I remember our first 4th of July with the twins. They were just 6 months old and we lived in an old neighborhood in Seattle with a distant but unobstructed view of the downtown fireworks.
Because of our distance, the little babies weren't disturbed by loud pops and booms and we could sit on our darkened front porch and enjoy the view. If your kids get spooked by loud explosions as mine do, you might need to find a lower key alternative to dragging them downtown. Here are 5 suggestions from my six year olds and 5 suggestions from me:
Question: "Ladies what would you like to do for 4th of July this year?"
Answer:
1. Looking at fireworks
2. Watch a movie with popcorn
3. Sit out on the night and look at the stars.
4. You could buy us a sparkler
5. Go on a special outing like going to a carnival
Here are my 5 suggestions:
1. Picnic - When my kids are older, I'm sure we'll take them downtown spread out a huge blanket and eat watermelon while watching the night light display. Until then, we're having a low-key picnic at home, inviting some friends and family over and enjoying some BBQ and SlipNSlide action.
2. Parade - Our town has a parade early in the afternoon on the 4th. Of course it's a mob scene, but it usually wrapped up by 5pm or so and the kids love the candy the clowns throw out to the crowds.
3. Camping - Camping on the 4th requires serious intestinal fortitude, but with sufficient advance planning and scouting of spots, you can find a place suitable for families. Last year, we went to an RV park an hour north of our town that had a swimming pool and small store. It was also full of friendly Canadians so hardly any fireworks freaked our kids out at all. In prior years, I would have looked down on the whole thing as "car camping" but the kids had a blast.
4. Block Party - One year we blocked off the street in front of our house and all the young kids had a blast running around playing together. There were the requisite loud fireworks, but they were set off up the street so it wasn't too overwhelming.
5. Swimming at the Lake - This isn't particular to the 4th of July of course, but there are some great swimming spots around our town that won't be as crowded tomorrow evening as people make their way downtown to watch fireworks.
