INSIDE: How to decorate a kids wagon or bike for a neighborhood 4th of July parade. DIY patriotic decorating ideas for kids and home.

We moved into a fun and dynamic neighborhood a few years ago. Having lived in something of a “blah” neighborhood for too long, it was super exciting to parade down our street decked out in all things Red, White and Blue.

Let’s just say – at that time – our kids weren’t super adept at bike riding. And taking off downhill, with limited skills, was not exactly going to happen regardless of how much they whined and begged.

So mom enthusiastically sold them on taking the wagon to the neighborhood July 4th parade instead. Womp, womp.

Here’s how mom (aka: yours truly) turned our all-terrain sports wagon into something patriotic enough for Uncle Sam himself!

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How to Decorate Fun Patriotic Wagon for July 4th Parade

This may come as a surprise to you but I have lots of holiday decorations. Shock, I know. I used everything I had stored away in my 4th of July decorations box.

Here’s what I used:
– Outdoor utility collapsible wagon
– Patriotic paper fans
– Small USA flags
– Large velvet patriotic bows
– Red polka dot fabric (the same could be achieved with red plastic tablecloths)
– Wooden star cutouts (attached to the wagon via magnets) painted with craft acrylic paints
– DIY paper towel roll rockets

How to Make Wagon or Bike for 4th of July Parade

This is how our wagon started:

Cover the two long sides of the wagon with fabric swags or tablecloths. (I used fabric table runners that were actually for Christmas!)

Attach large velvet patriotic bows to the two front corners of the wagon.

Attach patriotic paper fans to the back of the wagon.

Easy, Affordable Wagon Decorations for July 4th Parade

I used some previously painted wooden star cutouts. I attached magnets to the back of each star (using my favorite craft glue) and stuck them on the metal handle bars of the wagon.

I wrapped a couple of paper towel rolls with colored paper, glued on some paper polka dots and added some red tissue paper out one end to mimic the look of a rocket. These were attached to the wagon with pipe cleaners.

Attach some small American flags in the four corners of the wagon.

diy 4th of july parade decorating

Deck out in your most patriotic Red, White and Blue garb and if you’re in Arizona like we are, load on the sunscreen and fill a cooler with some festive drinks!

Show your patriotic spirit as your haul three equally decorated kids up the neighborhood hill…just to (literally) head back downhill as soon as you get to the top.

How do you celebrate the 4th of July? Let me know in the comments.

Other Patriotic Summer Craft Ideas:

• Patriotic July 4th star decorations from paper stars
• Make graffiti swim towels for kids from fabric spray paint
• Red, White and Blue garland from paper goodie bags
• USA banner from treat bags and cocktail napkins
• Festive summer wreath made with paper napkins

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