July 4th Cruises in NYC: How to See Macy's Fireworks From a Boat

Climb aboard a local boat for a memorable 4th of July fireworks cruise in NYC. Photo courtesy of Canva

One of our favorite annual events, the Macy's 4th of July fireworks display, is ready to light up the city skyline and these July 4th cruises are the best way to see the show. The display illuminates the skyline, and nothing quite compares with watching the 4th of July fireworks celebration up close from the water on one of these July 4th cruises in NYC. Take note: The Macy's 4th of July fireworks are moving across town to the Hudson River this year, so routes have been amended to accommodate the new view.

Of course, these special July 4th cruises don't come cheap, and many are only open to ages 21 and older. We set out to find the lowest-cost July 4th cruises in NYC that also welcome children. If you're interested, book quickly. Some already have sold out and the remaining tickets will be gone before you know it.

Experience the Joy of Glamping at Jellystone Park Delaware Beaches

Lewes is a beautiful beach town near Jellystone Park.

Glamping at Deleware's Jellystone Park is one of the few times camping has been easy, breezy, and, overall, a very enjoyable experience for our family with three kids. We weren’t stressed about setting up our campsite or exhausted from a night of not sleeping and everyone had fun, even us adults. It made for a great and easy long weekend vacation from our home in New Jersey. 

Read on to find out why our weekend at Jellystone Park Delaware Beaches was a delight. For other suggestions for glamping destinations, see our review of the best glamping sites in the U.S. 

Best Sprinkler Parks, Spraygrounds, and Splash Pads near DC for Kids

Enjoy the scenery on the Georgetown Waterfront while splashing in the fountain. Photo by Sam Kittner, courtesy of  georgetowndc.com

Gone are the days of needing to use a garden hose as a sprinkler: the DC area is brimming with splash pads, splash parks, and water playgrounds to help kids beat the heat on a hot summer day. These splash pads and sprinkler sparks are full of fun features like fountains, dumping buckets, water cannons, spraying animals, and even mini water slides. And the best part is, most of them are absolutely FREE!

Here are 20 great splash pads, splash parks, and water playgrounds in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia to visit with kids for some wet and wild fun. And if you have older children who need a few more thrills, check out our list of the best outdoor water parks and amazing indoor water parks near DC.

16 Family-Friendly Breweries in Atlanta

Kids will stay entertained, and parents can relax with a pint at Scofflaw Brewing. Photo by author

Many Atlanta breweries are family-friendly, so you can kick back with a beer while kids play games and enjoy outdoor spaces. Plus, visiting a brewery in Atlanta is a great way to support local family businesses!

We’ve rounded up the best family-friendly breweries in Atlanta that keep kiddos entertained so you can enjoy a pint. Many Atlanta breweries offer food and snacks, or at least allow you to bring in your own munchies (great for picky eaters). In some cases, even four-legged fur babies are welcome at these Atlanta breweries!

Visit LuminoCity Dino Safari in Orlando for a Dinosaur-Sized Summer

Go back to another time and make friends with dinosaurs! Check out LuminoCity Dino Safari in Orlando, now until June 16, 2024. Photo courtesy LuminoCity

Kids will love getting close to dinosaurs at LuminoCity Dino Safari Festival in Orlando! Taking place at The Florida Mall, this awesome attraction combines the thrill of prehistoric giants with the magic of detailed light sculptures. LuminoCity Dino Safari debuts in Orlando with a roar this summer, as families marvel at the realistic dinosaurs and ancient mammals, as well as an interactive recreation zone, fossil hunt, and more. Get all the details below to plan a visit before the attraction closes on June 16, 2024!

Best Splash Pads, Splash Parks, and Water Playgrounds in Los Angeles

One of the coolest spots in town is by the beach, a beach playground, and a pool. Photo courtesy of the Annenberg Community Beach House, Facebook

Free and fabulous splash pads in Los Angeles can be found at many parks and playgrounds across the city— and some of them are open year-round. Entire playgrounds (plus a few swimming pools and wading pools) are dedicated to ways to keep it cool, with plenty of fountains, geysers, pumps, and water sprayers. Kids adore these spraygrounds and splash pads, and parents love that they're a great way to beat the heat without a drive to a favorite beach (not to mention, the car won't get all sandy!).

If a pool or a water park sounds like too much work (or too expensive), cool those kids down at one of these (mostly) free splash pads. And check out all our wet and wild favorites in our Guide to the Best Pools and Splash Pads in Los Angeles

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