Fireworks just aren't for everyone. For little kids especially, the loud noises and flashing lights in the sky can be overwhelming and a little scary. If that's the case in your family, the Fourth of July might be a bit of a challenge in New York City.

But no worries: You don't have to line up midday to stand in a crush of strangers and then wait for nightfall to watch the sky explode in order to enjoy this holiday in NYC. We've got a cool dozen ideas to help you navigate the birth of our nation, gunpowder-free!

Of course, you can also always turn to our July GoList, our compendium of 100 Free Things to do with NYC Kids This Summer, and our bulging calendar for more ideas. Happy 4th!

If you and your children adore trampolines and bounce houses, this family-friendly 5k will be right up your alley: Get "pumped up" to grab your running shoes and your most breathable clothing, because the Insane Inflatable 5K is coming your way.

Touring the country this summer and fall—including stops in Chicago, the Hudson Valley, the Poconos, and Houston—this unique fun-run features giant inflatables which form an enormous obstacle course. Inflatable fun that parents and kids can enjoy together? Count us in! 

If science and technology are to continue to develop, the world would seem to need innovative minds that keep dreaming and creating. STEM and STEAM programs emphasize science, technology, engineering, art, and math to develop the brains of the future, our Long Island kids.

More schools, camps, and museums across Long Island are offering classes and workshops with a focus on STEM education. Check out some of our favorite programs below. You can also find free coding for kids websites and apps.

Little engineers, rejoice. 

Hoping to get your child more comfortable in the swimming pool? You’re in luck: there are lots of swim class options for Westchester kids, from babies through teenagers. With classes focusing on everything from basic swimming skills and safety to mastering specific strokes, there’s something for every level of swimmer. Choose from group lessons, private lessons, or even lessons in your home pool.

Ready to dive in? We've rounded up a list of swim schools to get you started.

For more ideas, check out our Classes Guide for a full rundown of classes available in the area. Or sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know!

Few things excite the imagination of youngsters the way dinosaurs do. When I was in second grade, I would devour every ounce of information I could find about dinosaurs. Let me tell you, Pre-Google, this was no easy task! Once upon a time, Dinosaurs roamed the land that we now call Hartford County. Fortunately for us, a little piece of this pre-history has been preserved in The Dinosaur State Park. Now that my daughter has her own questions about dinosaurs, I decided to step away from the screens, and head out to the park where we could get up close and personal to this  pre-historic slice of our past.

What's hot aside from the weather this month? Summer festivals, fairs, and carnivals, and more are all cooking in Connecticut. Our July GoList highlights the best things to do with kids throughout the month including Shakespeare, parades, and space-themed mini golf. Kids will love listening to music and maritime lore at Sailfest in New London, noshing at a food truck festival in Hartford, and plucking pie ingredients at Blueberry Fest in Middlefield. Of course, Fourth of July fireworks shows belong on your don't miss list, too.

Craving more? Check out our Summer Fun Guide as well as updates on our Facebook and Instagram page. If there's ever a month to max out on family fun, July is it!

Universal Studios Hollywood brings the magic of the movies—plus the magic of Harry Potter—to life. But you may feel like you need a little magic of your own to navigate the park without collapsing from exhaustion. There’s a lot to see and do, especially when visiting the park with kids. Of all the LA-area theme parks, Universal Studios is the one where the rides and activities are easier to separate into what is appropriate for which age group. This makes a game plan easy when visiting with a gaggle of kids who are all the same age, but trickier for family visits with kids of multiple ages. But we’ve got you covered.

Also, Universal is a big park, as your calf muscles will no doubt remind you the day after your visit. While parks like Knott's or SeaWorld can be approached with a devil-may-care, keep-your-stinkin'-map sort of spontaneity, Universal's Jurassic size is better served by a plan. Consider including these ten tips when you form yours.

Summer fun is in full swing for families in Westchester and the Hudson Valley! Our July GoList features all the best events happening in July, including the colorful Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival and a high-end Jazz Festival developed in partnership with Jazz at Lincoln Center.

The month kicks off with a slew of 4th of July fireworks and also features scads of FREE outdoor concerts and movie screenings, plus various summer festivals.

Notably, July 20 marks the 50^th anniversary of the first moon landing. Various venues are commemorating the occasion, including Westchester libraries, which are putting their own spin on ways to provide out-of-this-world fun. July also marks Harry Potter’s fictitious birthday, and various Potter birthday celebrations are planned.

Now get your calendars ready and read on for our top picks for July. And there’s plenty more where that came from in our Event Calendar (updated frequently!) and weekly newsletters.