Fourth of July with Babies and Toddlers: Local Events + Easy Activities for Little Firecrackers
Celebrate the 4th of July with fun, toddler-approved activities — from local West LA parades to easy at-home crafts and sensory play. Perfect for families with kids under 5!
Fireworks? Too loud. Late-night BBQs? Toddler meltdown central. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the Fourth of July with your little one!
Here’s your ultimate guide to celebrating with kids under 5 — starting with Westside LA events perfect for toddlers, followed by easy, sensory-friendly activities to keep the celebration going all day (without wrecking nap time).
🇺🇸 Toddler-Friendly 4th of July Events in Westside LA
Your guide to 4th of July fun with little ones 🎆 From stroller-friendly parades to early-evening celebrations and low-stress fireworks — here are 3 local picks perfect for young families!
1. Santa Monica 4th of July Parade
When: July 4, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Where: Pico Blvd & Main Street → Marine Street → Barnard Way
Why it's great: Stroller-friendly, festive floats and music, easy to access. Start your day with this beloved community parade, perfect for toddlers with its upbeat bands, colorful floats, and stroller-friendly route along Main Street. Bonus: it's over before naptime!
A low-key classic that’s toddler-tested and stroller-approved
2. Downtown Culver City Independence Celebration
When: July 5, 2025 from 6:00–9:30 PM
Where: Culver City Town Plaza
Why it's great: Free, compact event with live music and room to roam. Enjoy live music from 80s All Stars, face painting, balloon art, food trucks, and a patriotic costume contest — all perfect for toddlers who love to roam, dance, and snack. There are no fireworks, which makes it a great option for noise-sensitive little ones.
A rainbow-shaped drone show lights up the sky at Culver City’s Independence Celebration — a magical, fireworks-free option for little ones.
3. Marina Del Rey Fireworks Spectacular
When: July 4, around 9 PM
Where: Burton Chace Park or view from Venice Pier or Playa Vista
Why it's great: Watch from a distance or picnic early for toddler-friendly fun
Fireworks with a view. Bring a blanket, stake out a spot at Burton Chace Park, and enjoy the Marina del Rey show — no crowds or chaos required.
🎨 Low-Key Activities for Littles (At Home or On-the-Go)
1. Red, White & Blue Sensory Bin
Scoop, pour, party! Fill a bin with rice, water beads, or pasta dyed in patriotic colors. Add scoops, cups, and little flags for a festive sensory play station. This red-white-blue sensory bin is the ultimate toddler celebration station — perfect for little hands and big imaginations!
A patriotic sensory bin - just add rice, water beads, or pasta dyed in patriotic colors, plus scoops, cups, and mini flag
2. Toddler-Friendly “Fireworks”
Skip the sparklers and try: popping bubble wrap, LED glow sticks, or baking soda & vinegar eruptions with red and blue food coloring.
3. Fourth of July Dress-Up Parade
Invite a few toddler friends, pull out red/white/blue outfits, and march around the yard or block with music and flags. Bonus: decorate wagons or scooters.
4. Water Play!
Set up a splash pad, kiddie pool, or water table. Add red & blue cups, sponges, or plastic stars.
Image suggestion: kids splashing in water with patriotic cups
Alt text: "Young children enjoying splash play with red and blue water toys"
This backyard water play is toddler-approved and 4th of July ready with patriotic toys that pour, float, and delight!
5. Star-Shaped Snacks
Use star cookie cutters to make watermelon slices, PB&J sandwiches, or cheese shapes for a festive (and low-effort) treat.
6. Backyard (or Indoor) Picnic
Keep it simple with sandwiches, berries, and bubbles — plus a festive blanket and maybe some toddler-safe sparklers (aka LED wands).
