Fourth of July

Fireworks, freedom, food, family, friends and fun. The Fourth of July is an American holiday steeped in traditions. In the dead heat of summer, this day may be the pinnacle of summer memories. How can you make the most of this year’s Independence Day?

 

While older kids love fireworks, think of some ways to incorporate smaller children and teach everyone about the meaning behind America’s Fourth of July. Fun ideas for the family include:

  • Visit the library and pick out some books about Independence Day to read with your kids or a “Liberty Kids” video to learn more about our nation’s history.
  • Have a bike parade with friends and encourage kids to decorate using red, white and blue streamers, balloons, paper and glitter.
  • Host a water balloon or water gun fight to cool down. Group everyone into two teams: the Americans vs. the British!
  • Tie Dye white t-shirts with red and blue for one-of-a-kind holiday apparel.
  • Decorate your kids with glow sticks to help keep track of them when the fireworks begin.
  • Teach kids about the Declaration of Independence. Help them dress up as their favorite signer.
  • Cook some Fourth of July snacks together – Pinterest has some great ideas from homemade red, white and blue popsicles to American flag fruit trays.

 

Whether you celebrate in a small group, host a large party or attend a citywide fireworks show, staying safe is all about being prepared. Some safety tips to keep in mind include:

  • Always supervise children around fireworks.
  • Don’t let young children play with or ignite fireworks.
  • Use a plastic cup to create a sparkler shield for little ones holding sparklers.
  • Keep a hose or bucket of water nearby to when using fireworks or sparklers.
  • Place fireworks on the ground before igniting.
  • Wear close-toed shoes around fireworks.
  • Sunglasses or safety glasses help protect eyes from sparks.
  • Pack some earplugs or headphones for little ones who might be startled by the “boom” of the fireworks display.
  • Make sure your kids keep hydrated – plain water or other unsweetened beverages are best.
  • Don’t forget to apply sunscreen during the day liberally and every few hours.
  • If consuming alcohol, always drink in moderation, especially around children, and always have a designated driver.

 

Don’t forget about our furry family members who can be very scared during fireworks. To help them, make sure they are wearing a collar with ID in case they are startled by the noise and run away. Also, keep them inside if possible with the television or radio on the help mask the unfamiliar sound of fireworks.

 

We hope all of you have a fun and safe Fourth of July celebrating and reflecting upon America’s strengths, resilience and values.