Top Five Ways to Safely Celebrate the Fourth of July with Your Preschooler

There are many ways to safely celebrate the Fourth of July. The holiday is a summertime favorite for…

There are many ways to safely celebrate the Fourth of July. The holiday is a summertime favorite for many families, filled with barbecues, picnics, pool parties and festive fireworks displays. As you celebrate with your preschooler, it’s important to keep safety in mind so everyone can enjoy the holiday.

We’ve gathered some fun and family-friendly ways to safely celebrate the Fourth of July while helping your little one stay safe throughout the festivities.

Throw a Backyard Glow Stick Party

Fireworks can be exciting for families, but the loud noises, bright flashes and large crowds can feel overwhelming for some preschoolers. If your child is sensitive to noise or new experiences, consider creating your own backyard celebration with glow sticks, glow-in-the-dark necklaces and bracelets or a family dance party after dark. Or, consider making rockets and having a launch to celebrate the day. It’s a fun way to capture the magic of the holiday without the stress of a large event.

Head to a Local Fireworks Show In Denver

If you do plan to attend a community fireworks show, help your child feel comfortable by bringing noise-reducing headphones or ear protection. You may also want to arrive early, choose a spot farther from the fireworks launch site and be prepared to leave if your child becomes overwhelmed. And remember: all fireworks, including sparklers, should be kept out of reach of children and handled only by grown-ups.

Here are a few great options for seeing some fireworks in Denver this summer:

Create a Neighborhood Fourth of July Parade

Community parades can be a fun Fourth of July tradition, but large crowds, busy streets and lots of noise can feel overwhelming for some preschoolers. Instead of heading downtown, consider bringing the celebration closer to home.

Invite neighbors to join a bike, scooter, golf cart, tricycle or wagon parade and encourage your child to decorate with streamers, flags, ribbons or balloons. You can even include family pets in the festivities for a fun neighborhood pet parade. Creating your own parade is a great way to celebrate, spark creativity and start a holiday tradition that’s the right size for your family.

Chalk Up Some Fun

Sidewalk chalk is a simple and creative way to help your preschooler join in the holiday fun. Head outside and turn your driveway or sidewalk into a colorful masterpiece. Encourage your child to draw fireworks, flags, stars or other festive designs, and use the activity as an opportunity to practice color recognition, counting and creativity. Check out our blog, “Vamos usar giz sobre isso: ideias de giz para calçadas que sejam amigáveis aos sentidos” for even more ways to create, learn and play together.

Take a Family Day Trip

If you’re looking for a quieter way to celebrate the Fourth of July, a family day trip can be a great alternative to crowded parades, festivals or fireworks displays. Whether you’re seeking a quick adventure or a full day of fun, there are plenty of family-friendly destinations within an hour of Denver. Pack a picnic, bring your sense of adventure and enjoy quality time together while exploring somewhere new. Some favorite spots include the Carousel of Happiness in Nederland, Rocky Mountain National Park, Bear Creek Lake Park and Dinosaur Ridge.

Looking for even more ideas? Check out our blog, “Family-Friendly Day Trips from Denver” for inspiration all summer long.

Whether you’re celebrating at home, attending a community event or heading out on an adventure, a few simple precautions can help keep the day fun and comfortable for everyone.

Stay Cool and Protected While Outdoors

If you’re spending time outdoors or near the water with your preschooler, be sure to apply sunscreen regularly and use bug repellent to help protect against sunburns and insect bites. A sun tent, umbrella or portable fan can also help keep little ones cool and comfortable while providing a break from the sun. Taking regular water and shade breaks can go a long way toward making your holiday fun and safe. Check out our top water safety tips and suggestions for splash pads in Denver.

However your family chooses to celebrate, we hope your Fourth of July is filled with fun, connection and lasting memories. As summer continues, Denver Preschool Program is here to help your family discover local events, resources and opportunities to save on preschool costs. Be sure to check out some of the upcoming community events where we’ll be connecting with families across Denver. Stop by our booth to learn how your family can save on preschool costs with DPP tuition credits and explore resources to support your child’s early learning journey.

For even more family activities, tips and preschool resources, subscribe to our bi-monthly newsletter, Despacho familiar. And if you know a family who could benefit from preschool savings, childcare resources and family-friendly events and activities, we’d love for you to share it with them, too, and send them our Guia para reduzir os custos da pré-escola.