Heading out and watching fireworks with kids seems like such a simple thing, but if you have young ones, you know things can get frustrating pretty quickly. Although they are absolutely gorgeous, they are also insanely loud sometimes. Not to mention waiting for a fireworks show to start can seem like an eternity if you have young, restless kids.
If you’re planning on heading out to watch fireworks with the kids this year, take a little advice from some fireworks veterans. We’ve picked up a few handy tips and tricks to make your fireworks show something that the whole family can enjoy!
#1. Bring Headphones or Earplugs
Since fireworks can be pretty loud, it’s not uncommon for a small child to be frightened. This is especially true for little ones who have never seen fireworks before. Protect their little ears and delicate sensibilities with some earplugs or headphones with music playing.
#2. Don’t Forget Snacks
As a parent, you probably already know that most little ones get hungry and thirsty at the most inopportune time. There’s nothing quite like being trapped in a throng of people in the dark miles away from a store…with a hungry toddler. Squash the munchies before they hit by bringing along a few simple snacks and drinks.
#3. Stay Comfy
If there’s anything worse than a hungry toddler, it’s an uncomfortable toddler! This is one of those times that folding camp chairs come in super handy! If you don’t have any available, you can bring along a soft blanket, stroller, or pillows.
#4. Keep Them Entertained
I’m not a big fan of letting electronics like phones and iPads babysit my kids, but sometimes a mom’s gotta do what a mom’s gotta do, right? Before you leave to watch fireworks with kids, charge up your electronics to keep them entertained, if necessary. The kids can play a game or watch a movie during the sometimes excruciating long wait for the fireworks to start. If plopping your kid in front of a screen isn’t your style, you can also bring along something else for them to do, like art supplies.
#5. Prepare Kids for Fireworks
If this is your child’s first fireworks show, it’s a good idea to prepare them ahead of time. Talk to them about what to expect, and explain about how fireworks will be bright and loud. But, also very beautiful!
#6. Make it Educational
When my son was young, even the biggest and brightest fireworks couldn’t keep him from fidgeting and trying to be generally unruly. One way I found to calm him down and keep him somewhat still was by turning a fireworks display into a learning experience. Each kid chose a color and counted how many fireworks of their color that went off. It kept them busy and they worked on their counting skills. Win-win!
What tips do you have for watching fireworks with kids?
