Summer and Independence Day go hand-in-hand, don’t you think? I think summer would be unbearable without a grand holiday such as the Fourth of July, complete with fireworks, BBQs, and parades. For parents of toddlers, it can be tough to fully participate in these activities. Some kids hate loud noises, while others can’t make it through a day full of one activity after the other.
My oldest is just a toddler and she absolutely hates loud noises. We have never taken her to see the fireworks before, but I think we might try this year. I know it will be an overwhelming situation for her, but I hope after we sing some songs about fireworks, she will be more excited than scared.
4th of July Fun for Toddlers
I thought it would be nice to round up some 4th of July fun for toddlers so they can know what to expect during parades, firework shows, and BBQs. Get your toddler excited for our country’s birthday with some awesome songs and activities!
Songs
I searched for patriotic songs on YouTube and found a few and put them in a playlist. I also added some videos of fireworks!
Click here to watch the 4th of July videos on YouTube (YouTube won’t let me link to playlist anymore)
Activities
Between all the parades, family gatherings, and fireworks going on, it might get really overwhelming for a toddler when it’s all said and done. Instead of bombarding them with even more things to do on July 4th, fit these activities in the week before the holiday. Or spread them out throughout the month of July. Who says you can’t celebrate our country’s birth month? 🙂
- Any activity on this Toddler’s and Baby’s Summer Bucket List would be really fun to do around the 4th.
- Go camping! We have never taken our girls before, but I think it would be a lot of fun to set up a tent in our backyard and roast marshmallows or hot dogs.
- Play a sport as a family (after the sun goes down so you can stay cool).
- Run through the sprinklers or throw water balloons.
- Make ice cream in a bag. Watch this video to find out how!
Coloring Pages
4th of July Coloring pages from Easy Peasy and Fun
4th of July Coloring pages from Itsy Bitsy Fun
4th of July Coloring pages from Mr. Printables
Crafts
4th of July Pebbles from The ImaginationBox
Fireworks Craft with Straws from Crafty Morning
Patriotic Glitter Stars from The Real Thing with the Coake Family
Patriotic Paper Chain from A Pumpkin & a Princess
Popsicle Stick Flag craft from Made From Pinterest
Printable Pinwheel from Alpha Mom
Whatever you choose to do with your toddler, I’m sure they will have a fun time. Just be aware of how much they can handle so Independence Day itself can be a day full of memories and excitement for them!
Is your toddler fascinated by the fireworks?
Patriotic songs. Jackpot! I’m going to search pandora for a good patriotic songs playlist, thanks for the idea. We usually go down to the small local parade and unfortunately skip the fireworks. The fireworks show is difficult to see well because it’s so light even at night up here. Just remembered it was cancelled anyway due to all of the fires. Too bad. Happy 4th!
Ooh, let me know if you come across a great station on Pandora. Sometimes they have great ones and you never know until you look around! Parades are so much fun, but it is so darn hot here that it would be terrible for my girls. Besides, the 17 month old would want to walk along the floats! It’s crazy you can’t see fireworks. I never even thought of that! I hope you guys are safe from the fires, Janeen! Happy 4th to you, too!!
Mine were so weird and loved fireworks even as very young children. We don’t take them anymore, though, because a couple years ago people started acting like idiots, shooting fireworks out into the crowd. Or right next to us. Which made my husband almost get into a fist fight with the perpetrator. Then an old lady came in and cussed the firework shooter off for him. Fist fight averted, but too much drama and too little safety.
So this is much appreciated!!!!
Wow, that’s a lot of action for one night, especially kids! I would stop taking my kids too! I hope you have a happy 4th, Femme!
Haha we will! They were mostly clueless about the danger at their age, but we were freaked out. We’ll have a nice night in this time around.