Long Beach Moms Guide: A Very Long Beach Fourth of July
Big news! Fireworks on the Long Beach waterfront are back this year! Harbor Breeze Cruises and the Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau are hosting a FREE 4th of July fireworks show at 9pm. The show will take place in Queensway Bay, with viewing points including Lions Lighthouse for Sight, Shoreline Village, Rainbow Harbor, Marina Green, and the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center parking lot. More information is available here.
Kids up bright and early? Justin Rudd is again hosting The Great American Kids’ Bike Parade on the morning of the 4th, which includes a patriotic speech contest, a patriotic costume contest, and the parade. It’s free fun for all ages.
Maybe you aren’t ready to brave large crowds, or perhaps you have a few friends coming over to celebrate? We’ve got you covered for at-home festivities:
Get creative: Tye die is a fun project for the whole family. You can decorate shirts, bandanas, scrunchies, even towels. Of course, you can do this day-of, but it would be even more fun to dye items earlier in the weekend so that you can wear your creations on the 4th. This tie dye kit is one step, and comes with just the colors you need for the holiday.
Stay hydrated: Lemonade is great for all ages, and so refreshing on a hot day! You can create a family activity by juicing your own lemons, or just buy pre-made and chill. You can even throw in some red and blue berries for a fresh, patriotic treat. Grownups–spike that lemonade with some gin or vodka. Voila! Now it’s a summer cocktail, perfect for enjoying along with fun in the sun. These stainless cups are a great non-breakable, environmentally-friendly option for outdoor gatherings. Trust us, you’ll use them again and again this summer!
Get soaked: Water play is the best part of hot days, and the 4th of July is no exception. Of course, the hose is always an option, but we think these reusable water balls will be a hit at any outdoor gathering. Reusable, safe, and made of environmentally friendly cotton, these make an excellent replacement for water balloons. Plus, they are easier to use (and use again and again). The fact that they are red, white, and blue is the cherry on top.
Stay sweet: What’s better than a popsicle to beat the heat? This popsicle making kit is made of food-grade, BPA-free silicone and comes with just about everything you need to make up to 50 popsicles. Just add juice. Choose red, white or clear, and blue juices to suit the occasion. (Coconut milk is an excellent rehydrator, and it would be a perfect white layer in your pops). The best part? The molds are dishwasher safe, so cleanup is a breeze.
As day fades into night, and you gather your family and friends close to watch the official fireworks over the water, you can keep the fun going with flashlight tag, glow sticks, and glow in the dark temporary tattoos. We hope these ideas help you create a fantastic 4th. Wishing you a happy Independence day from Long Beach Moms!
