1. Role Play

"Birthright" means something that belongs to you at birth. The only common American birthright is the Constitution (the 14th Amendment extends Constitutional liberties to each person born here). One of the most educational 4th of July activities is to explain our everyday liberties using circumstances kids understand, with parents playing "the government." For instance, ask your child what they think should be changed your city or neighborhood and write a letter with them to a public official that has the power or influence to change it. Explain that in other countries people aren't permitted to ask the government to change things.

A child's room could be a citizens' home that the government cannot enter without a warrant. And, illustrate free speech by asking kids to say what's on their mind and let them know what's free speech (that they don't like school), what's free but mean or wrong (their sibling is ugly), and what's dangerous (yelling "bomb" in a school - i.e. this isn't free speech).

2. Visit A Nearby Museum And Plan To Visit The National Constitution Center

One of the better 4th of July activities is to visit a museum, focus on the American history aspects, and relate them to our freedoms in the Constitution. Plan to visit Philadelphia's National Constitution Center, an amazing place with interactive exhibits that teach simple concepts to kids and others about the essence of our Constitutional birthright.

3. Participate In A Rally or July 4th Fireworks

At a rally during one of your 4th of July activities, explain that in most countries when groups of people gather peacefully and the government doesn't like what they say, they can be snatched up and arrested. At fireworks, tell your children to imagine the booms and bangs of the fireworks symbolize the sights and sounds of rifles, cannons and planes that fought in our wars to keep us free and safe. The only thing our soldiers and sailors pledge their allegiance to protect is the Constitution.

4. Celebrate Your Faith

Would your child appreciate being told what to believe or where to go to practice their faith? Use the opportunity to talk about your family's faith or doubts about any during one of the more spiritual 4th of July activities, explaining that all religions - the Abrahamic religions (Judism, Islam, Christianity), Hinduism, Scientology, and every single other faith on the face of the Earth - are exactly equal before the government. All religion must be separate from the government, and nobody is required to belong to a church. Going to church - or even having that discussion - is exercising our freedom to worship enshrined in the First Amendment.

5. Play "Rock, Paper, Scissors"

The 3 branches of government are co-equal, as laid out in the first three Articles of the Constitution and several amendments. This concept is best illustrated by the game, "Rock, Paper, Scissors" in one of the funnest 4th of July activities. Depending on circumstances, each branch has a chance to veto another one. Or if you have a 3-legged stool, see if your child can balance on just 2 of the legs, to illustrate the sturdiness of 3 branches of government.