More Disney magic is (almost) back! Disney announced today that fireworks spectaculars will be returning to the parks in July, just in time for Independence Day weekend. If you have an upcoming trip planned to the Happiest Place on Earth, you’re in luck!
Walt Disney World will start the performances on July 1 at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Post up near the Cinderella Castle for lights, projections and pyrotechnics, or head to the World Showcase Lagoon for fireworks, music and lighting effects.
And at Disneyland, get ready for the show starting July 4 with “Mickey’s Mix Magic.” It will turn Main Street U.S.A., the Sleeping Beauty Castle and the “It’s a Small World” facade into fantastic party featuring projections, show lights and lasers.
Can’t make it to the parks? You can watch a virtual “Happily Ever After” fireworks show from the comfort of your couch. If your bags are packed, just remember to ensure you have a valid reservation for each park you want to visit and that it’s linked to your account. Enjoy the shows once more!
No matter how you plan on spending Independence Day weekend, you will need to eat . If you are looking to score a great deal this weekend, RetailMeNot has compiled a list of restaurants and chains offering food deals and specials in honor of the 4th of July. Check out the links below and get ready to order.
Plan an island-style holiday with Caribbean Bundles (serves four) to-go that come with a choice of entrée (Baby Back Ribs, Grilled Chicken, Jerk Chicken Wings, Seafood Paella and Jerk Chicken Pasta) and side, salad and Cuban bread.
This Fourth of July, order a Family Bundle to go (starting at $24.99), featuring summer classics like House-Smoked Baby Back Ribs or Chicken Tenders, and two family-sized sides and a half-dozen signature Honey Butter Croissants.
From Jun. 29 through Jul. 5, order seven items for $20 for delivery, pickup or curbside to-go via The Cheesecake Factory website or DoorDash. The 7-for-$20 deal includes two Happy Hour Burgers, two orders of fries, two soft drinks and one slice of Oreo Dream Extreme Cheesecake.
Take your grilling to the next level with Fourth of July Marketplace Boxes (serve four or more), featuring a selection of uncooked prime steaks and lobster for your at-home cookout. Place your order starting on Jun. 30, with options including Filet Mignon, New York Strip, Prime Bone-in Ribeye and Lobster along with a set of chef’s tongs, Eddie V’s Black Tie Seasoning and festive sparklers.
With locations in D.C., Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania, this small farmer-owned restaurant chain is offering backyard BBQ kits and ready-to-eat lunch boxes available for preorder from now until Wed., Jul. 1, at 5 p.m., for contact-free curbside pickup on Jul. 3 or 4. See the menu options here.
For a limited time, try a Patriotic Doughnut from Krispy Kreme’s Indoughpendence Day collection, or opt for the Strawberry Sparkler Doughnut, Original Freedom Ring Doughnut or the Firework Doughnut—topped with crackling, popping candy!
Don’t want to be in charge of all of the grilling this Independence Day? Order a selection of quality steakhouse favorites served Curbside To Go, like seasoned cuts of bone-in Outlaw Ribeye, tender Flo’s Filet and juicy LongHorn Porterhouse.
From now until Jul. 5, get 20% off online items with code FLAG20. Try something tasty from the Summer Fun collection and don’t forget to order by Jul. 1 for a Jul. 4 delivery.
Starting Jun. 30, call your local restaurant to order The Capital Grille’s Steak Grille Boxes. Each box includes four, freshly-cut uncooked steaks and comes with The Capital Grille’s signature steak sauce and seasoning to be prepared at home. Selections include Bone-in Dry Aged New York Strip, Bone-in Prime Ribeye or a combination of the two.
For the first time, The Fresh Market is offering a Fourth of July BBQ meal. The spread serves eight people for $59.99, and comes with boneless Boston Butt, hamburger buns, baked beans, cole slaw, apple pie, watermelon and your choice of two bottle of 12 oz. BBQ sauce. Preorder online now through Jun. 30 at 2 p.m. ET for pickup in-store from Jul. 2 through July 5.
The Rustic
On Jul. 4, head to the annual Drink the Flag hangout with free live music and donations to benefit the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation. The Rustic’s featured beers will be: Wild Acre Brewing Company Texas Blonde Ale, TUPPS Brewery National Standard Golden Ale and Community Beer Company Texas Lager.
