Some families have long-held traditions that they pass down to each generation, while others don’t. If your family would like to start having more traditions, the good news is that you can choose whatever you like. Why not start with something patriotic to show your love of country? Check out these fun patriotic traditions to start with your family.

Visit All the Presidential Libraries

Go big or go home, right? You can make it a goal to visit all the presidential libraries with your family, then your kids can do the same with their families. Presidential libraries are archives and museums that document the history of the US and its presidents. There are currently fifteen libraries, one for each president since Herbert Hoover.

Watch a Patriotic Movie on Independence Day

If you’re not a big fan of fireworks shows, that’s OK! You can still do something fun with the family by watching a patriotic movie on Independence Day. Some of our favorite patriotic and historical movies include the following:

• Lincoln
• The Patriot
• Hidden Figures
• Independence Day
• Captain America
• National Treasure

Pass Down a Family Flag

One fun patriotic tradition to start with your family is to pass down an American flag to each of your kids. They can then gift those flags to their kids, and on down through the family. Use this tradition as an opportunity to learn about the Flag Code and things like how to display the American flag indoors.

Make Historical Costumes

In case you didn’t know, there’s a huge community of amateur historians recreating clothes from the Revolutionary War and Civil War eras. If your family likes crafts, you can learn about historical sewing, fabrics, shoes, hats, and other things people would have worn in the past. Then, if you visit a historical site together, you can wear your costumes!

Cook Historical Food

Thanks to YouTube channels like Townsends, it’s never been easier to find historical recipes that our Founding Fathers would have used. Learn how to roast coffee beans over an open fire, bake bread in an earthen oven, and make holiday food like pudding (it’s not like the store kind!). Cooking together involves the whole family, and you get to eat together.

There are so many different patriotic traditions you can do with your family. If you enjoy American history, that makes things even easier. Try out some of these ideas and see what your family enjoys doing the most.