground and step back. The rocket will shoot off of the ground. With more water and tablets these rockets can be shot again and again and they won't burn anyone.

Activities

• Tape large squares of packing bubbles onto the driveway or porch and let kids (and parents) pop them by jumping on them.

• Get numerous boxes of the small popping fireworks (the ones that don't use fire). Draw a target on the driveway or porch with chalk and let kids take turns dropping the "bombs" on the target.

• Fill balloons with water and play water balloon catch. Have people partner up and hold a beach towel at the four corners. Players pass the water balloon and catch it with the towel. Watch out, because if you don't catch it, it will pop.

Food

Make it a potluck, on the invitations ask each family to bring different items such as a salad, desert or other items for a barbeque.