Editor’s note: Due to Covid-19 and social distancing guidelines, Washington, DC’s 4th of July events have been cancelled for 2020. We hope to see you back here next year, perusing our guide for the best July 4th festivities.
Don’t get us wrong: Fireworks are totally AMAZING! But truth be told, there are many families (with little babies or kids with sensitive ears) for whom fireworks are more scary than spectacular. The good news is that there are plenty of activities to get involved in around July 4th that don’t involve big explosions in the sky!
photo: Kate Loweth
1. Many national holidays get a parade in DC, and July 4th is no exception. At the National Independence Day Parade, scores of spectators are expected to line the Constitution Avenue sidewalks to watch the procession celebrating Independence Day make its way from 7th to 17th Streets. Marching bands, floats, giant balloons, equestrian groups, drill teams, and military units will be among the pageantry.
2. Down past the other end of the Mall, A Capitol Fourth, the annual Independence Day concert that airs live on PBS, will feature even more musical pageantry. The National Symphony Orchestra, the Choral Arts Society of Washington, the U.S. Army Ceremonial Band, and many more exciting acts.
3. On the July 4th holiday, catch the annual dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence. There will also be historical guests, patriotic music, and family activities before and after that.
4. Grab a picnic blanket and take in an outdoor family movie. Places like the NOMA Summer Screen and Arlington Mill show films like The Sandlot and A Wrinkle In Time the week of the 4th .
6. Celebrate the 4th of July at Germantown Glory and Mid-County Sparkles! Enjoy live music and a skip out before the fireworks display. Food vendors will be on site.
7.Throw on your swimsuits and jump into the spray at one of these wet and wonderful spray grounds.
9. The popular Kids in Canal series offers weekly kid-friendly entertainment at the Capitol Waterfront from June 12 to August 28. Shows are every Wednesday at 10:30 am and include magic and puppet shows, science demos, and family concerts. After the performances, kids can splash around in the Canal Park dancing water fountains. Get spangle ready with Earth Conservation Corps Raptors on July 3rd!
11. Continuing on thedino train, head to the National Zoo for “Dino Summer.” See six jumbo animatronic dinos and a live theatrical show.
12. After the parade (even earlier for some) at the Independence Day Celebration on the Mall, the National Mall will begin filling up for a day of July 4th festivities — Junior Ranger activities, concerts, and more. Fireworks start around 9PM so leave before then, if you want to avoid them!
13. Cool down at the National Building Museum and check out their new, summer installation Lawn. Located in the museum’s great hall, it opens July 4.
14. The Kensington Fourth of July Bike Parade is open to all kids, and those young at heart, that wish to decorate their bike, scooter, wagon or stroller and follow a Kensington Volunteer Fire Department truck through the streets of Kensington!
16. At the Catonsville 4th of July Celebration, Catonsville High School Athletic Fields host old fashioned fun for kids including a Decorated Bike Contest, Lollipop Scramble, Quarter Hunt, Ball on Spoon Race, Shoe Scramble, Leapfrog, Wheelbarrow and Sack Races, and Water Balloon Toss. The Annual Grand Parade starts at 3 p.m., followed by a Family Fun Fest at 6:30 p.m.
17. It’s Red, White & Zoo Enrichment Day at Maryland Zoo! Come to the Maryland Zoo on July 4th between 10-4 for a day of special enrichment! Watch as the Zoo’s animals receive special Fourth of July treats, including “fishsicles” and paper mache toys, and listen as zookeepers explain the importance of enrichment activities.
18. Kick off your 4th of July with a 5K bang at the Firecracker 5K for the Troops!. Enjoy live music and show off your patriotism by waving American flags. Root for your favorite military branch in the “Battle of the Branches” competition! Free Tot Dash Fun Run at 8:55 a.m., followed by the 5K finish. All Tot Dash finishers will receive a bib and medal.
19. The U.S. Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants 4th of July Concert is a special 4th of July concert featuring the U.S. Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants. Additionally, there will be a special performance by the USAF Honor Guard Drill Team prior to the concert at 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public, no tickets required.
