Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in silicon valley, CA

Staying Up Late for Fireworks

by bonggamom

July 02, 2009

It's the 4th of July weekend, and no doubt you already have your Independence Day plans set up.  Whether you plan to fire up the barbecue, jump into the pool, or attend one of the many parades and festivals around Silicon Valley, your little ones are sure to have a great time.  And since the 4th falls on a Saturday this year, you might even consider letting your little ones stay up until it gets dark and the fireworks begin.  After all, they don't have to  wake up bright and early the next day to get to summer camp or daycare or summer school -- and neither do you.  So go ahead, stay up and let them experience the magic. 

You don't have to go far; just drive up and down Highway 101 at 9:30PM on Saturday night, and your little one will be treated to a bevy of fireworks from one city to the next (you, of course, will be keeping your eyes on the road, right?).  Or pick one from the list below, and get there early with your picnic blanket, chairs and sweatshirts:

1)  Foster City's fireworks begin at 9:30 pm, and can be viewed from Leo Ryan Park.  Note that tarps, personal fireworks and cigarettes will not be allowed at the event; also, SamTrans will not be giving free transportation to and from the viewing area this year, so be sure to bring bus fare or find a friend to ride with.

2)  We never miss Redwood City's fireworks display; they're the nearest to our house, and a real treat to watch.  The show starts at 9:30 p.m., but if you have hopes of viewing the display from the Port of Redwood City's waterfront, make sure you get there by 7:00pm (the police close the area off once all parking spots are taken).  However, the fireworks can still be seen from downtown Redwood City and high points all over the Peninsula west of Highway 101.

3)  The City of Santa Clara's fireworks display serves as the finale to their all-day, All City Picnic from 8:00am till 5:00pm.  The fireworks begin at 9:30pm after some evening entertainment at Santa Clara's Central Park.  Arrive early to get the best viewing spots!

4)  Get ready for a spectacular fireworks set to music at Mountain View's Shoreline Ampitheater!  Radio Disney Presents The 23rd Annual 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR with THE SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY "A Look To The Future" with music from 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Planets, Star Wars and a Star Trek retrospective special guest GEORGE TAKEI.  The concert begins at 5pm and ends at 10pm with fireworks. 

5)  Cupertino's fireworks display will start at 9:30pm at the Cupertino High campus.  Note, there will be no public access to the school. Handicap parking wpill be available at Creekside Park. Street closures 6pm - 12am: Finch Ave., Calle De Barcelona (between Miler Ave. and Finch Ave.), Tilson Ave. (between Finch Ave. and Tantau Ave.), Phil Lane (between Miller Ave. and Tantau Ave.), Stendhal Lane (between Shadygrove Dr. and Phil Ln.). After 6pm there will be NO pedestrian or vehicle access.

Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July weekend!