It's Fourth of July week, and the kids are itching for something fun to do before the big fireworks show. Keep them entertained with these Independence Day activities, including patriotic crafts, cooking projects, and even day trips.

We've rounded up plenty of kid-friendly things to do this Fourth of July, including for toddlers and preschoolers who might prefer to avoid those startling (and thunderous) sky explosions. But we didn't neglect the big kid and teen activities either.

Find more at-home activity ideas in our Boredom Busters for Kids guide, including 100 Awesome Crafts and the Ultimate Summer Play List.

If you have especially adventurous or nature-loving kiddos, it's time to grab your sunscreen and sturdy shoes because state parks on Long Island will be millions of dollars more exciting beginning this Memorial Day.

Jones Beach, Robert Moses, Sunken Meadow, Heckscher, and Wildwood state parks are welcoming upgrades this season that include cottages, marina access, an outdoor adventure area, and more sure to leave your family eager for outdoor excitement.

Summer is about bare feet, dandelions, sunshine, and smoky food on the grill. For kids, it is 10 weeks that make the rest of the year worth enduring. For moms and dads, these two months stretch out like a lazy highway, waiting to be filled with activity before your home becomes a whining zone of boredom.

Summer camps can be a significant investment, but some on Long Island are actually quite affordable; some even have scholarships and financial aid available. Here then is our list of some of our LI's most affordable summer camps for 2019.