Best July 4th Fireworks for NJ Families from Jersey City to the Shore

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on

From small town celebrations to waterfront extravaganzas, we've got the scoop on NJ's best options for family-friendly fireworks shows on July 4th. You can cheer on the red, white, and blue in Atlantic City, which hosts one of the country's biggest celebrations; spread out a beach blanket and enjoy a display down the shore; take in the fireworks extravaganza at the New Jersey State Fair; or choose from more than a dozen other great shows happening throughout the state. 

In addition to fireworks, these July 4th celebrations include lots of other fun activities, such as parades, a Revolutionary War encampment, live music, and even a canoe race. Read on for 15 of our picks. 

For even more holiday-weekend fun, be sure to check out our Summer Fun Guide.

Best Water Parks for Toddlers Near NYC

Jody Mercier's picture Submitted by Jody Mercier on

When temperatures soar, there's always New York's FREE neighborhood pools or sprinklers for a quick cool down with the kids, but on particularly hot summer days, nothing beats the heat like a splashing out on a trip to a water park near NYC. 

Families with toddlers in tow aren't looking for big slides or big waves, though, so we've rounded up our top splash pads for the preschool set. Prepare to find toddler-sized attractions, along with perks such as nursing stations and FREE mini life jackets—and don't worry, there's plenty of big-kid fun to go around, too. So read on for details on 11 parks within two hours of New York City that cater to the littlest water explorers.

Check out our NYC Beaches, Pools, and Water Fun Guide for more family-friendly ideas on how to cool down in the city.

July 4th Fireworks in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on

Independence Day means summer fun, barbecues, and, of course, stunning pyrotechnics. We’ve identified fireworks displays over the course of an entire week (the benefit of Independence Day falling on a Wednesday!) along with lots of added attractions—a carnival, a fair, concerts, sports, bouncy houses, a parade, and other perks.

If you’re feeling adventurous, the famous Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular is best visited strategically, and we have the best spots to watch with your family; there’s also a show-stopping fireworks display that’s less frenetic over the bridge in Jersey City, which also features a full agenda of fun.

Be sure to keep tabs on our Event Calendar, and sign up for our newsletters to stay on top of our frequent updates and announcements!

The Best July 4th Fireworks Shows on Long Island, 2018

Felissa Allard's picture Submitted by Felissa Allard on

Red, white and blue: check. Daytime BBQ: check. Evening fireworks: Hmm ... 

On Fourth of July weekend, and before and after, families across Long Island gather for picnics, barbecues and, of course, fireworks. With that in mind, we've rounded up Independence Day fireworks happenings up and down Long Island, from Nassau to Suffolk counties and all the way to the East End. July 4 is a Wednesday this year, so fireworks celebrations begin as early as June 20 and continue past the weekend of July 7-8.   

Our list of Long Island fireworks shows will make you want to go fourth beginning from almost the time school lets out. Some Long Island municipalities have not finalized fireworks plans as of mid-June. So check back often for more shows in your neighborhood. And for more kid-friendly activities, be sure to check out our Summer Fun Guide and our Event Calendar.

Cabo with Kids! All Inclusive Decadence at Mexico's Grand Velas Resort Los Cabos

Roberta B's picture Submitted by Roberta B on

Sometimes as parents we're happy to plan the family vacation around theme parks and cartoon characters; other times we want to be pampered like a real princess, not a Disney princess. A vacation that provides grown-up decadence and luxury with fun and entertainment for kids (including time supervised by someone else)—that is the ultimate family getaway. And that is what we found in Los Cabos at Grand Velas' new seaside resort.

Where to See Fourth of July Fireworks Around Houston With Kids

Submitted by Rachael Cherry on

Stars and stripes, street festivals, live music and fanfare all make the Fourth of July spectacular, but no celebration is complete without an impressive display of fireworks. Luckily, when it comes to celebrating our nation's independence, there's one thing that's certain: the Bayou City knows how to light up the sky and throw down (...in a family-friendly way, of course). 

10 Touristy Things Even Boston Kids Love to Do

Lucie T's picture Submitted by Lucie T on

When out-of-towners visit Boston, they have many boxes to check off their must-see list. But children are notoriously reluctant tourists, and may not have the stamina to do every stop on the Freedom Trail or spend hours inside a museum. Here's our carefully curated list of specific, unique-to-Boston activities that even local kids love to do again and again. 

Free Outdoor Movies for Long Island Kids This Summer

Submitted by Kailyn Champlin on

With the price of movie tickets for the family these days, there’s nothing better than FREE entertainment for the kids. Did you know that several Long Island municipalities host outdoor summer movie series, where you can spread a blanket on the lawn or prop up some lawn chairs and have a picnic while enjoying a family-friendly film?

At these outdoor community events you can enjoy a beloved film for a second time or catch up on a recent blockbuster without having to spend a dime on a movie ticket. Seating is first-come, first-served, so arrive early. Also, be sure to double-check the venue or organization's website or social media feeds for any potential weather-related cancellations.

Outdoor movies are just part of the summer experience on Long Island. You'll find more fun things to do with kids in our Summer Fun Guide, including FREE outdoor summer concerts. It's also a great time to hit a Long Island amusement park, water park, or one of our great family-friendly beaches. 

Until then, lights, camera, action! 

Free Summer Outdoor Movies for New Jersey Families

Submitted by Laurie Rein on

See your favorite stars under the stars this summer, when beaches and parks throughout the state host free outdoor movies on supersized screens. Bring along a blanket or beach chair (and maybe a little bug spray), and enjoy all those big-screen family hits you may have missed during the school year—or check our some of your family's favorite flicks for a second or third time, minus the ticket fee. Some venues offer food vendors, and some provide pre-show fun.

We've also included some free, and nearly-free, indoor options for those days you feel like chilling in the AC.

Check individual venues for movie listings and alternate rain plans.  

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