Nothing says Independence Day like watching the 4th of July fireworks light up the night sky above the iconic memorials and monuments of Washington, DC. It's a sight many families are excited to check off their summer fun list, and that means viewing spots tend to get pretty crowded. Luckily, we have some ideas to help you navigate safely and get great views of the DC fireworks this year.

While it might pay to grab tickets to a family-friendly river cruise for the evening, you don't need to spend a dime to see the DC 4th of July fireworks in person. You just need to know where—and when—to go and what you might want to bring to make the most out of the evening.

Don't forget to check out our event calendar for a whole host of Independence Day celebrations throughout DC, Northern Virginia, and MD during the first week of July. Happy 4th of July!

Cool off with slides, wave pools, and more at these New England water parks.

The 4th of July is almost here, and fireworks will be lighting up the night sky all over the Hudson Valley. We have rounded up the top spots to watch these holiday sparklers throughout the region on July 4th proper and the surrounding dates. Our picks for festivities include the ultra kid-friendly Red, White, and Boom at Legoland New York, and a trio of Hudson Valley Renegades' games that culminate in a fireworks grand finale.

Looking for other great things to do with your kids this season? Check out our Ultimate Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids Summer Vacation Guide, and bookmark our Family Activity Calendar, which is constantly updated.

When it comes to things to do in NYC, we're officially summer dreaming, and you're the beneficiary. We're sharing our summer bucket list of the top 50 things to do this summer in NYC with kids. Our picks are a mix of annual favorites and can't-miss, one-time-only events that prove the best vacation may just be a staycation.

Be sure to bookmark our Ultimate NYC Kids Summer Vacation Guide and our list of 100 FREE things to do in NYC this summer for even more seasonal fun.

Ft. Myers, Florida—the gateway to the state's southwest region—is a city full of water-play opportunities, interactive museums, and a history that includes two of America's most famous inventors.

Though arguably more urban than Naples, its neighbor to the south, Ft. Myers also has stunning beaches. I'm talking about white sand, warm Gulf Coast water, and mild weather pretty much all-year round. The city was greatly impacted by Hurricane Ian in 2022, but it has largely bounced back. With great restaurants and resorts to boot, it's an ideal spot for a family vacation.

Read on for our top 25 things to do in Ft. Myers with kids, from Ft. Myers Beach to kid-friendly Ft. Myers hotels. Also, check out our Florida Vacation Guide for more trip ideas in the Sunshine State.

There are plenty of area beaches that are perfect for families looking to spend the day outside, but some kids prefer the warmer and calmer waters of one of Massachusetts' many swimming lakes. We’ve rounded up swimming lakes and ponds around Boston where kids can splash around in freshwater all summer long. Read on for our picks for the Boston's top swimming lakes for summer fun.

Looking to stay closer to home? These local spraygrounds and splash pads are another way to beat the heat this summer. Don't miss our summer fun guide for more fun activities, outdoors or in.

Cool off somewhere scenic during your trip to the Hill Country.

Orlando toddlers and preschoolers are little balls of energy, especially during the warmer months. These kids love the summer, from splashy water activities to fun playgrounds. Orlando summers allow for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 1-5) to get loose with lots of great seasonal fun and events. In fact, many of these summer activities are FREE, which is an even bigger reason to explore Orlando with your toddler.