20. The 53rd annual Palisades Citizens’ Association‘s Fourth of July Parade is an old-fashioned neighborhood parade that attracts participants and spectators from throughout the Washington area. District officials will march down MacArthur Boulevard along with neighbors, local businesses, schools and families.
Mickey & Minnie Mouse are coming to LEGO in a whole new way! The brand has just announced that new large-scaleLEGO Disney Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Buildable Characters are hitting the shelves this summer.
Available for pre-order starting Jul. 1st and on Aug. 1 for purchase in LEGO stores, the new characters are not for the faint of heart. The 1,739 piece kit retails for $199.99 and is recommended for ages 18 and older.
Mickey and Minnie come packed with tons of details that include a guitar, retro camera, photo album and interchangeable facial expressions. The sets were created with plenty of nostalgia at the heart of design that truly brings the beloved characters to life.
Each figure comes with a character signature and stands between 13 to 14 inches tall on a base that looks just like an old-time film reel. Disney Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Buildable Characters will be available for pre-order at LEGO.com.
History may not be your kids’ favorite subject, but a fun way to help pique their interest is to introduce them to historic sights they can relate to. Lucky for us, Seattle offers a treasure trove of historic things see, do and experience. Scroll down for 10 historical Seattle sites to explore with your kids now.
Pier 57
Pexels
Why It's Historic: Pier 57 doesn’t have any exciting pirate stories to tell, but it is very much a part of Seattle history. Originally known as Pier 6, Pier 57 has gone through a number of owners and names including the John B. Agen Company who owned the pier when it was first built in 1902. By 1909, it was owned by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad and became known as Milwaukee Pier. It was later known as the McCormick Terminal in the mid-1930s when it became the terminal for the McCormick Steamship Line, the Munson McCormick Line and Osaka Shosen Kaisha. In later years, it was used for fish processing and recreational fishing. In 1989, the City of Seattle actually traded Pier 57 for Piers 62 and 63. And today, it's owned by the Griffith family and is better known as Miner’s Landing.
Why It’s Worth Seeing: It’s fun! Today, the pier is home to a variety of fantastic family eateries, shops and popular attractions, including the impressive Seattle Great Wheel, the “flying theater” known as Wings Over Washington, a classic carousel, arcade and more. The Seattle Great Wheel offers one heck of an ah-mazing view of Seattle’s skyscrapers, Puget Sound, Cascade Mountains and Mount Rainier as well as the city’s neighboring islands. The entire trip will take you approximately 20 minutes and will include three full rotations (or sometimes four-depending on where you boarded in the cycle) 17 stories above the ground. Once your feet are safely back on Pier 57, head next door to Wings Over Washington to take a ride on Seattle’s only state-of-the-art flying theater where you can get a bird’s-eye view of Washington’s most scenic attractions.
Pier 57–Miner’s Landing 1301 Alaskan Way Seattle, WA 98101 206-623-8600 minerslanding.com
The Seattle Center & Space Needle
Kristina Moy
Why It’s Historic: The 74 acres known today as the Seattle Center was originally built for the Seattle World’s Fair which was held in 1962. Many of the buildings used for the space-age event known as Century 21 are still standing today, including what is now known as the Pacific Science Center, Key Arena, the International Fountain, the Monorail and the city’s greatest landmark, the Space Needle.
Why It’s Worth Seeing: The views from the Space Needle have always been spectacular, but they got even better with the Needle’s major overhaul which was completed in 2018. Standing 605 feet tall, the top of the Needle is now referred to as Atmos and includes three levels: the 500-foot observation level (with the world’s first revolving glass floor), the 510-foot Ring Level (with less spectacular but still important new restrooms) and the 520-foot observation level (with both indoor and outdoor open-air viewing). Connecting all three is a new grand staircase. The Oculus Stairs are two half-moon shaped staircases built from steel, wood and glass. At the base of the stairs sits the Oculus, a 19 foot by 11 foot glass floor that gives a unique view of the elevators and counterweights.
Space Needle 400 Broad St. Seattle, WA 98109 206-905-2100 Online: spaceneedle.com
Seattle Center 305 Harrison St. Seattle, WA 98109 206-684-7200 Online: seattlecenter.com
Why It’s Historic: Pioneer Square is often called Seattle’s original neighborhood as the founders of city first settled here in 1852. Almost all of the early wooden buildings there burned to the ground during the Great Seattle Fire of 1889. The new stone and brick buildings that replaced them (and built on top of them) have given the neighborhood its distinctive Richardsonian Romanesque look and cobblestone streets. The famous cast iron and glass pergola, found at 1st Avenue and Yesler Way, was built in 1909.
