29 Ways to Celebrate 4th of July in Philly Without Fireworks

6/20/17 - By Lindsay Li

It’s time to celebrate America! While you might think no 4th of July is complete without a celebration of fireworks, we have found 29 events around the region that are firework-free but full of American pride and good old fashioned family fun! From readings of the Declaration of Independence to music and movies, the region is full of ways to celebrate our Independence that don’t keep us up late at night or include any of the rockets red glare or bombs bursting in air.

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Freedom Festival- West Winsor, NJ
June 24, 2017
Attend the 13th Annual Freedom Festival in Mercer County. Guests can expect a car show, food, and live bands. If you are definitely avoiding fireworks, make sure to head out before 9:50 PM.

Free Admission to National Constitution Center- Philadelphia, PA
June 29, 2017
Learn about the history of our country's Constitution as well as the history of Wawa in the Philadelphia region at the National Constitution Center.

Sand Sculpture Spectacular- Philadelphia PA
June 29- July 4, 2017
Visit the Rotunda at the Shops at Liberty Place to see the life-size sand sculptures June 29-July 4, 2017.

Wawa Hoagie Day- Philadelphia, PA
June 29, 2017
Gather by the National Constitution Center lawn and Independence Mall to indulge in a delicious hoagie courtesy of Wawa.

PECO's Go 4th & Learn at the Mummers Museum- Philadelphia, PA
June 29, 2017
The first 500 visitors to the Mummers Museum receive a free book courtesy of Books in Homes at this event which celebrates the tradition and history of these musical performers. Be sure to stay for the free Summer Mummers Concert which follows.

Free Admission to Penn Museum- Philadelphia, PA
June 30, 2017
Spend some family time learning about ancient lands by exploring the Penn Museum for free.

The Philadelphia Orchestra Concert- Philadelphia, PA
June 30, 2017
Hear the beautiful sounds of the Philadelphia Orchestra as they play this free concert courtesy of Wells Fargo. Be sure to scoot out before the fireworks are lit after the performance.

US Army Band "Pershing's Own Concert- Philadelphia, PA
July 1, 2017
Listen to patriotic tunes as the US Army Band performs. It is important to note that there are fireworks after this event so be sure to exit in a timely manner if trying to avoid them.

Lighthouse Storytime- Cape May, NJ
July 1, 2017
Pause for a moment and enjoy the natural beauty of Cape May Point State Park. While visiting, listen to a nautical story at the lighthouse.

Fourth of July BBQ- Langhorne, PA
July 1-4, 2017
Sesame Street fans can hang out with Elmo, Zoe, Bert, Ernie, and Big Bird at Sesame Place's BBQ dine event. To avoid fireworks, select the earlier session or exit the park before 9 PM.

Independence Day Family Fun- Philadelphia, PA
July 1-4, 2017
Head to Franklin Square for an afternoon of carousel rides, train rides, and mini-golf with the family.

The 1776 Experience- Revolutionary War Encampment- Philadelphia, PA
July 1-4, 2017
Revolutionary War enactors recreate a camp scene complete with medical unit and blacksmith demonstration for visitors on the lawn in front of the National Constitution Center.

Valley Forge Secrets & Spies- King of Prussia, PA
July 1 and July 4, 2017
Learn about the undercover network of spies that helped General Washington and his army at Valley Forge National Park.

PECO's Go 4th & Learn: Rocky Edition- Philadelphia, PA
July 1, 2017
What is more American than running the Art Museum steps like Rocky? Participate in the Rocky Fitness Challenge, enter the look-alike contest, and even listen to a story read by a Rocky impersonator. Afterwards, watch the Rocky movie.

Freedom Blast- Philadelphia, PA
July 2, 2017
Pack a picnic and head to Fort Mifflin to learn about the Revolutionary War. Special activities include tours, quill pen writing, and cannon demos.

Finding the Founders Event and Free Museum Day- Philadelphia, PA
July 2, 2017
Sponsored by the John Templeton Foundation, this event allows visitors free access to the National Constitution Center and the opportunity to learn about the fight for equality and freedom from scholars who share their insights.

Red, White, and Blue BBQ Bash- Lahaska, PA
July 2, 2017
Eat all American style at Peddler’s Village. In addition, guests can expect children's activities, live music, and entertainment.

Philadelphia's History Block Party- Philadelphia, PA
July 3, 2017
During this festive event at Independence Mall, families can listen to live musical entertainment, meet historical characters, and taste delicious foods.

The Philly POPS- Philadelphia, PA
July 3, 2017
Grab a blanket and find a spot by Independence Hall for a patriotic performance featuring The Philly POPS.

July 4th Parade and Celebration- Glen Mills, PA
July 4, 2017
Decorate your bike, outfit your dog, and head to Thornbury Park for its annual 4th of July parade.

Independence Day Parade- Philadelphia, PA
July 4, 2017
Gather the family, find a spot, and be entertained by this festive parade through Historic Philadelphia. After the parade, sing Happy Birthday America led by Betsy Ross and enjoy a Termini Bros. Bakery cupcake.

Party on the Parkway- Philadelphia, PA
July 4, 2017
After the parade, get ready to party with children's activities, live music, and crafts. Don't miss the kids from KIDZ BOP as they perform a free concert at 1 PM.

Camden Waterfront Freedom Festival- Philadelphia, PA
July 4, 2017
Celebrate with live music and family fun along the Camden Waterfront. This event does feature evening fireworks so be sure to leave beforehand.

Celebration of Freedom- Philadelphia, PA
July 4, 2017
Pay tribute to all those who had the vision of a free land in America in front of Independence Hall.

Family Day at the National Museum of American Jewish History- Philadelphia, PA
July 4, 2017
Visitors to the National Museum of American Jewish History can enjoy free admission and special activities such as storytime and hands-on projects.

July 4th Community Picnic- King of Prussia, PA
July 4, 2017
Young and old can learn about history at Valley Forge National Historical Park. Families can expect artillery demonstrations, storytelling, crafts, games, and a reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Pay What You Wish Admission- Philadelphia, PA
July 4, 2017
Explore the Philadelphia History Museum during this pay what you wish event and discover all its exhibits have to offer.

Old-Fashioned July 4th Celebration- Philadelphia, PA
July 4, 2017
Make your own ice cream and play colonial games in Historic Germantown. Even though the event is free, be sure to secure a reservation in advance.

Independence Day at Washington Crossing Historic Park- Washington Crossing, PA
July 4, 2017
This rain or shine event includes a reading of the Declaration of Independence, tours of the historic buildings, and a military encampment.
 

Photo courtesy of Tony Webb for Wawa Welcome America, Inc.

 

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