Best Family-Friendly Street Fairs and Summer Festivals in NYC July 2025

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Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Nueva York leads a celebration of Mexican culture in Socrates Sculpture Park during Guelaguetza. Photo by Bob Krasner

We're entering peak season for the family-friendly festivals that pop up all over NYC all summer long. Our list of fun summer festivals for kids in July 2025 includes annual favorites like City of Water Day and the blocks-long Bastille Day, plus little-kid picks like Sprinkler Day at Asphalt Green.

From Riveride Park's Goatham to MoMath's Math Fest and the Poetry Festival on Governors Island, there's no shortage of extraordinary festivities for NYC families in July.

4th of July Weekend in New Jersey: Fireworks, Festivals, and More Things To Do with Kids

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Celebrate Independence Day at Jenkinson's Boarwalk with a spectacular fireworks show on the beach. Photo courtesy Jenkinson’s Boardwalk

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

The long-awaited 4th of July weekend blasts off with fireworks and festivities throughout the state, including food, fun and fireworks at the annual Oceanfest spectacular in Long Branch and Bergen County's Star-Spangled Spectacular.

Kick off July with fun and games all week at Perth Amboy PAL 3rd Annual Carnival.

Best Water Ice Near Philly: Frozen Treats from "Wooder Ice" to Italian Ice

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Treat yourself at John's, a South Philly staple. Photo by D. Knoll/Visit Philadelphia

"Wooder ice! Get your wooder ice!" Philadelphians certainly have their fair share of lingo and accents, but whether you (youse?) pronounce it “wooder” or go with the old faithful “water ice,” get yourself to one of these Philly-based water ice destinations while the warm weeks are still upon us. Many locations on our list had their start in humble beginnings, only now to be recognized as some of the area’s best. With classic and unique flavors, real fruit, and to-go bins, everyone is sure to find something yummy. More of an ice cream lover? Many of the spots listed carry ice cream and soft serve, as well. Plus, check out our list of Philly's best ice cream spots!

For more ways to stay cool this summer, check out our Summer Activity Guide.

Best Ice Cream Spots in Orlando for Kids

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Enjoy 20 flavors at Sweet and Sassy Place, including fresh lemon.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Did you know that July is National Ice Cream Month?! In honor of this, we've put together a list of the best ice cream in Orlando for kids. Whether you want traditional ice cream, soft serve, gelato, or unique options like rolled ice cream or bubble waffles, we've got you covered. Even if you are reading this outside summer months, there's always time to enjoy ice cream year-round, especially in Florida!

Free Activities in July: 81 Best Things To Do with Kids in NYC

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Slip and slide your way to smiles during Asphalt Green's Sprinkler Day. Photo courtesy of Asphalt Green

July is hot, but it's packed with cool free things to do in NYC for families, from Macy's 4th of July fireworks to City of Water Day and the BAAND Together Dance Fest. We've got all the details on free summer concerts, including the rooftop series at Pier 57, and fab fests, including the West Side Fest, Bastille Day, and Sprinkler Day!

Read on for more than 80 fun, free things to do in NYC this July, and find more fun this month in our Ultimate NYC Kids' Summer Fun Guide.

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

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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, which boasts six nights of fireworks in a row, Head to FREE 4th of July events in Decatur, Marietta, Dunwoody, and more! Find a complete list of all the awesome July 4th parades and events at Where to See 4th of July Fireworks in Atlanta 2025!

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! This year they are bringing back fireworks on July 3, 2025 at 9:15pm as part of a huge pre-race celebration. Read on for more fun weekend events in Atlanta! 

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks in NYC in 2025: Get All the Details on the East River Display

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Macy's 4th of July fireworks brings four barges to the East River surrounding the South Street Seaport in 2025. Photo courtesy of NYC Tourism & Conventions

Macy's 4th of July fireworks show is set to blast off from the Brooklyn Bridge and four barges nearby in 2025. An annual unforgettable highlight of the summer, on Friday, July 4, 2025, the Macy's 4th of July fireworks explode in the 49th edition of this incredible Independence Day celebration. More than 60,000 shells are set to light up the night sky.

Spectators should be able to see Macy's 4th of July fireworks from many neighborhoods along the waterfront in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. New this year: a city-sponsored lottery doles out FREE tickets to public viewing areas. Looking for more FREE summer fireworks displays in NYC? Check out our roundup of where to see fireworks all summer long here, and bookmark our Ultimate NYC Kids Summer Vacation Guide for all our top seasonal picks.

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

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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 Drone Show 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 weekend long on the Fourth of July, including county fairs, chalk fun, a rodeo, and so much more! 

Please be aware that Northern California fireworks shows are being canceled due to the Esparto warehouse fire. Our hearts go out to the families affected by the devastating fire. Please check the official city websites for updates on whether fireworks shows in San Francisco and the Bay Area are continuing as planned. 

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