The Fourth of July fireworks are a cherished summer tradition, a patriotic celebration enjoyed by families for generations. This year, the Washington, DC, fireworks will launch from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool at 9:09 p.m. and end around 9:30 p.m., according to the National Park Service. Taking little ones to see the festivities can be a memory-making adventure. Here are the top five tips, suggested by NoVA moms, for a successful fireworks outing for anyone with little Yankee Doodle Dandies.
Prep a Few Days in Advance
“We start preparing our son a few days before the fireworks, so he knows what to expect,” says Amanda Lincoln, 36, of Reston. “We watch either older videos of A Capitol Fourth or Disney fireworks.”
On the Fourth, Lincoln and husband Charles, 37, make sure their children, Aidan, 4, and Liam, 4 months, are well rested — naps or quality quiet time — since it will be a later night than normal.
Jaclyn Young, 42, a technology coach at a Herndon elementary school and mother of children ages 11, 9, and 5, says preparation the day of the event is key.
“If we’re going to the National Mall, I go find pictures of what the National Mall looks like and show them, so they have a little bit of understanding of where we are going,” says the Herndon mom.
Get to your destination early to ensure a good viewing spot, and if it’s still daytime, bring sunscreen and hats for sun protection. Arriving in the evening? Consider putting the kiddos in pajamas for the event. That way, when they fall asleep in the car on the way home, they’re all set for bed.
One tip for fireworks: Keep the pets at home. Booms and bangs make for unhappy pups.
Bring Ear Protection for Tiny Ears
“We always make sure we bring ear protection for our sons. We have found this essential to having a good experience for everyone,” Lincoln says.
Young notes she keeps the soft, squishy kind of ear plugs in her purse — just in case — and she and husband, Evan Hoffman, bring a regular set of headphones along for the kids.
“We found that just having a regular set of headphones made them feel a little bit more comfortable, like they were in control of the sound,” she says.
Beverages and Snacks Are a Must
Little ones love snacks, so keep a stocked supply ready to pull out for the fireworks.
Cool beverages can be tricky, but Young has a trick.
“I always freeze a plastic water bottle ahead of time,” she says. “I bring a frozen water bottle with us if we’re going to be out and it’s hot. During the day it can be used to cool people down or as an ice pack if we’re bringing a cooler.”
Herndon mom of three Jayna Rossi, 46, makes sure her 4-year-old, 9-year-old, and 10-year-old each brings a backpack with a stainless steel water bottle with lots of ice, snacks, wipes, and a change of clothes so they’re ready for anything.
“I’ll make sure we’re prepared for the long haul,” Rossi says.
Pick Up Some Inexpensive Toys
Kids can have fun with even the simplest of toys. Why not head to the dollar store and pick up a few goodies to pull out during the day? Young always keeps a deflated beach ball in her bag, on call if an entertainment emergency arises.
“That’s a really easy way to occupy them, just blow it up really quickly,” Young says. “They’re so inexpensive; I don’t care if it gets lost or broken while we’re out and about.”
Books, coloring books, word search books, and more can be easy entertainment while waiting for the light display to begin.
The National Park Service notes that to get through the checkpoints on the National Mall with ease, take a few minutes to clean and organize diaper bags or other totes you might take. And just like when you are going through airport security, placing items in clear zip-top plastic bags makes the whole process go more smoothly.
It Can Be Muggy; Repeat: It Can Be Muggy
Individually wrapped bug spray wipes can be a lifesaver, so stock your bag with these long-lasting towelettes to keep everyone bite and sting-free. A few Band-Aids tossed in your bag can be helpful as well, just in case.
Rossi brings portable fans that can go around the necks of her three children.
“I will definitely take those,” she says. She and husband, Caleb, review important information with their kids when they head into DC to be in a large crowd, like what to do if you are lost and what are Mom’s and Dad’s phone numbers.
Above all, Rossi says, hope for the best, but prepare for the worst when taking young children to fireworks.
“I will keep my expectations low, so it doesn’t bother me when they have meltdowns,” she says. “You will ruin your day if you have too many expectations for little kids.”
Feature image of Jaclyn Young and Evan Hoffman’s children, Felix, 9, Penny, 5, and Miles, 11, courtesy Jaclyn Young
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