Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Washington, DC

Nothing is more patriotic than celebrating my birthday with friends and family as I watch fireworks explode over sights like the Washington Monument and Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials on the 4th of July.  (Yes, my birthday really is on the 4th!)  As much as I love being on the National Mall for fireworks, it isn't the most child-friendly way to celebrate the 4th.  Squishing on the Metro with tired cranky children in tow puts a damper on my patriotism.  

Start the 4th by reading a great book to celebrate the spirit of the day and then make a top hat to take to a local parade.  DC neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and Palisades keep you away from the Mall and the huge throngs of people that flock to the fireworks. Maryland towns including Takoma Park, Garrett Park, Kensington, and Montgomery Village do their own celebrations.  Virginia celebrations include the Barcroft neighborhood in Arlington and Great Falls Village Centre.  Here is some information about the parades:

DC Parades:

Capitol Hill

• Info: Capitol Hill parade organizer Gina Arlotto has put together the neighborhood parade for the past 6 years.  She says that the family-friendly parade on Capitol Hill has grown from a handful of kids on bikes to one that's led every year by the Commandant's Own Drum and Bugle Corp, with about 25 Capitol Hill groups.  There are lots of fun things to see like Model T's, the mini cooper club of DC, the Fairy Princess Patrol with a crazy-fun float and lots of other marchers that you just won't see anywhere else!  Everything is very down-home, homemade style!  
• Parade Route: The parade begins on Friday, July 4th at 10am on the 4th from the corner of 8th and I SE.  It heads north to a left on D Street, to a right on 7th street, cross Pennsylvania Avenue and wrap it all up at 7th and North Carolina Ave., SE right by the venerable Eastern Market, still under repair from a fire last year.  
• Post Parade Excitement: After the parade there is going to be a family fun fair on the parking lot of Hine Jr. High, which is right where the parade will disband.  There will be food, roaming entertainers, kids games, a few vendors and live bands too.  There will also be a bake sale to raise some money for the local school's PTA with homemade goodies!  Gina says, This parade is so much fun, and I have such fun planning it, that I just can't stop!

• Parade Route: The parade is on Friday, July 4th at 11:00am. It starts at the corner of Whitehaven Parkway and MacArthur Boulevard and ends at the entrance to the Palisades Recreation Center. Everyone is welcome to march in the parade and no registration is necessary to march.  To march, simply line up on Whitehaven Parkway starting at 10:15am and get in line. There will be parade prizes under the tent after the parade!
• Post Parade Excitement: There is a free picnic after the parade with hot dogs (donated by Whole Foods), watermelon (donated by Safeway), moon bounces, pony rides and live music under the huge tent.  Support the parade by buying a t-shirt or two since shirt sales, along with contributions from local businesses, pay for the parade. This year's t-shirt isn't necessarily patriotic, captures the flavor of the neighborhood and is printed on a 100% organic cotton shirt.  If you can't make it to the parade, t-shirts will be on sale at the Kodak Store and will be on sale outside Safeway for the next few weekends.
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• Info: Organized by the Takoma Park Independence Day Committee, The Independence Day Celebration in Takoma Park is believed to be one of the oldest along the Atlantic coast.  This year's parade marks the 119th year of a 4th of July celebration in Takoma Park and while it is quite possible that the history goes back further than that, the Committee has found newspaper records to back up this claim only that far.  Music from around the world, costumes, floats, along with horses, dogs, and classic cars makes this parade a must-see!
• Parade Route:  The parade starts at 10:00 am on July 4th at the intersection of Carroll and Ethan Allen Avenues and travels South on Carroll Avenue to Maple Avenue, then turns right on Maple Avenue to Sherman Avenue where the parade disbands. Note that this route forms a U which brings the parade back to within just a few blocks of its starting point it is just 2 blocks along Philadelphia Avenue from Carroll Avenue at the Firehouse to Maple Avenue at the Municipal Building.
• Post Parade Excitement: The evening program is held at Takoma Park Middle School with concerts, announcement of parade winders, patriotic songs, and prizes.  Fireworks begin at 9:30 pm.  In the event of rain, fireworks are held on the first clear evening following the 4th.
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• Info:  The theme of this year's parade is United We Stand- Leaders and Icons that Unite.  Prior to the parade, there will be a Fun Run/Walk for all ages.  Registration for the even is held from 7:30-8 am in the Penn Place parking lot with the race beginning at 8:00.   
• Parade Route: The parade begins at 10:30 am at Garrett Park Elementary School.  Parade participants may begin registering at the school beginning at 9:45 am.  Children are more than welcome to dress up and march in the parade and many prizes are given out to encourage participation.
• Post Parade Excitement: After the parade, enjoy music by Garrett Park's Border State, playing original music and country rock and stay for the awards ceremony.  Hot dogs and burgers will also be on sale.  From 1-4 pm, Garrett Park Pool will have games.  At 3 pm the 18th Annual Softball Game against White Flint Park will be held at Garrett Park Elementary School.  The game is open to most ages and definitely women!
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• Info: The 13th Annual Children's Bike Parade Kensington Park is for everyone.  Bikes, stroller, wagons, dogs, and whatever else you can think of to parade are welcome in this low-key fun parade around town.  While there aren't any floats, there are tons of kids on bikes!
• Parade Route: The parade is held on Friday, July 4 and begins at 9:45 am at St. Paul Park.  

• Info: Montgomery Village Foundation's Fourth of July Celebration kicks off with a 5K Fun Run at 7 am.  
• Parade Route: The parade begins at Noon at Apple Ridge Road and the Apple Ridge Recreation Area.
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• Info: The Barcroft neighborhood in Arlington (bordered by George Mason Drive, the bike path, Columbia Pike, and Route 50) says that their 4th of July Parade is their signature event.  Judging from the pictures the parade has everything great parades are made of- guests of honor like Uncl Sam riding in convertibles, marching bands, dogs, men in uniform, dancers, floats, and lots of kids on bikes!  
• Parade Route: The six-block long parade will begin at the Barcroft Community House at 10 a.m.
• Post Parade Excitement: A barbecue at the Barcroft Community House follows the parade and everyone is welcome.

• Info:  Great Falls Foundation is having a Hometown Celebration.  The Dawn to Dusk Schedule includes at 5K Fun Run (7:30 am, Great Falls Freedom Memorial), blood drive (8-2 pm, Great Falls Fire Station), baby parade (8:30 am, Village Green Gazebo), main parade (10 am, Village Green), festivities, food, and fun (10:30-12:30 pm, Village Green), evening games and activities (6 pm, The Turner Farm), and fireworks (Dusk, The Turner Farm)
• Parade Route:  Registration for the baby parade begins at 8 am with the parade starting from the Village Green at 8:30 am.  The main parade starts at the Village Green at 10:00 am and ends at Safeway and includes floats.
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