Hopscotch Highlights

👋 Hey there, fellow parent—

You made it through another week—snack breaks, sibling squabbles, and now... sparklers. We’re here to help with the “What now?” part of the holiday week.

This edition of Hopscotch Highlights is packed with bite-sized red, white, and doable fun: where to go, what to see, what to eat (that your kids might actually finish), and easy ways to celebrate at home—no glitter explosions or themed charcuterie boards required.

No fluff. Just local picks, festive ideas, and a whole lot of charm to get you through the fireworks and the frenzy.

🪁 One Place to Play (Before the Fireworks Start)

Cahill Commons Park
📍 Erlanger, KY

Before the parades, the fireworks, and the sugar rush hit full speed, sneak in a calm start to your holiday at this quiet gem just off Erlanger’s busiest road.

Cahill Commons is the kind of park that flies under the radar—but has everything you need for an easy, low-key outing: a newer playground, smooth walking path, basketball half-court, restrooms, and even a boulder garden for climbers in disguise.

There’s plenty of open space for kicking a ball or letting scooters rip, and just enough shade for your coffee and your nerves.

🧡 Parent tip: This is your “let them run before sitting still for hours” spot. Quick, fun, and close to everything.

📅 A Handful of Patriotic Events to Check Out 

🎆Florence Independence Day Celebration
📍 Florence Government Center
📅 Thursday, July 3 | ⏰ Starts at 5:30 PM | 💸 Free

Florence is kicking off the Fourth a little early—and you're invited! The evening starts with live music from the Florence Community Band, followed by Under the Sun at 7 PM. There’ll be plenty of food, a fun-packed Kids Zone, and family activities to keep everyone happy until the fireworks start at 10 PM.

🧡 Pro tip: Bring lawn chairs, bug spray, and snacks to bridge the gap between dinner and the grand finale.

☔ Rain delay? Fireworks move to Friday, July 4.

Edgewood’s 47th Annual Independence Day 5K
📍 Presidents Park | 🕖 7:30 AM Start | 📅 Thursday, July 4

Whether you’re a runner, a walker, or just chasing your kids through the finish line, this early morning tradition is a great way to kick off the 4th. There’s even a kids’ fun run for your littlest sprinters.

✅ Pre-registration is required and closes at 5 PM on July 3
👕 Packet pickup: Tri-State Running (148 Barnwood Dr.)
📲 Register here ➝

🧡 Bonus: Volunteers are still needed for handing out water, helping with timing, and cheering folks on. Want to help? Email Lucas at [email protected] or call 859-331-5910.

🎈Fort Mitchell Independence Day Parade
📅 Friday, July 4 | ⏰ 12:30 PM | 📍 Fort Mitchell, KY

Pull up a lawn chair and pack some snacks—it’s parade time! Fort Mitchell’s annual Independence Day celebration is rolling through town with this year’s theme: “America: The Land of Opportunity.”

🎖️ The Grand Marshal? Soco’s Mexican Restaurant & Bar (we love a community-favorite in the spotlight!)
🛣️ Parade Route: Starts at DCCH Fairgrounds → Dixie Hwy → Beechwood Rd → Ends at Beechwood High School
🚧 Heads up: Dixie Hwy will close at 12:00 PM between Orphanage Rd and Beechwood Rd, so plan your parking and stroller routes accordingly.

🧡 Pro tip: Bring bubbles or flags to keep little hands busy while you wait for the floats!

🍽️ One Restaurant That Welcomes Chaos

Fazoli’s Fourth of July Specials
📅 Available July 3–7 | 💻 Online or in-app

Need an easy dinner plan after a long day of celebrating (or chasing kids)? Fazoli’s has your back with two tasty deals:

🎆 $15.99 Fresh-Tossed Family Meal – Use code FIREWORKS25
🍝 BOGO Fettuccine Alfredo – Use code BOGOJULY25

Great for feeding the whole crew without firing up the stove in this heat.

🏠 One At-Home Activity (Indoor & Outdoor)

🎯 Water Balloon Flag Toss

Cool down and burn some energy with this splashy backyard game that’s equal parts patriotic and delightfully messy.

Here’s how it works:
Fill red, white, and blue water balloons (a few extras for "accidents" is highly recommended). Set up hula hoops, laundry baskets, or big bowls at different distances, and assign each one a point value. Kids take turns tossing balloons into the targets—older kids from farther back, littles from up close.

Keep score if you want, or just laugh at the splash zone.

🧡 Parent tip:
Let the grown-ups toss one too—you’ve earned it. And if you’ve got sidewalk chalk handy, draw a flag shape around the “toss zone” just for fun. Bonus points for giggles.

🎯 Indoor Flag Toss (No Water, No Wipe-Up)

Rainy day? Heat too intense? Here’s a no-mess version of our water balloon flag toss that keeps the fun (and the red, white, and blue) going indoors.

What you’ll need:

• Red, white, and blue balloons, rolled socks, or even crumpled tissue paper balls

• Hula hoops, mixing bowls, baskets, or painter’s tape to mark targets

• Tape down a “toss line” based on your kiddo’s age/arm strength

Let kids toss their "balloons" into the targets, with each color or bucket earning different points. Add music or set a timer for a rapid-fire round if they need to move fast.

🧡 Parent tip:
Call out silly prompts between rounds—“Toss like a firefighter!” “Throw with your eyes closed!” “Hop like a bunny before your turn!”

💌 From One Parent to Another

I close my eyes and I'm 7 again, sprawled on that scratchy old blanket in my grandparent’s backyard. The campfire crackled beside us, sending sparks dancing toward the star speckled sky like tiny amber fireflies. Pawpaw’s arm was warm around my shoulders as we waited for the first burst of color, his weathered hands smelling of wood smoke and lighter fluid from getting the fire just right.

When it came—a brilliant cascade of gold against the velvet night—My sister gasped like she'd never seen fireworks before, even though she had last year. The explosions painted our faces in brief, magical hues: emerald green, deep purple, electric blue. My other baby sister had fallen asleep against Mom's lap, her small fist clutching a half-eaten s'more, chocolate still smudged on her cheek.

The smell of summer grass, the distant neighbors cheering from their own yards, the way the booms echoed in my chest like a second heartbeat all sent me back. I remember catching a stick on fire and swirling it around like a sparkler making squiggly lines all around me. In those moments, this little patch of suburbia felt infinite, touched by wonder.

Some moments you don't realize you're living in one of your future favorite memories. Just remember, time spent with your kids will be what they remember most.

Until Next Week…

Whether you try one thing or just forward this to a friend while hiding in the bathroom—we see you. You're doing great. We’ll be back next week with more local finds to make the days feel a little lighter (and maybe even a little fun).

Warmly,
Otto Neff
Creator of Hopscotch Highlights
A fellow tired parent with big playground dreams