It's time for Fireworks! I love taking our girls to see professional displays across Kansas City - but this can be challenging with young children. These are the tips and tricks we've learned for successful fireworks outings:
- Encourage naps / rest the day you plan to attend a display. Late night fireworks throw off bedtime. With that in mind, plan to let little ones sleep as late as they like the next day and nap the following afternoon as well.
- Put on PJs early (we let the girls change in the van before we head home - they often fall asleep on the drive home). Or wear comfy clothes that children can sleep in "just this once."
- Pack healthy snacks to enjoy during the show - my girls sleep better after a nice snack (some of our favorites include: string cheese, hard-boiled eggs, fresh fruit, granola, water).
- Buy Glow-in-the-Dark necklaces at the $1 Store or $1 Bins at your favorite stores (Target and Michaels carry them for sure). I prefer this to sparklers for young children. Note: If glow sticks break, discard immediately and keep the chemicals away from kids.
- Bring Pull-Ups. Check out the restroom situation in advance. If you will be with crowds and the only option is a porta-potty, consider pull-ups for this event for those recently-trained children.
- Remember daytime essentials. If attending a pre-show festival, don't forget sunscreen, water, hand sanitizer, etc - you'll be amazed how much sun exposure you encounter before the show.
- Bring fun stuff. Have a frisbee, bubbles, or playing cards handy if you'll be waiting a while before the show (one of our favorite displays has us waiting in a field for 30-60 minutes before the show).
- Protect those ears! Pack earplugs and protect hearing for little ones who are antsy about big booms.
- Let them sleep! Don't wake the baby - they won't remember! If children fall asleep waiting for the display, let them sleep. There's always next year and you can show toddlers fireworks on youtube for free.
- Don't forget your own backyard. Not up for big crowds with tots in tow? If you have older children eager to see fireworks and little ones who are too small for the big crowd, consider watching from a nearby parking lot, park, or hill that is less popular with crowds to simplify your experience. We have found high spots in parking lots with great views that keep us from fighting crowds to get home.