Have a Fun, Safe and Happy Fourth of July

Fun in the Sun 4th of July Activities for Kids Celebrating the 4th of July is an American tradition. It is a day to celebrate our counties birth, liberty, and freedom. It is a time to remember all those who have given their lives for our country and remember those in the Armed Services that can’t be here and are helping protect and support our country. We want our kids to enjoy the day as well. Here are a few fun-in-the-sun 4th of July activities for kids that you can utilize on this special day and some tips to help keep this special day safe. Buy a red, white, and blue piñata. Fill it with candies and small toys. Set it up in the backyard patio. When you are finished with your barbecue dinner, give the kids a chance to whack the piñata and enjoy all of the riches that fall to the ground. Do you have a pool in your yard? If so, you’ll want your guests, including the kids, to bring bathing suits to the party. To this end, here is another party activity: Fill up red, white, and blue balloons with water and initiate a “toss the balloon” game. Each child can toss a balloon to the other. Whichever kid catches the most balloons without them breaking wins. Musical chairs is another fun game for kids to play. Use patriotic music as the kids walk around the chairs. You’ll all have a great time with this familiar game. Every year, you may have seen an event on TV at Nathan’s Hot Dog Palace at Coney Island. This event entails several people competing to see how many hot dogs they can eat in so many minutes.  Well, take this idea and give it a new twist for the kids. Buy miniplates at your local paper goods store. Fill the plates with whipped cream. Have each kid sit at a table with a plate in front of them. Make sure their hands are behind their backs.  Explain they have 2 minutes to devour the entire plate. Whoever finishes first wins a trophy. You can purchase minitrophies at any card store. Think of the fun these kids will have. Remember to have the camera ready as well. Firework Safety Tips The 4th of July is a time of celebration. Undoubtedly you may have [tag-tec]fireworks[/tag-tec] at your 4th of July party. Adults should be in charge of any type of fireworks display. In order for you to enjoy the days’ festivities, the National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends the following:

• Always read and follow label directions
• Always have an adult present
• Only buy from reliable fireworks sellers
• Only ignite fireworks outdoors
• Be sure to have water handy
• Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks
• Light only one at a time
• Never reignite malfunctioning fireworks
• Never give fireworks to small children
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place
• Dispose of fireworks properly
• Never throw fireworks at another person
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket
• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers

In addition, use fireworks and sparklers only outdoors. Only persons over 12 years of age should handle sparklers of any type. Too many young people get burned by sparklers every year. By keeping sparkers out of the hands of children, injury can be reduced. Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you are, don’t use them. If drought conditions mean a ban on fireworks, follow the law. Only use fireworks as intended. Don’t try to alter them or combine them. Fireworks and alcohol do not mix. When all else fails, use common sense. Respect fireworks and sparklers as the great American tradition they are, but also respect the fact that they must be used with caution. Please treat fireworks with respect, read all of the cautions and warnings and use and abide by them. Lighting fireworks indoors, throwing them from automobiles, and lighting multiple devices at the same time can lead to accidents, and are not how fireworks are intended to be used. From all of us here at More4kids have a happy, fun and safe Fourth of July.