4th of July Weekend in San Francisco: Fireworks, Festivals, and More Things to Do with Kids

Celebrate at the Half Moon Bay Ol' Fashioned 4th of July Parade & Block Party. Photo by Igor Porton for Miramar Events.

4th of July weekend in San Francisco and the Bay Area is alight with fireworks, fun runs, parades, and more family-friendly events. 

Independence Day weekend is here, and this year it's a super long one! So we've packed our weekend roundup with things to do: Spend the 4th of July at Great America's 4th of July Celebration in Santa Clara for rides, water slides, BBQ, and fireworks. Run off the BBQ and flag cake at the Firecracker Run in Santa Cruz. And the Bay Area's ever-popular 4th of July Parade and Fireworks takes place in Redwood City, where you can have festive family fun without spending a dime. 

Before the rockets' red glare and fireworks blast off, celebrate Independence Day with the best 4th of July activities for kids, including crafts, games, and flag cake.

Read on for our picks for the best things to do all Fourth of July weekend long, including county fairs, chalk fun, a rodeo, and so much more! 

4th of July Weekend in Atlanta: Fireworks, Parades, and More Things to Do with Kids

Stone Mountain Park lights up the sky every night during its Fantastic Fourth Celebration, July 1-7. Photo courtesy of Stone Mountain Park

Looking for the best things to do in Atlanta this 4th of July weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend! 

Kick off the first weekend in July with Independence Day festivities at Atlanta attractions like Fantastic Fourth at Stone Mountain Park (a fireworks spectacle following the new laser light show) and Six Flags Over Georgia. Head to FREE 4th of July events like Decatur's Pied Piper Parade, Concert, and Fireworks and Marietta's 4th in the Park Celebration. Find a complete list of all the awesome July 4th parades and events at Where to See 4th of July Fireworks in Atlanta 2024!

And of course, it wouldn't be Fourth of July in Atlanta without the annual AJC Peachtree Road Race, the biggest 10K in the world! Cheer on the runners and experience the citywide holiday tradition.

Soho's Museum of Ice Cream is a Sweet Outing for the Whole Family

Unlimited treats await during a visit to the Museum of Ice Cream in Soho.

Located in the heart of Soho, the Museum of Ice Cream is an immersive space offering interactive fun for kids of all ages, including a giant twisty slide, themed exhibits, a sprinkle pit, and, of course, all-you-can-eat ice cream! A hands-on, Instagram-ready experience, the Museum of Ice Cream is one of our favorite immersive museums in NYC for kids.

Read on for the full scoop on everything you need to know about visiting the Museum of Ice Cream with kids.

7 Fun Boat Rides in Boston for Kids and Families

The Adirondack III sails past Boston's Inner Harbor Islands. Photo by Classic Harbor Line

With summer in full swing and Boston Harbor within reach, what better way to spend quality family time than with a boat ride on the open seas?

Our city has a deep and exciting nautical history, and kids really enjoy a venture offshore. Boston Harbor has whale watch trips, speedboats, schooners, and even a ship shaped like a duck—enough seafaring options to satisfy every member of the family. 

For more fun on the water this summer, check out these Boston-area beaches and swimming lakes and ponds.

Family-Friendly Breweries and Beer Gardens on Long Island

Catch an epic sunset at Blue Point Brewing Company. Photo by Jessica Hill

Visiting Long Island breweries can be a great way to enjoy a casual meal and some outdoor fun. Here are a few family-friendly beer gardens and breweries across the island where you can relax with a drink while the kids have a good time. 

Parents can wind down without having to find a babysitter, and kids can have fun in an exciting, new atmosphere. At these charming establishments, parents can enjoy a regular beer offering or a seasonal specialty. 

If wine is your drink of choice, however, don't miss our guide to kid-friendly wineries on the East End, and visit our Restaurant Guide for Long Island Families for even more picks.

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