Independence Day is coming quickly, and many communities celebrate by holding a parade. Most kids love attending parades, but to keep them frugal and fun, you need to do a little advanced planning. Here are some tips to make your outing to the Fourth of July Parade a smashing success!
Reserve Your Spot Early. Fourth of July parades are popular events, and if you don’t arrive early, you risk standing in the back of the crowd, where the kids can’t see. Plan to reserve your spot early. If your city allows, bring a blanket or some chairs to the parade route early on the morning of the fourth. Stake out your spot, and then head home, bringing your family back with you closer to the parade start time.
If your city doesn’t allow unattended chairs and blankets, it might be wise for one parent to go to the parade site ahead of time to reserve a spot. The second parent can come with the kids later. By waiting until close to the start of the parade to bring the kids, you’ll keep their attitudes fresh and happy.
Pack the Essentials. Plan on taking a big tote bag and a cooler to the parade site. Keeping food, drinks, and diversions for the kids on hand will help them stay happy for the duration of the parade, especially if your community parade happens to be a couple of hours long.
Things to take with you:
- Sunscreen
- Snacks, and maybe even lunch, depending on the timing of the parade
- Cold drinks
- Sidewalk Chalk (useful for keeping little hands busy while waiting for the parade to start)
- Bubbles and Bubble Wands (see above)
- Bags to hold candy the kids collect during the parade
- Camera
Spray bottle filled with water, if you live in a hot climate. Spray the kids, if they get too warm.
Take Lots of Pictures. The Fourth of July parade is a great time for making family memories. Make sure you capture some of it on film. When they’re older, your children will enjoy thumbing through the photo album, remembering past Independence Day parades.
Do you have any additional tips for attending a parade with young children? I’d love to hear them!
Photo by TroyMason.
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Take a wet washrag in a ziplock bag… or I guess those wet wipes would work these days.
I like to get a small helium balloon for the little ones and tie it to their pants or shirt sleeve….. easy to find them if they stray that way.. :)
From personal experience, it is MUCH easier to spot that bouncing pink balloon in a crowd that a little child hidden by taller people!
The balloon tip is great. I’m going to pass that on to all my friends with children!
Great tips! I would only add to make sure to grab their hats before they leave home!