Safe Alternatives to Fireworks

We teach and constantly remind our children about the importance of not playing with lighters, matches, fire, chemicals, and other hazardous materials, but each year many families buy and use fireworks with and around their children. There is the preconception that fireworks such as sparklers, toy snakes, and spinners are not dangerous, but in fact these fireworks can be extremely dangerous for children and adults alike. For example, sparklers can burn at temperatures up to 1000 degrees! Instead of endangering your family this year, leave the fireworks up to the professionals and take part in some of these safe activities with your children instead.

For an extremely reasonable price you can visit your local discount store and purchase glow sticks, necklaces, wands, or any other glow in the dark novelty sold there. Turn the lights out in the house and put on a light show for your family by twirling them around in all different directions. Your eyes will see the afterglow for a few seconds so you can even do shapes, write names, or just go crazy with it. Children especially love to participate in this activity, just make sure everyone is seated a few feet back so you do not hit anyone whilst spinning them in the air.

Have your children create their own fireworks, on paper. After making sure they are in appropriate painting attire, get out some construction paper, some washable paint, and a few straws. Have your children drop paint onto the paper and then blow through the straw right above each drop of paint to create a firework like affect. Have them continue this until the paper is full of overlapping colors. You can even paint a few lines going from the bottom of the paper up to make it appear more authentic.

Another reasonably priced item at your local discount store is a disco ball or disco light. A disco ball simply reflects light and has a mirrored surface. A disco light is a rotating ball that you place a light bulb into and it shines many different colors. Not only are both of these items great for reuse (think children's party or Halloween party), but there is very little effort required. After you hang the disco ball, or plug in (some take batteries) the disco light, just turn the lights off, sit back, and enjoy. You can even spread a blanket or sheet out on the floor and turn on some Independence Day music for a genuine fireworks feeling.

My favorite fireworks alternative activity is to purchase some child's liquid chalk and fill up a few squirt guns with it. Your children can squirt the sidewalk, grass, or even each other (make sure to wear play clothes, and no squirting in the face). They still get the experience of the colors and fun, and most children love to make a mess. The best part is it all washes away with just a little water.

Have fun and experiment with all kinds of activities this Fourth of July. If you need more ideas for family fun, try asking your local firefighters, teachers, or even your neighbors what they do as an alternative to buying fireworks. Your children may not like the idea at first if they are used to you buying fireworks but if you're enthusiastic, they will be too. The important thing is to show your children that you can have fun without the dangers.