4th of July family fun with Donna Bozzo

CHICAGO (WLS) -- For some, Fourth of July weekend is the heart of summer and can be the height of family fun in the sun.

Donna Bozzo, "The Lady with the Alligator Purse," is full of great ideas. She shared a few that families can try this holiday weekend.

Catch Lightning Bugs

Not all things that light up the sky come in red, white and blue. As you wait for the fireworks to start - send the kids on a lightning bug hunt, old fashioned fun that is always a hit. Make homemade habitats for them for wonderful night lanterns.

Fourth of July T-shirts

Kids will have fun making and wearing t-shirts you make at home. And here is a mini-business idea for little entrepreneurs, have them make a bundle and sell at the neighborhood Fourth of July parade. My girls did this one year, it was lots of fun and they learn a little about running a holiday business.

Patriotic Scavenger Hunt

Send the kids on a scavenger hunt around the neighborhood looking for patriotic items - like a flag, a star, a nickel (in honor of Thomas Jefferson, who drafted the Declaration of Independence).

Homemade Fireworks

Fill balloons with confetti and let the kids pop their way to a homegrown fireworks display!

Skateboard Parade

You've heard of the traditional neighborhood 4th of July parade --- this year, why not put a twist on the fun and make it a skateboard parade and let the kids decorate themselves! Big fun for everyone!

Red White and Blue Ring Toss

You don't need much to turn your driveway into a fun zone - try a red white and blue ring toss. Simply fill two liter bottles with water, add food coloring and toss shower curtain rings for the win!

Little Bits

I always try to look for a bit of science in family activities - STEM learning is so important. Teach kids how to make their own sparklers with Little Bits. Little Bits are the like LEGO with light, sound and movement for the iPad generation. People of all ages - from makers and professionals to students and tinkerers - can learn tech and electronics by snapping these magnetic modules together to build anything from a robot to your own Mars Rover.

For more information

Donna always has lots of ideas on how to have simple fantastic fun on her website, www.TheLadyWithTheAlligatorPurse.com. Be sure to look for her new book, "What the Fun?? Put More Fun in Your Life and Your Family's Life," which comes out next summer!