Why It’s Worth Seeing: It only makes sense that the most historic place in the city features a variety of places to learn about history. The Last Resort Fire Department is a museum for firefighter wannabes dedicated to local firefighting heroes and includes a collection of one-of-a-kind antique fire trucks. Bill Spediel’s Underground Tour will take you down to the city that was before the fire to view some of the old buildings with original store fronts. Kids can also pan for gold at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (it's the only national park located in a building) as well as learn about the gold seekers headed for the Klondike. There is so much to see and do here that you might want to plan a family staycation and stay at the neighborhood's Embassy Suites by Hilton.
Why It’s Historic: Joseph Edward Standley first set up his bizarre mix of curiosities and souvenirs on the Seattle waterfront in 1899. Since then, not much has changed except for the store’s location and its contents. This free museum/gift shop is still run by the Standley family.
Why It’s Worth Seeing: Whether it’s Sylvester and Sylvia the mummies or Black Bart the one-armed bandit, the Ye Olde Curiosity Shop lives up to its name. It’s not for everybody, but older kids will especially get a kick out of seeing the amazing flea circus, Chief Seattle’s hat, Mexican jumping beans and some truly wacky oddities. With that said, younger ones (and their parents for that matter) may be not be so keen upon viewing some of the mummies and shrunken heads.
Ye Olde Curiosity Shop 1001 Alaskan Way Seattle, WA 98104 206-682-5844 Online: yeoldecuriosityshop.com
Why It’s Historic: Located in Pioneer Square, the Smith Tower is named after Lyman Cornelius Smith, the founder of the Smith-Corona Typewriter Company, and is one of the oldest skyscrapers in the city. The 38-story building was built in 1914 and if you have older relatives living here, they will tell you that it was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. That distinction was short-lived though after the completion of the Kansas City Power and Light building in 1931. However, the Smith Tower was the tallest on the West Coast until 1962 when the Space Needle was built.
Why It’s Worth Seeing: Obviously, the view from the observation deck is amazing, but there is more to see inside including the self-guided, interactive tour called The Legends of Smith Tower. Visitors can immerse themselves into the roaring 1920s and beyond and peek into a time when Seattleites were coming to terms with the early prohibition and technology that would soon transform the city. During the 40-minute tour, you can explore the radio operations that took place in the Smith Tower and learn how they played into the bootlegging operation of Roy Olmstead; learn why the Smith Tower became a popular place for attorneys to set up shop; see how the Smith Tower in-house switchboard connected folks to the outside world; and learn how the original Chinese Room came to be on the 35th floor.
Smith Tower 506 Second Ave. Seattle, WA 98104 206-624-0414 Online: smithtower.com
Why It’s Historic: This museum was first thought of during the 1950s when a group of townspeople would gather for lunch and share stories about the area’s history. That small group then became the White River Valley Historical Society which created a small museum in the town of Thomas. In the 1960s, the museum was moved to Auburn. As the museum grew in popularity and size, its group of aging founders shrank. Eventually, the society asked the city of Auburn to help keep the museum alive and the city responded with a resounding yes!
While It’s Worth Seeing: Today, the White River Valley Museum features a variety of life-like displays that highlight what life was like in the greater Auburn area many years ago. Families are invited to explore the streets of Auburn as they were in the 1920s. Here, you can peek inside the Auburn Depot, hop on aboard a 1924 caboose, wander through a settler’s cabin, try on a hat at Ms. Hall’s Hat Shop, check in at the Tourist Hotel, explore a Japanese American farmhouse and more. The museum is full of artifacts and replicas and “do not touch” signs are a rarity. In fact, kids are encouraged to use all of their senses while exploring.
