Your 2025 Guide to Free Summer Fireworks in NYC

The New York Philharmonic puts on a brilliant show with a sparkling grand finale in four of NYC's five boroughs. Photo by Chris Lee

When it comes to 2025 summer fireworks shows in NYC, there's no denying Macy's 4th of July fireworks are the main event in New York City. But that's certainly not the only bang-up display in town this season. While some of the summer fireworks shows in NYC honor our nation's birthday, others just celebrate summer in the city and take place everywhere from ballparks to city parks.

Read on for all the free summer fireworks shows in New York City this season and find more fun things to do in our Ultimate NYC Kids' Guide to Summer.

Summer of Savings 2025: Save Money on Kids Activities and Travel This Summer with Mommy Poppins

Find the best free and cheap activities in your city this summer with Mommy Poppins.

I know I’m not the only one stressing about the cost of everything this summer. I’m Meghan, the Mommy Poppins Managing Editor and a parent of twins, so I know how expensive summer can get with camps, outings, vacations, childcare, and more. That’s why I charged our team of amazing parents here at Mommy Poppins to create what I’m calling our “Summer of Savings!”

In a world of AI articles and chatbots, Mommy Poppins is nothing but real moms and dads who are out there every day, checking out the inside scoop on all the stuff to do with our own families and figuring out how to solve the parenting problems we’re facing ourselves. We live across the country and our kids run a huge range of ages and interests. And we've been out there, scouring the country for fun things to do in our regions and on vacations that our kids will adore and that won't cost a fortune.

The end results are our awesome local Summer Guides where, in addition to thousands of ideas for fun (mostly FREE and budget-friendly) things to do with kids this summer, we've also reached out to some of our favorite local businesses to ask them for exclusive deals, discounts, and savings for you.  

Read on for the scoop...

Little Rock with Kids: 25 Things to Do in Little Rock, Arkansas

Kids will have the time of their lives on the giant slide at Riverfront Park.

Little Rock, Arkansas is a city with a robust political history, a mild climate, and tons of things for families to do—especially those who enjoy time outdoors. Just under two hours west of Memphis, Tennessee, Little Rock is the state's capital and its most populous city.

Set on the banks of the Arkansas River, Little Rock has a way of feeling like a big city and a small southern community all at the same time. This area may be home to a US president, yet the city still seems quaint and unintimidating. Little Rock boasts top-notch museums, world-class hiking, and great restaurants, making it an ideal travel destination for families.

Read on for our top 25 things to do with kids in Little Rock, Arkansas, including where to eat and where to stay while in town. Check out our Southern States Vacation Guide for more fun cities to visit in the South!

School Calendars 2025-2026: Start & End Dates for San Francisco and Bay Area Schools

Here's when school is in session in San Francisco and the Bay Area for the 2025-26 school yearr.

It's not too soon to start thinking about next year! School calendars for the largest school districts in Los Angeles County for the 2025-2026 school year are below, and you'll want to bookmark the page now for reference—especially when planning family vacations and booking summer camps. Follow the links for each district below for details on school holidays and semester breaks and to stay up-to-date on any last-minute changes from your local district.

Camp Under the Stars in NYC Parks for Free! NYC Families, Don't Miss Out!

Urban Park Rangers bring tents—and pitch them—for FREE family campouts in NYC parks. Photo courtesy of NYC Parks

Contrary to what you might think, you don't need to invest in expensive equipment or even leave New York City to pitch a tent and go camping. The Urban Park Rangers offer FREE overnight family camping in city parks at select times and locations throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Bonus: They bring almost everything you need for a night spent under the stars, including the tent.

The program has opened registration for its annual sleepovers, and we've got all the details on how to snag a spot to one of these cool camping trips. If you're more of a savvy DIYer, consider planning a family getaway to one of these campsites near NYC with extra family-friendly perks.

Donuts, Dads, and More Holidays & Activities for June 2025

Take the kids fishing for Fishing Day. Or you can play "Go Fish." Photo by Meghan Rose for Mommy Poppins

June is for Dads, Grads, and summer fun. And that's not all, there's National Donut Day, Donald Duck Day, Dancing Day, and even some celebrations that don't start with the letter D! As we kick off summer with all these activities, June is a month where you’ll never be searching for activities, things to do, and fun things to celebrate with kids!

Check this list, and you’ll find the perfect thing to do with your kids each and every day. Be sure to check our local summer guides for more ideas to keep you busy in June and all summer long.

Our Epic 2025 Summer Bucket List of Things To Do in the Hudson Valley with Kids

Awosting Falls in Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a lovely hike to a beautiful waterfall. Photo by Lisa Warden

Every season in the Hudson Valley brings its own unique charms and a catalog of family-friendly fun. But summer in our region brings a bonanza of things to do that you are certain to enjoy just as much as your kids.

From stunning outdoor hikes and swimming spots to super-fun indoor activities, there's something for every mood and every family.

For even more ideas, check out our Summer Fun Guide, which includes our story on must-do summer activities in Westchester. 

Embark on a Long Island Doughnut Crawl with Kids at these Sweet Spots

Donuts4Days in Islip serves up sweet treats that are also Instagram-worthy. Photo courtesy of the shop

Doughnuts are a favorite treat for Long Island families in any season. These mouthwatering desserts have been elevated with unique recipes, sugary combinations, and fruit explosions to delight any kid's wildest treat cravings. 

We've rounded up a list of the best doughnut shops and bakeries in Long Island offering classic favorites, breakfast cereal doughnuts, candy-stacked doughy treats, fruit-filled and cream-packed ones, as well as savory options. Many spots offer gluten-free doughnuts and vegan options, while some have sugar-free combos. My kids never turn down a dessert adventure! 

Read ahead for our top picks to start your Long Island doughnut crawl with the kids. For even more culinary and dessert adventures, check out our Guide to Long Island's best Family-Friendly Restaurants, which includes our story on LI's old-fashioned ice cream parlors.

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