Fourth of July with Babies and Toddlers: Local Events + Easy Activities for Little Firecrackers
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.