White River Valley Museum 918 H St. S.E. Auburn, WA 98002 253-288-7433 Online: wrvmuseum.org
Why It’s Historic: The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, aka the Ballard Locks, is located on Salmon Bay in Lake Washington’s Ship Canal near Ballard. The locks were first opened on Independence Day in 1917. Today, more boats pass through it than any other lock in the U.S. It’s a bit difficult to describe how it works and its purpose, but we’ll do our best. Basically, the point of the locks is to keep the fresh water from Lake Washington and Lake Union from getting into the salt water of Puget Sound while allowing boats to pass between the two waterways. Boats move from the water level of the lake to the water level of the Sound (and vice versa) through a series of “elevators” that raise and lower the boats as needed.
Why It’s Worth Seeing: Almost everything to do and see here is free! Kids (and adults) who are fascinated by boats of all shapes and sizes will get a kick getting up close and personal with them. Boats pass through here 24 hours a day. In addition to the locks, there are two floors of interactive displays to explore in the Visitor Center/Museum as well as the Historic Administration Building, a fish ladder that aids in the migration of salmon and the amazing Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Gardens. The locks even present a summer music series that is hard to pass up .
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks 3015 N.W. 54th St. Ballard, WA 98107 206-783-7059 Online: ballardlocks.org
Why It’s Historic: The story goes something like this: In 1889, Jonathan Edward Back, a cabinetmaker, accidentally started a fire by igniting and overturning a glue pot. Soon, 31 blocks of the new wooden Seattle buildings were in flames. Seattle rebuilt its streets and buildings literally on top of the old ones which resulted in the city being built anywhere from 12 feet to 30 feet taller than the original. A number of businesses still had their original ground floor, but with the new design, they became basements. In 1907, the area now known as the “Underground” was condemned. In 1965, a small part of the underground city was restored by Bill Speidel who created the Underground Tour for folks curious to see what was underneath the current streets of Seattle.
Why It’s Worth Seeing: While not a long distance (about three blocks), Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour offers views of the city’s original building’s front doors, storefronts and ladders that were once used to transport people from the underground to the new city streets. The 75-minute tour tells history with a touch of humor. They call it "history with punch lines.” The tour begins at Doc Maynard’s Public House and ends at the Rogues Gallery and the Underground Gift Shop which also includes a few more displays.
Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour 608 1st Ave. Seattle, WA 98104 206-682-4646 Online: undergroundtour.com
Why It’s Historic: Created with a cost of $25,000, the West Point Lighthouse began operation on November 15, 1881 as the first manned light station on Puget Sound, but was the last to become automated in 1985. Unfortunately, the lighthouse was placed right by where Seattle would dump its raw sewage for its first 80 years. Located at Discovery Park, the lighthouse light was illuminated with the aid of a kerosene lamp for 44 years and later operated with Seattle’s electricity in 1926.
Why It’s Worth Seeing: In terms of ice cream sundaes, the lighthouse is the cherry on top of Discovery Park which is known for its paved paths, wide open meadows for picnicking and playing and amazing vistas of the Olympics from the bluffs of Magnolia. It’s looking great for its age thanks to a $600,000 restoration project, undertaken in 2009 and finished in 2011. The walk down to the beach is beautiful, but super steep and not stroller friendly (lots of stairs). If you have very small children unable to make the hike or a disabled parking pass, you can nab one of the few parking spots right down by the beach.
West Point Lighthouse in Discovery Park 3801 Discovery Park Blvd. Seattle, WA 98199 206-386-4236 Online: lighthousefriends.com
Why It’s Historic: Before the creation of the Pike Place Market, local farmers had to sell their wares within a small section of Sixth Avenue and King Street known as The Lots. However, many of the farmers had to sell their produce by consignment to commercial wholesale houses on Western Avenue leaving them with little profit. In 1896, a new Seattle ordinance allowed the city to designate various places as public markets, including what we now know today as Pike Place Market which opened its doors for the first time on August 17, 1907. Today, it’s one of the oldest and continuously operated public farmers markets in the country.
Why It’s Worth Seeing: There is so much to see and do at Pike Place Market besides picking up veggies for dinner. Where else can you experience a free "flying fish show” where fishmongers throw salmon back and forth across the seafood counters? You’ll also find a variety of buskers (musicians, magicians, clowns, singers, jugglers), a Giant Show Museum, the county’s oldest comic book store and the sticky but spectacular Gum Wall. Be sure to check out the Market Magic & Novelty Shop and look for Elvis the Fortune Teller. Need a snack? Stop by the historic Three Girls Bakery who have been baking up treats since 1912 or enjoy a sweet treat with a dose of old-school nostalgia at Shug's Soda Fountain & Ice Cream.
