Sensory-Friendly 4th of July Ideas
Out of all the holidays, the 4th of July can be the most challenging for sensory kids and their parents. Loud noises, bright lights, strong smells at BBQs, crowds, and more can send any sensory kid into overdrive. In order to make the 4th of July a more comfortable experience for you and your family, we created a blog full of things you can plan on, keep in mind, and get prepared so that you can all enjoy the day. Keep reading for our best sensory-friendly 4th of July ideas, including how bubbles are going to make everyone happy.
Sensory-Friendly Crafts and Activities
If you are hosting a 4th of July gathering at your home, it can be a trigger for sensory kids to have new people in their space, along with their usual routine getting thrown off. As such, it is important to make sure you have some fun stuff planned for them to keep them calm, feeling safe, and enjoying themselves.
- Red, white, and blue sensory bin. Create a space for your child to have a red, white, and blue sensory bin. They will enjoy mixing up all the colors, and it will make for some adorable photos!
- Bubbles. Bubble play not only curbs anxiety and promotes calm, but it is also super fun! Our toddler-friendly bubble blower will have even the youngest member of your family blowing their very own bubbles. Multiple kiddos on hand? Our lip guards will help with that!
- Shaving cream prints. If you're willing to let your child get messy, this one is fun! Spread a thin layer of shaving cream on a tray to create a wonderful tactile canvas. Dropping red and blue washable paint onto the cream and using a toothpick or small stick to drag the colors outward creates a firework-like "burst." Pressing paper onto the surface lets them pull away a vibrant print, combining fine motor work with visual fun.
Adjustments You Can Make
Preparedness is the name of the game for the parents of sensory kids, especially on a day that you know might trigger your little one. Here are some adjustments you can try:
- High-quality noise-canceling headphones. Grab some of these for your kiddo to wear, especially during fireworks time.
- Calm down corner. A great way to give your child the break they need is to arrange for a "calm down corner" during the event. If you are attending a party or event, or hosting one at home, make sure there is somewhere your child can retreat to if they need. This could include the car, a room in the home, or a quiet area of the park.
- Keep sensory toys on hand. Sensory fidget toys will be your best friend, especially on days like these.
- Try again next year. Things starting to go downhill? Lower your expectations this year, especially if you have a toddler. If your toddler has had enough, even early in the day, make that adjustment and just try again next year. Making 4th of July memories with your child as a positive, fun day is most important!
Alternatives to Fireworks
Whether you think your child won't last until fireworks (some shows beginning at 9 or 10? Hard pass for most toddler parents!) or think that it might be way too much sensory overload for your kiddo, there are great alternatives to fireworks so that they can enjoy the fun.
- Sparkler packs. Children should not handle fireworks by themselves, but parents can grab a pack of sparklers and wave them around for their kids to enjoy. Fun and beautiful firework-like show, but small and safe enough to be done in an instant.
- Bubbles. Instead of a fireworks show, have your toddler perform a bubble show for you! Encourage them to spin, wave, and blow a beautiful bubble show for you. Most bubble wands are drippy and not ideal for toddlers, so make sure you have our toddler-friendly bubble blower on hand.
- Family night. If your child doesn't like the loud sounds of fireworks, make it a fun family night instead. Creating a cozy space at home for pizza, board games, and movies will help them feel safe and happy. Pop on 4th of July episodes of Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, or Mickey Mouse Fun House and enjoy!