7. Patriotic Books
Snuggle up for themed reading time. A few faves:
“You’re My Little Firecracker” by Nicola Edwards for ages 0-2
"F Is for Flag" by Wendy Cheyette Lewison for ages 2-6
"Daniel’s First Fireworks" (Daniel Tiger) for ages 3-7
8. Quiet Fireworks Viewing
If your toddler is curious but noise-sensitive, try watching fireworks from a distance (car or stroller) or streaming them on YouTube with the volume low or off.
9. DIY Flag Painting
Use dot markers, stickers, or even sponge brushes to create simple red-white-blue flags. Great for toddlers who love “big art.”
This DIY dot sticker flag is a toddler-friendly craft that’s as easy as it is patriotic — no paint, no mess, just pure 4th of July pride!
10. Toddler Dance Party
Create a USA-themed playlist (or use Kidz Bop versions) and dance it out with scarves, ribbons, or flags.
Don’t forget, you can also repurpose some Memorial Day activities for this red, white, and blue weekend.
However you choose to celebrate, remember: low-key is totally OK. Your toddler doesn’t need fireworks to feel the magic — just movement, music, and messy fun.
🇺🇸 Happy 4th from Team Maxplore!
📍 Want more holiday fun for littles? Join the waitlist and discover hidden gems near you.
How to Choose the Right Activity for Your Child (By Age & Personality)
Struggling to pick the right class or activity for your little one? This guide breaks it down by age and personality type — so you can find the perfect fit, without second-guessing.
Let’s be real — when it comes to picking activities for our little ones, the options can feel endless. Music? Gym? Art? Storytime? Sensory play? And that’s before you even consider nap schedules and mood swings.
As a mom to a very energetic little guy with the attention span of a fruit fly, I totally get it. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But with a little understanding of your child’s age and personality, you can find activities that truly click — the ones they look forward to (and that don’t leave you both totally frazzled).
Here’s a breakdown to help you match your child with the right kind of activities:
👶 Babies (0–12 months): Focus on Bonding & Sensory Exploration
Stretch, breathe, bond. A peaceful parent-and-child yoga class in session, where little ones are welcome to move, observe, or just be.
What to look for:
Parent-and-me classes (music, movement, baby yoga)
Gentle sensory play (water play, textures, lights)
Storytime with songs and rhymes
Best for:
Developing connection and routine
Easing into social settings
Low-pressure play with plenty of snuggles
Max’s tip? Outdoor walks and anything with new sounds and textures were magic for us — bonus points if it gave him something to look at.
🛀 Toddlers (1–2 years): Focus on Movement & Discovery
Little explorers at work! 🖐️✨ When you're curious, everything is finger-paint-worthy.
What to look for:
Toddler gym or movement classes
Art and messy play (hello, washable paint!)
Music classes with instruments they can bang on
Nature walks or garden classes
Great for:
Curious explorers who love to touch everything
Kids who need to burn off energy
Encouraging independence in a safe space
Personality match tips:
High energy? Look for classes that encourage physical play (like gymnastics or dance).
More reserved? Try smaller class sizes or parent-participation options.
👧 Preschoolers (3–5 years): Focus on Skill Building & Social Play
Teamwork makes the slime work! 🧪👫 Nothing beats the joy of learning together — giggles, gasps, and all.
What to look for:
Creative arts (theater, dance, crafts)
Language or early literacy classes
STEM-inspired play (building, cause and effect, puzzles)
Beginner sports (soccer, swim, karate)
Best for:
Kids who are ready for structured play
Trying new things and building confidence
Practicing listening, teamwork, and turn-taking
Personality match tips:
Detail-oriented or shy? Try art or story-based activities where they can ease in.
Social butterflies? Group music, drama, or sports are a great outlet.
🧠 What About Personality?
Let’s not forget — age is just one part of the puzzle. Your child’s temperament plays a huge role in what they’ll actually enjoy.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
🎯 Final Tips
Try a trial class first. See how your child responds without committing.
Be flexible. What works one month might not the next — and that’s okay.
Don’t over-schedule. Sometimes, less is more (especially with young kids).