Pike Place Market 1st Ave & Pike St. Seattle, WA 98101 206-602-6420 Online: pikeplacemarket.org
The laid back nature of summer is the perfect time to strengthen families while having fun together. Now that July is upon us, it’s time to really celebrate summer. From the 4th of July to water play, here are 31 family activities to keep your kiddos busy all month long.
When it comes time to ring in Independence Day, there’s nothing like a lineup of festive food. If you’re looking to add to your menu of red, white, and blue food, you’ve got to check out these 4th of July appetizers, desserts and snacks. From party mix and deviled eggs to patriotic skillet s’mores, keep scrolling for 4th of July treats that will rival the fireworks.
Here’s a great reason to hit up the berry section of your farmer’s market! These summery crostini from Ambitious Kitchen are quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. (Think low-fat ricotta mixed with a bit of honey and fresh lemon juice.) Get the recipe here.
Break out the Chex Mix for this super patriotic idea from The Baker Mama. It’s sweet, salty, and so easy to whip up that the kids can help. Make sure to grab your fair share, because we guarantee this party mix is going to disappear by the handful. Get the recipe here.
Ready for a s’mores recipe that will knock your patriotic socks off? This simple idea from 3 Scoops of Sugar, which is full of strawberries, bananas, and blueberries, will give a new twist to your s’more expectations! It’s extra festive and easy to pull off with your handy dandy skillet. Get the how-to here.
How cute are these 4th of July sandwiches from Family Food on the Table? With just cream cheese and some fresh fruit (or jam!), these bites are a guaranteed hit with kiddies and grownups—and we love the mini flags! Get the how-to (plus other July 4th recipes) here.
Looking for a healthy snack to pass around pre-fireworks? You’ll love this yogurt bark from Fork & Beans, which uses fresh and festive fruit and your fave yogurt. It’s a super simple idea (3 steps!) that’s refreshing and totally kid-friendly. Learn more here.
Give your mini chefs some star cookie cutters and you’re on your way to these ultra-cute bites from Weelicious. They’re the perfect way for the kids to contribute to your 4th of July spread, and super refreshing at any barbecue. To find out how to make your own, click here.
Are deviled eggs a staple at your 4th of July gatherings? This idea from Cooking Mamas turns your fave potluck dish into a colorful holiday tribute—and the kids will be amazed to see how regular ol’ eggs get transformed! Get the instructions here.
Make your Independence Day menu a little sweeter with these simple bites from Who Needs a Cape? They’re a delicious mix of fresh berries, crackers and a cream cheese spread. (They’re also the perfect option if you need a last-minute addition to a potluck!) Get the recipe here.
Handheld snacks are a must for a Fourth of July celebration, which is why you should bookmark this recipe from Averie Cooks. They’re about to be your new favorite treat—and they’re chock-full of blueberries and raspberry jam in every bite. Get the recipe for yourself here.
This tasty 4th of July snack (courtesy of Family Food on the Table) couldn't be simpler. A little fruit, a little mozzarella cheese, and the helping hands of your mini chefs, and you'll have these skewers assembled in no time. Head here for the how-to.
When it comes to the 4th of July, riding in the kiddie parade is as much of a tradition as the big firework show at the end of the day. With a little imagination and a few supplies, you can deck out your kids’ wagons, bikes, and trikes for the biggest and best birthday bash of the year. Get inspired with the fun and creative ideas we’ve gathered below.
1. Use Your Helmet
We get it. Finding the time to whip up a parade float is the last thing on your to-do list. So, let your kid’s helmet do all the decor work while he rolls through the parade route. It’ll take you almost no time at all.
2. A Pie for the Parade
Get yourself a plastic kiddie pool, balloons, brown paper, and a wagon, and you’ve got yourself a slice of Mom’s apple pie. Sweet!
3. Take Flight
Send your little patriot soaring with an adorable airplane float. This version is made out of plywood, paint, rope, and stickers, but we’re betting a cardboard box will do the trick.
