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 on the surrounding dates.

Our picks for festivities include the ultra kid-friendly Mamaroneck Fireworks Spectacular and Fireman's Carnival at Harbor Island Park, and Red, White, and Boom at Legoland New York, which features all-day entertainment and a unique fireworks extravaganza in which the fireworks transform into Lego bricks. 

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.

Summertime means beach season, and while there are lots of beaches near and even in NYC, some are more family-friendly than others. After packing up your gear and schlepping the kids by car, train, bus, or ferry, the last thing you want to find out is that your chosen beach has no bathroom, or bathing suits are optional. Skip the guesswork with our roundup of eight easy-to-reach beaches near NYC for families, including detailed info on attractions, food, bathrooms, and hidden costs. Most are within 2 hours of Manhattan by car and are easily accessible via public transportation, so you can plot a great daycation for your family.

Find more beach fun in our Beaches, Pools, and Water Playgrounds Guide, or check out these summer day trip ideas.

Nothing says Independence Day like watching the Washington, DC 4th of July fireworks light up the night sky above the iconic memorials and monuments. It's a sight many families are eager to see, 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 2025.

Read on for the best places to watch the DC 4th of July fireworks in 2025. If your family can't get enough fireworks, scroll down for more fireworks shows in Maryland and Northern Virginia in late June and on July 4.

For even more fun summer activities throughout the DMV, check out our Ultimate DC Kids Summer Vacation Guide. Happy 4th of July!

Few experiences can ignite a child's imagination like soaring through the sky. For kids interested in aviation, the Young Eagles Program offers an incredible—and completely FREE—opportunity to introduce kids to the thrill of flight. My son has taken part in a few Young Eagles flights, and every time he touches down, he’s buzzing with excitement (and not just from the engine).

Whether your child dreams of being a pilot or just wants a cool new story to tell, Young Eagles provides an unforgettable experience. Almost 30,000 of today’s licensed pilots under the age of 40 can trace their aviation interest to an initial EAA Young Eagles flight. It's more than just a plane ride—it's an inspiring introduction to aviation for youth.

Read on to learn all about free flights for kids through the Young Eagles Program and how you can find and register for one near you. Find more free fun in our Guide to Free Activities, Events, Classes, and Camps for Kids. 

Flanked by family-friendly Carroll Gardens and Park Slope, the awesome neighborhood of Red Hook is teeming with things to do with kids, including epic views, historic buildings, family restaurants, waterside parks, an Olympic-size outdoor pool, a mini-golf course, and FREE kayaking.

Earning its name in the 17th century due to its crooked shape and ruddy landscape, the neighborhood has come a long way since its days as a hangout for infamous gangster Al Capone. It is bordered by the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway to the east, and water to the west, north, and south.

A lack of easy public transportation means this waterfront gem maintains its refreshingly quiet vibe. Although it's not easily accessible by subway, the ferry, bus, and Citi Bike via the Brooklyn Greenway are all great ways to get here. Read on for our list of the 28 best things to do in Red Hook with kids, and happy exploring!

The Van Gogh’s Flowers exhibition is now open at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx through October 26. This family-friendly exhibit features large-scale sculptures, 3D floral still lifes, and a dazzling drone show that’ll wow all ages.

An immersive new exhibit inspired by some of the world’s most iconic works of art is a whole new reason to visit the New York Botanical Garden. With its bright and colorful displays, countless photo ops, interactive features and kids’ activities, Van Gogh’s Flowers at NYBG is a must-see that makes a great family day out for all ages.

After visiting on opening weekend, I’m sharing the inside scoop on why it’s fun for kids, plus answers to the most asked questions, ticket details, and tips, like don’t miss the one-of-a-kind nighttime experience that includes a drone show finale that brings “The Starry Night” to life in the most memorable way imaginable.

Just 15 minutes away from downtown Dallas lies an oasis that’s perfect for a day in the sun or a family-staycation. Omni Las Colinas recently kicked off its summer programming with live music Fridays and a DJ on Saturdays. Plus, the popular Tiki Social pop-up bar and grill will be serving custom-crafted cocktails and an island-themed menu perfect for a poolside adventure.

You'll hear them before you see them: the tell-tale squawks of the monk parakeets that make their home in NYC. These exotic birds are every bit the New Yorker, making their homes in the trees in local neighborhoods around Brooklyn and chattering energetically among themselves. Parrot-watching is a delightful hidden gem activity in Brooklyn, and one that many families might not realize they can do. Keeping an eye (and an ear) out for these silly birds in the quiet Brooklyn neighborhood of Bensonhurst is a great, kid-friendly activity on a sunny day!