Popsicle Stick Firecrackers Craft

Do your kids love fireworks? Make these popsicle stick firecrackers for a fun 4th of July craft for kids. You can create these in about 30 minutes and use them for decorations.

There are several types of fireworks and firecrackers used for holiday celebrations. Extend this craft project by learning about Independence Day, Diwali, and Chinese New Year.

Looking for more fireworks crafts? Check out our list of craft ideas for kids. 

Letting the kids transform craft sticks into pretend fireworks is a safe alternative to playing with snaps or sparklers. So grab your supplies and create your own popsicle stick firecrackers!

More Fourth of July Crafts for Kids

• Uncle Sam Chip Can Craft
• 4th of July Paper Plate Shakers
• Fireworks Salt Painting
• DIY 4th of July Clothespin Stars
• No Sew Red, White, and Blue Felt Wreath

Firecracker Popsicle Stick Craft Supplies

I love simple crafts that use stuff I generally have in my craft stash. If you don’t have everything on hand already, you can easily find it in your favorite craft store or browse my influencer storefront (we earn a commission on qualifying purchases) Amazon craft shelf.

When making your popsicle stick firecrackers, if you don’t have craft foam, you could use construction paper or colored cardstock instead.

To embellish the firecrackers, you can use all sorts of things. Glitter glue, wooden stars, and even stickers. It’s a great opportunity for kids to get creative in their designs.

You can use either a glue gun or tacky craft glue for this project. Liquid glue will take longer to dry. We like using a Low Temp Glue Gun when making decorations because they hold up better.

Here is the full list of materials you’ll need:

• Jumbo Craft Sticks
• Red, White, and Blue Craft Paints
• Yellow and Orange Craft Foam
• Silver Tinsel Chenille Stems
• Silver Glitter Glue
• Wooden Stars or Stickers
• Glue Gun
• Paintbrush
• Round Sponge Applicator or Pom Pom
• Scissors
• Pencil

How to Make Popsicle Stick Firecrackers

You will need about 4 jumbo popsicle sticks per firecracker. It works well to make a few at one time. We suggest the jumbo sized ones because they are wider. However, you could use regular size ones if that is what you have on hand, just increase the number to create a good sized firecracker.

Start by lining up three jumbo craft sticks next to each other. Cut another stick with scissors to glue across the back. This will keep the three for the base together. You can also glue them onto a piece of cardstock instead.

Paint the craft sticks using red, white, and blue paints. Let the kids get creative or use our photos as inspiration. For example, you can paint each craft stick a different color or paint different sections of the base.

Have fun with creating stripes across or diagonally. To make large dots, dip a round sponge applicator or a pom pom into paint then gently press it against the painted popsicle sticks.

For embellishments, use buttons, glitter glue, wooden stars, craft foam, or stickers. If using wooden shapes, paint them white then cover with a thin layer of glitter glue. Secure everything in place using glue.

Cut a silver chenille stem (aka pipe cleaner) into sections that measure about 4 inches long. Bend it in half to create the pretend fuse of the firecracker. 

Draw a large teardrop shape and a smaller teardrop shape to create the flame. You can draw them on cardstock first to use as a template. Then trace and cut out the large flame shape from orange craft foam. Use yellow craft foam for the smaller flame shape.

Lay the large orange flame piece down and glue the bent silver chenille stem to it near the bottom. Glue the yellow flame piece on top of that. The chenille stem should be sandwiched between the craft foam flame pieces.

Finally, attach the “fuse” with the “flame” onto the back of the craft sticks near the top (on the unpainted side).

Make several and use twine to join them together for a banner. I like that these also look like patriotic candles.

4th of July Printables for Kids

Encourage your child’s enthusiasm for learning by providing more themed learning opportunities. You can have a week of different patriotic crafts and activities for your kid to do independently or as a family.

Here are a few printables you can use to engage your children:

• Patriotic Stars Roll and Cover Printable Math Game
• Flag Day Cutting Practice
• 4th of July Memory Game

Another way to extend this project is by discussing how and why fireworks are part of Independence Day and other holiday celebrations around the world. You can also discuss the history of them, how they work, and more by putting together a fireworks unit study.

More Popsicle Stick Crafts for Kids

• Popsicle Stick Rainbow
• Weather Popsicle Stick Craft
• Back to School Craft Stick Pencil
• Tractor Popsicle Stick Craft
• Campfire Popsicle Stick Craft