5. A Ride for the Tiny Tots
You’ve got tiny tots along for the ride this year. Keep it simple with a red wagon, a few flags, and some star garlands. We love the way Danielle of Sometimes Sweet doubled up on adorable with two tiny passengers.
6. The Power Parade
It’s time to charge up the Power Wheels and drape it with party decor. It’ll take you all of five minutes, and you won’t have to pull anything (Make sure the battery is fully charged!).
photo: Megan Cooley
7. Take a Rocket Ride
Blast off! How about a rocket ride for the kiddie parade? Megan of Penny Carnival snapped a picture of her niece riding shotgun to the moon. You’ll need cardboard, tissue paper, a wagon, fringe, and some prep time.
9. A Sweet Sailboat
From sea to shining sea! Rob O’Hara, of Robohara, and his hearty crew won “Most Patriotic” for their clever play on the American tribute song at the annual Freedom Fest in Yukon, Ok. The little sailors aboard helped with the stars and stripes using paint and colored duct tape. Head over to Robohara for the details.
10. A Firetruck for the Fireworks
Firetrucks are a parade staple. How cute will your little one look in her very own red ride? Give the kids a pom-pom or two, and it’s time to celebrate! Find out how to make your own over at Repeat Crafter Me.
11. The Food Float
This festive kiddo decided to bring the food to the parade route, and we can’t think of a better way to say “let’s get this party started!”
Will your family be in the parade this year? Share with us in a Comment below!
It’s a given that you pay homage to the stars and stripes on our country’s 239th birthday with fireworks and parades. But what will you eat all day? Branch out beyond hot dogs & apple pie and embrace food inspired by our flag that kids will devour with delight. Follow our foodie guide to the most patriotic grub in town, from blue velvet pancakes to red sauce smothered enchiladas this 4th of July.
Breakfast: Red and Blue Velvet Pancakes, Larchmont Bungalow
Sure you could have eggs and toast, but that wouldn’t be as festive as kicking off the day with the red and blue velvet pancakes from Larchmont Bungalow. Topped with cream cheese spread, these super moist pancakes are make from an in-house secret recipe. It’s all topped with fresh whipped cream, candied walnuts and maple syrup. The plate is big enough to share (with the whole family!) and it tastes just as good with a cup of iced cold milk as it does with a mug of hot coffee. It also comes in half orders, which is just enough for everyone to get a bite or two. Order a side of fruit (blueberries, strawberries and bananas, to keep the theme going) to even the meal out and make you feel a little bit better about the impending sugar rush.
Good to know: Breakfast is served all day here, so come in as early or as late as you like.
Snack: Red, White and Blue Juices, Totes Juices
Jump on the juice bandwagon, and try one of three red, white, or blue juice offerings at Totes Juice in Sherman Oaks. It’s one of the healthiest trends around and after one taste, you’ll know why it’s so addicting. The kids get a healthy heaping helping of fruits and veggies, and you get a snack that is portable and satisfying. Bring a few to these to keep everyone hydrated and healthy as you head out to a parade or fireworks show. As for the red white and blue challenge, here are the drinks to down:
Yolo (Red): This sweet and tangy blend of organic beet, carrot, apple, wheatgrass and parsley has a brilliant red hue. Although this might be best for adventurous palates, some kids just love the fact that it turns their tongues (and later, poop!) red.
Almond Mylkey Way (White): Drinking this one down is easy. It’s packed with organic almonds, dates, carob, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Some kid taste testers say it tastes just like a milk shake. We love that it packs a protein punch. When you pick up one for the kids, get another to go; it makes for a mean latte.
Seasonal Summer Special, Blew Me Away (Blue): Get this organic blueberry, pineapple, orange and cucumber blend while it lasts. It takes like summer in a bottle.
Good to know: Head in during happy hour between 4-5 p.m. weekdays for $1 off any 16 oz juice.
Lunch: Namesake Meals from Pie and Burger
Just like Washington, we cannot tell a lie. You can’t get more American than a hamburger. And if you want a good ‘ole fashioned burger lunch, complete with toasted bun and all (or none) of the fixings, this is the place. With a medium rare burger and tomatoes or ketchup on a white bun, you’re 2/3 of the way there, but really we just get the burger as a base for dessert. Pie! Whether you get red (strawberry, rhubarb or cherry) or blue (blueberry), you can order each with a nice scoop of vanilla ice cream. Teach your kid what à la mode means and they’ll never have a naked piece of pie again.
