If you're staying in town for the holiday, you're not missing anything. There's tons of free and really cheap events happening this 4th of July to keep your weekend explosive-ly amazing and your wallet (and family!), amazingly happy.  Whether you're looking to roof-top party for a great view of the fireworks, watch elephants face humans in a hotdog bun-eating contest, or camp out (for free) under the stars, there's something for the whole family that's beyond the standard BBQ fare.
 
Happy 4th of July!

Manhattan

4th of July Celebration
NY Historical Society
Sat, July 4, 10AM-5PM
FREE

The Historical Society's goal is to bring history to life, but this weekend it's actually going to happen. Bring the family (along with proof of residency, i.e. ID with NYC address) to meet Benjamin Franklin and Mrs. Franklin, see re-enactments of the American Revolution, learn about life as a soldier during that time and enjoy songs, stories and arts and crafts. If you deck yourself or the kids out in red, white and blue, you get an extra 10% off museum merchandise.

American Ballet Theatre
Met Opera House
Sat, July 4 at 2PM
FREE (for kids)

The American Ballet Theatre is letting kids go for free (with each adult ticket) to this Saturday's magical matinee performance of the fantastical Sylvia. For tickets call 212-362-6000. (Adult tickets from $29-$102)

Create an American Dream Quilt
Children's Museum of Manhattan (CMOM)
Fri, July 3, 5PM
FREE

As part of the Target Free First Friday Nights at CMOM, come down for a free and unique way to celebrate the Fourth. From 5-8PM, families decorate a fabric square that reflects their story of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Squares will be sewn together to build the quilt that will be on display at CMOM. There will also be a sing-a-long, storytime and book signing with Faith Ringgold.

Brooklyn

Declare Independence
Prospect Park, Lefferts Historic House
Sat, July 4, 1-4PM & Sun, July 5, 1-4PM
FREE

Make a fancy plumed hat, pick a quill pen, and sign you John Hancock on a reproduction of the Declaration of Independance (Sat) or celebrate the end of slavery on Sunday the 5, as it was celebrated in 1827, by decorating clothes as freed slaves did, and parade through Lefferts farmyard. Plus, listen to stories and live music to help celebrate freedom.

Afro-Punk Festival 2009
Brooklyn Academy of Music
July 3-5, Noon-8pm
FREE

The parking lot across the street from BAM takes on a whole new life—and indie spirit—this Fourth when the Afro-Punk Skate Park opens at the ongoing Afro-Punk Festival. Kids of all ages can show off their moves on the board or check out free concerts from (very loud) bands like Pure Hell, the first all-African American punk band, formed more than 35 years ago. The skate park is open from noon–8pm, but there’s a Nike SB skate clinic starting at 11am.

Cross-Species Eating Competition
The Coney Island Boom a Ring
Fri, July 3 at 11AM
FREE

A fully sanctioned cross-species eating contest happens this weekend, between Major League Eating and the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® elephants.The six-minute hot dog bun-eating competition will feature three Ringling Bros.® Asian elephants and three Major League Eaters. The human eaters will compete the next day in the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest.

The Bronx

Fish Printing
Crotona Park: Crotona Nature Center
Sat, July 4 at 2PM
FREE

If you're skipping the hot dogs this year, stop by Crotona park and learn a traditional form of Japanese art called Gyotaku.

Patriot Games
Pelham Bay Park (Pelican Bay Playground)
Sat, July 4 at 11AM
FREE

The children of the Revolution played games too, just different ones! Find out what they were, and how to make your own toys.

Staten Island

Sing Out, Staten Island
Conference House Park
Sun, July 4, 2PM-4PM
FREE

Watch the SI Philharmonic and community chorus, along with a wind ensemble, doing a wide selection of patriotic and popular favorites.

Independence Day Celebration
Historic Richmond Town
Sat, July 4, 11AM-5PM
FREE

Enjoy a pie-baking demonstration or bring a pie you've already baked to enter the pie-baking contest! You can also help churn old-time ice-cream, participate in the Pinwheel Parade, meet patriotic villagers from the 1800s, and make Victorian paper fireworks.

Family Camping
High Rock Park
Fri, July 3 at 6PM
FREE

Celebrate the Fourth in a tent! Urban Park Rangers start with a cookout, then a variety of evening activities, such as stargazing and night hikes. You’ll sleep under the stars and awake to the birds and everything is included.

Queens

Adventure Course Fun
Alley Pond Park
Sun, July 5, 10-1:30PM
FREE

Make your Fourth of July weekend a bit more adventurous--since the Alley Pond Park Adventure Course is open to the public for free this Sunday. Programs begin at 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; please arrive at least 15 minutes before your desired program start time.  Ages 8 and up. No sandals (closed-toe shoes only). 

Scat Lesson and Book Reading
Queens College (Louis Armstrong House Museum)
Sat, July 4 at Noon
FREE (with museum admission, $8)

Children's author Muriel Weinstein will offer a group lesson and read from her book, When Louis Armstrong Taught Me Scat. Birthday cake will be served after the reading in the Museum's Japanese-inspired garden. Free with Museum admission.

Don't forget, we also have weekly listings for Long Island events and New Jersey events on their respective pages (whether you live there or are looking for a day trip). And of course, our event calendar is jammed with even more things to do, as is our Summer Activity Guide.