How to Celebrate July Fourth with Young Children

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By kittycooks
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4th of July sparklers

July 4th kicks off our summer fun. But if you have young or special needs children, public firework displays are overwhelmingly crowded, scary, and loud. Here’s how to celebrate the 4th of July at home and make it a special holiday for your family!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

sparklers
pop-its
red, white, and blue food

Step 1

Skip the nighttime firework displays. Babies, toddlers, and most young school age children benefit from routine and predictable schedules. The lights and loud booms of fireworks can be really frightening. Staying up hours after bedtime to view fireworks at your local park is asking for overexcited children and meltdowns. Consider the long walk from the parking, lines for the port a-potty, and traffic jam after the firework display. Save the public fireworks for ages 8 and up. Everyone will enjoy the 4th of July holiday so much more!
Step 2

4th of July food

Have your kids create 4th of July decorations and food. Make red, white, and blue paper chains. Make a blueberry, strawberry and whipped cream dessert or use blueberry jelly and ham on toast to make 4th of July sandwiches. Kids love to celebrate holidays!
Step 3

BBQ

Have a flag ceremony. Host a BBQ or a neighborhood parade. Simple activities with your family will create wonderful memories for young children.
Step 4

fireworks

Buy some pop-its. Look for them in your local card and balloon party stores. They have a satisfying pop and are super easy for young children to throw to the ground. A box of 50 can last a long time and the little ones enjoy the cause and effect when they get to control the firework.
Step 5

fireworks

Sparklers are fun for preschoolers and up. Know your child and manage them as needed to prevent unsafe behavior or burns. Respect their fears and stick it in the ground to watch from a safe distance if they express concern.
Step 6

fireworks

Buy a couple of carefully chosen fireworks. The big packages at chain stores will have a lot of noisy junk mixed in to make it look like a deal. Go to a fireworks store or Internet store and study the height, loudness, and color ratings. You can find some really fun fireworks that rate high on color and low on sound. Seat the kids in a chair a safe distance away and enjoy the display!
Step 7

Take pictures of your 4th of July activities and post them on the fridge. Build upon your family traditions and know you created a relaxing and fun 4th of July for your young children!