Dinner: Blue Corn Enchiladas and Much More, El Cholo
Celebrate our nearest neighbors on Independence Day by ordering some of the tastiest and kid-friendliest Mexican food in LA at one of the oldest eateries around. El Cholo serves up superb margaritas and endless bowls of chips and (red) salsa that starts everyone in the family off happily. So what about those patriotic colors? Try the blue corn enchiladas with red sauce and jack cheese or the kids’ meals that come with a red, white and blue bomb pop for dessert. And as you sip your strawberry margarita (red, in keeping with the theme) kids can have any of the daiquiris virgin style or try an ice cold Shirley Temple, with extra cherries upon request.
El Cholo
1121 S Western Ave .
Downtown
323-734-2773
Online: elcholo.com
There are also locations in Santa Monica, Irvine, Anaheim Hills and La Habra.
What red, white and blue treats have you had at your local restaurants and shops? Or do you stick to burgers, dogs and apple pie on this patriotic holiday?
Ready to make this summer unforgettable for your family? From roasting s’mores at the shores to cheering on the San Diego Padres as they embark on a promising season, we rounded up the must-do activities to put on your San Diego summer bucket list. With these awesome activities, you can get the whole family out to create some memories that will last a lifetime.
Roast Some S’mores at the Shores
Nothing says summer nights more than ooey gooey s’mores as the sun sets over La Jolla Shores. Get down early to Kellogg Park and you’ll find a set of fire pits sitting on the beach ready for you to take in an amazing sunset. We suggest getting there early as it’s a first in, best dressed policy to reserve your pit. You need to bring your own wood and coals, but luckily there’s a hot coals disposal bin so it will make cleaning up a breeze. If you want to pick up any drinks or snacks, check out the cafes and shops along Avenida Del La Playa.
Take the Kids to the Ballgame
The Padres are set to have a killer season this summer, so why not get out and show a bit of San Diego pride with an afternoon at the ball game. Have a family-friendly day at PETCO Park by visiting the Park in the Park area for a family-friendly experience. Put down your picnic blanket on the grassy hill, watch the game on the big screen and let the kids run around. Tickets are a very family friendly price of $10 – $17 per person. And better yet, kids under 36-inches are free. “Batter Up!”
Catch the 4th of July Fireworks
There is nothing like the magic of watching your kids ooh and ahh at the Independence Day fireworks thanks to the Big Bay Boom. If you want to brave the crowds head down to Embarcadero, Shelter Island or the Coronado Ferry Landing to check out the all the action. Or if you’re looking for a much quieter spot locals love, Liberty Station NTC park is always less crowded than expected given the great view!
Do Some “Berry” Good Berry Picking Juicy and sweet, berries are the perfect summer fruit. Luckily for the good people of SoCal, we can not only eat local berry produce, we can grab the kids and pick our own at one of San Diego’s berry farms. Temecula Berry Company is great for blueberries, while several San Diego spots are perfect for strawberry picking. The kids can get out into the fields and pick their tasty treats, then you can take home the buckets you fill up.
Photo Credit: Summer Movies In The Park Facebook Page
Take In an Outdoor Film Put a hold on bath and bedtime, pack a picnic dinner and head out to your local park for the free Summer Movies In The Park film festival. With an emphasis on family this festival screens newer releases the kids will love like Home, The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water and Big Hero 6. There are 117 screenings over the summer at a huge range of local parks all across the San Diego area. Check out their website for all the latest listings. All movies start at dusk but it’s best to get there early to get a great seat.
Get Out On The Lake Head over to Santee Lakes, San Diego’s best backyard, and you’ll be able to have your own family adventure on the water. There are plenty of options for getting on the open waters. You can hire a row boat or a 4-seater pedal boat if you’re after something more traditional (and perhaps easier to manage the mini sailors). Or, if you are feeling more adventurous, a kayak or canoe are the perfect way to explore the lake. All hires can be done at the General Store and life jackets for those 11 and under are provided with your rental.
Santee Lakes
9310 Fanita Pkwy
Santee, CA 92071
What’s on your family summer bucket list? Let us know in the comment section!