Trust your gut. You know your child best.
At the end of the day, the “right” activity is one your child enjoys, that fits your routine, and makes both of you feel good walking out the door.
If you’re looking for curated activity options based on your child’s age and vibe — that’s exactly what I’m building with Maxplore. We make it easier to discover and book activities you and your little one will actually love.
Want early access? Join the waitlist here 💛
10 Family-Friendly Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day with Kids (Under Age 5)
Need some toddler-friendly Memorial Day ideas? These 10 fun, low-cost activities are perfect for little explorers — from parades to patriotic snacks.
Meaningful, Easy, and Budget-Friendly Ideas for Your Littlest Patriots
Memorial Day weekend hits differently when you have little ones. You want to make the most of the long weekend — but naps, snacks, and meltdowns don’t exactly fit into an all-day BBQ or crowded parade.
The good news? There are so many sweet, simple, and low-key ways to mark Memorial Day with kids under 5. Here are 10 ideas that combine fun, connection, and a little meaning — perfect for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
1. 🇺🇸 Attend a Local Parade (Just the Start!)
Many cities host short, kid-friendly Memorial Day parades with music, marching bands, and flags. Pack a snack and go early to avoid the crowds.
Here are 3 local (Westside LA parades) you can check out:
Three fun, family-friendly Memorial Day events happening across Westside LA — perfect for little explorers and big memories!
🇺🇸 33rd Annual Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade
Date & Time: Monday, May 26, 2025; Opening ceremony at 10:00 AM, parade starts at 11:00 AM
Location: Sherman Way from Owensmouth Avenue to Cozycroft Street, Canoga Park
Details: This heartfelt hometown parade features marching bands, vintage cars, and community groups. It's a vibrant celebration honoring our heroes and is suitable for all ages.
🎉 MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street
Date & Time: Sunday, May 25, 2025; 1PM-5PM
Location: Main Street, Santa Monica
Details: This Monopoly-themed tasting tour lets participants sample dishes from Main Street's best restaurants and bars. It's an all-ages event, and kids will enjoy the game-like experience.
🏖️ Memorial Day Weekend Swim at Annenberg Community Beach House
Date & Time: Saturday to Monday, May 24–26, 2025; 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Annenberg Community Beach House, Santa Monica
Details: Enjoy a family swim at the historic Annenberg pool. It's a great way to cool off and have fun by the beach.
2. 🎨 Make Red, White & Blue Crafts
Bust out the finger paint, dot markers, or pipe cleaners and let them create their own “flags,” stars, or patriotic handprints.
Even the messiest art becomes fridge-worthy.
3. 🧺 Have a Backyard (or Living Room) Picnic
Lay out a blanket, bring your toddler's favorite finger foods, and enjoy lunch outside. Add bubbles, chalk, or a water table for extra fun.
Low-effort win: Turn your regular lunch into a “picnic party” with zero extra planning.
4. 📖 Read a Book About Kindness or Heroes
While Memorial Day is about honoring fallen heroes, it’s also a good time to talk about bravery, helping others, and kindness.
Baby and Toddler-friendly picks:
Brave as Can Be by Jo Witek
Kindness Makes Us Strong by Sophie Beer
5. 💦 Cool Off with Patriotic Water Play
Add red and blue water-safe toys or frozen berries to a water bin, or create a red-white-blue splash with colored bath bombs or ice cubes.
Bonus: Keeps them cool and buys you 30 minutes of peace.
A festive red, white, and blue sensory bin that’s fun, safe, and totally baby-friendly for Memorial Day play!
6. 🌳 Visit a Veteran’s Memorial or Cemetery (With a Toddler Twist)
Take a quiet walk through a local veterans’ memorial or cemetery. Bring a flower or draw a thank-you card and place it together.
Keep it short and meaningful — even a moment of reflection matters.
