A great way for grandparents and grandchildren together to celebrate the 4th of July is to decorate bikes for a 4th of July bike parade. Fourth of July decorations can be created with very little expense. Visit your local dollar stores for streamers, balloons, garland, flags, and other red, white, and blue patriotic decorations to use in decorating your bikes. (TIP: After the 4th of July, ask parents to shop the holiday clearance aisles to pick up bargain priced 4th of July decorations for next year’s bike parade.) And, of course, be sure to wear as much red, white, and blue patriotic themed clothing. Fourth of July face painting is fun, too. Don’t forget your pets. Wagons, strollers, and scooters can be used, especially for the pets and younger children. Welcome wheelchairs into your 4th of July decorated bike parade so no one is left out.

If your town does not have a 4th of July bike parade, a neighborhood 4th of July bike parade can easily be organized. If you’ll be attending a block party, picnic, or local parade, gather donations of money or 4th of July craft supplies from the other families, buy decorations in quantity and have the children all decorate their bikes and wagons at the same time prior to your parade. Choose a neutral “judge” to award donated prizes…and give everyone who participated  an “Honorable Mention” certificate or prize.

When choosing your parade route, remember to make it kid friendly in length and ease of mobility. Chart the route with red, white, and blue helium balloons along the way. At the end of the parade, award the prizes and have special 4th of July refreshments waiting for the participants.

4th of July Bike Parade Resources:

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