Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in columbus, OH

Sure, the Fourth of July is the official celebration of Independence Day, but here in Columbus we all know the big fireworks show is usually held the day before. This is the 29th year for Red, White & Boom, which will be held on July 3 this year.

Since many people arrive very early to get their chairs and blankets down for the best spots, the events start at 10 am when BOOM! Central opens. At 11 am the midway opens, providing you with funnel cakes and a strawberry smoothies while the kids play games and jump in the inflatable bounce houses. Downtown is also filled with live entertainment all day long. While some of the music may not be interesting for a preschooler, the event organizers put together entertainment for the younger set at the Children's Park, located in Battelle Park near the Santa Maria. The best presentation will probably be COSI's "Science of Fireworks" at 2:15pm - pay attention so you can explain it again when your child asks later in the night just how the fireworks make such pretty patterns.

The pre-show is a lot of fun, but the real question is: where to watch the fireworks? Here are a few ideas for you:

1. With the crowd at Battelle Park, Genoa Park and the Arena district. This will be your best, closest view of the fireworks, but it will also be the most crowded option. Plan to get there early in the day with your blankets to stake out a spot and prepare to spend the day guarding that spot. It's great if you like being right in the center of the action, but if you have kids who get bored easily or if you're not someone who likes the crush of the crowd, this may be too much excitement for you.

2. Above the crowd in a building downtown. This location requires a little planning and a little luck. In order to view the fireworks from one of the office towers, you'll either need to work in the building, know someone who does that can bring guests, or pay for one of the exclusive parties held in one of the buildings. The year my husband worked in the Rhodes Tower, we had an amazing view of the fireworks. We don't know anyone who works downtown now, so we won't be going that route this year.

3. Just north of downtown at Goodale Park. Due to the recent change in location, Berliner Park, just south of downtown, is no longer a good viewing area. But Goodale Park, located at the southern end of Victorian Village, is an ideal spot. There will still be plenty of people, and you'll need to get your spot early, but the crowds won't be as thick, and you shouldn't need to get there as early to get a prime spot.

4. From your own backyard. If you live in Franklinton or certain areas of the south and west sides of town, you'll have a great view of the fireworks with no crowd worries. Chances are, if you can see the taller buildings of downtown from your neighborhood, you'll probably be able to see the fireworks, too.

5. Watch from your favorite baseball park. Huntington Park - home of the Columbus Clippers - will be opening its gates at 3pm and providing entertainment throughout the evening. Tickets are $10 and you'll have a guaranteed good seat for the fireworks, along with all the hotdogs you can handle!

And if you miss the big show, don't forget that individual communities will be having their fireworks on the fourth. Check to see what time your community will be starting their fireworks display.