7. 🍓 Make a Red, White & Blue Snack Together
Easy crowd-pleasers:
Strawberries + bananas + blueberries on skewers
Yogurt parfaits with fruit and granola
Star-shaped watermelon slices
Let them help "assemble" for bonus engagement.
Red, white & yum! These toddler-friendly Memorial Day snacks are almost too cute to eat.
8. 💡 Create a Kindness Jar
Inspired by the idea of service and gratitude, help your child come up with kind things they can do for others:
"Help clean up,” “Give hugs,” or “Share toys.”
Put them in a jar and pull one out each day this week.
9. 🎶 Play Patriotic Music & Have a Mini Dance Party
Even toddlers can jam to classics like “You’re a Grand Old Flag” or “This Land Is Your Land.”
Throw in some bubbles and streamers for extra flair.
10. 👨👩👧 Connect with Family — Past & Present
Use the day to share stories (in simple terms) about anyone in your family who served. Or just FaceTime a grandparent to say hi — it’s all about connection.
Final Thoughts
Memorial Day doesn’t have to be all parades and BBQs to be meaningful. Even small, simple traditions help introduce little ones to the ideas of gratitude, community, and remembrance — in ways they can understand.
Whether you’re crafting, playing, or simply spending time together, these early moments matter.
💛 Want more activity ideas tailored to your child’s age and interests? That’s exactly what we’re building at Maxplore.
Join the waitlist to be first in line when we launch!
The Story Behind Maxplore
Maxplore started with one simple question: why is it so hard to find baby-friendly classes near me?
Why I’m Building a Better Way to Find Activities for Our Littlest Explorers
Hi! I’m Sherrie — mom to a very active (and easily bored) little guy named Maxwell, and the founder of Maxplore.
Max has the attention span of a fruit fly. We set up a cute little playpen in our small LA apartment, thinking it would keep him entertained for a while. Five minutes in? He’s already whining. Ten minutes? Full-blown fuss mode. Nothing held his attention — not toys, not music, not even me performing my best one-woman puppet show.
From Fussy Walks to Big Realizations
Out of desperation, I started taking him on walks. And that’s when I noticed something magical: the moment we stepped outside, he stopped fussing. He was calm. Curious. Happy. Whether we were strolling the block or watching kids play at the park, he lit up.
That’s when it clicked for me: this kid needs to be out in the world.
Doing things. Seeing things. Exploring.
The Problem: Why Is This So Hard?
So I started searching for more activities we could do — storytime, baby classes, sensory play, anything that would get us out of the house and into the world.
And wow… it was way harder than it should’ve been.
I was juggling 15 open tabs. Some sites had outdated info. Others linked to broken booking pages. Instagram teased me with cute baby class videos but gave me no way to book them. And when I finally found something promising, it either wasn’t age-appropriate or was already full. It felt like a full-time job just to plan one weekday outing.
Sometimes just stepping outside was the reset button we needed — fresh air, new things to see, and no more fussing.
The Spark That Started Maxplore
That’s when the idea for Maxplore was born.
It’s the tool I wish I had: a simple, beautiful app where parents and caretakers can discover and book enriching activities for kids under 5 — all in one place. With filters that actually make sense. Real-time availability. Age-specific suggestions. From free library storytimes to premium movement classes — and everything in between.
Maxplore helps busy parents discover and book baby & toddler classes — all in one place.
What Maxplore Aims to Solve
Because those early years? They go fast. And they matter.
And kids like Max — the busy, curious, “what’s next?!” types — thrive when they get to explore.
Maxplore is for them. And for you.
If you’ve ever found yourself searching “things to do with a baby near me” for the tenth time this week, you’re not alone. We’re building Maxplore so that discovery feels easy and exciting — not overwhelming.
Join Us as We Build This Together
We’re just getting started, and I’d love for you to be part of it.
👉 Join the waitlist
👉 Or drop me a note with what you wish existed
Thanks for being here 💛
— Sherrie