Fourth Of July Fun

The Fourth of July is a day to celebrate America’s birthday and bring the family together for some summer fun. Looking for things to do on this patriotic holiday? Don’t worry, we got you covered. Celebrate the day with family-friendly events that include sailing on the seas, exploring museums, watching hot dog eating contests, heading down to the beach, and, of course, seeing the fireworks light up the New York skyline.

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Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks

The July 4th Harlem Children’s Parade
10am Yoga for Kids from Land Yoga; 10:45am Parade Line-Up
Free
All Ages
Head to Harlem for the 20th Annual July 4th Harlem Children’s Parade! Kick off the morning with yoga for kids with Land Yoga, and enjoy  fire truck rides and getting sprayed by the trucks after the parade, which starts at Morningside Drive and 115th Street. Prizes will be awarded for the best bike and scooter decorations. harlemparade.com

Fourth of July Celebration at the New-York Historical Society
10am-6pm
Free for kids 18 and under
All ages
What better way to celebrate American history than at the New-York Historical Society? The DiMenna Children’s History Museum presents an interactive event where kids will enjoy exploring for artifacts from the American Revolution in a scavenger hunt, watching the story of “Yankee Doodle” come alive with the performances by the Hudson River Ramblers, and tasting some delicious churned ice-cream. Free for ages 18 and under. nyhistory.org

Revolutionary New York Walking Tour
11am & 2pm
$20 for adults, $15 for students
See history come alive as you walk through the New York sites that played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. In the walking tour, see the grave of Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton, the site where President George Washington delivered his inaugural address, and where the Declaration of Independence was first read to a New York audience. The tour takes approximately two hours. bigonion.com

Nathan’s Fourth of July Hot Dog-Eating Contest
11am-1pm
All Ages
Free
Cheer on the contestants as they chow down on hot dogs and race against the clock at Nathan’s Famous’ annual hot dog eating contest,  a tradition since 1916. More than 35,000 people are expected to attend the annual Nathan’s Fourth of July Hot Dog-Eating Contest in Coney Island from 11 am to 1 pm. The world record for the number of hot dogs consumed in 10 minutes is 69 hot dogs!  majorleagueeating.com

Independence Day in Prospect Park
12pm-5pm
Free
All Ages
Join the Prospect Alliance for an Independence Day celebration! Head to the Audubon Center to learn about how the bald eagle came to symbolize American independence through fun activities and crafts, and stop by the Lefferts Historic House starting at 2pm to make your own plumed hat and leave your “John Hancock” on a Declaration of Independence reproduction. prospectpark.org

Festival of Independence at South Street Seaport
1pm until the Macy’s Fireworks at 9:20pm
All Ages
Free
Celebrate the Fourth at one of early America’s most significant historic districts–the South Street Seaport! Check out live music (including performances from kid-friendly bands such as Hot Peas ‘N Butter) on three stages: one on Fulton Street, one on Peck Slip, and the third at the Fulton Stall Market. Plus, check out historic vessels at the Festival of Tall Ships,  enjoy great food, drinks, and of course, fireworks! southstreetseaport.com

Independence Day Family Fireworks Cruise Aboard the Audubon Yacht
6:30-11:30pm
Tickets start at $169
Come aboard the Audubon Yacht for a memorable night at the seas. Enjoy a full buffet and dance to a live DJ, as the ship tours the iconic American landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Governor’s Island, Ellis Island, and more. When the sky grows dark, watch the Macy’s fireworks from one of the best views that night in New York – without the hassle of trying to find a good seat at one of the many city parks. Board time at 6:30 pm and will return at 11:30 pm.  ticketmob.com

Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks
Light show starts at 9pm
Free
All ages
Make your way to the Brooklyn Bridge Park to see Macy’s annual spectacular pyrotechnics display. Hear live performances by Gloria Estefan, who will debut her song “America,” award-winning artists Rodney Atkins and CeCe Winans, and  the United States Air Force social.macys.com

Fireworks at Coney Island
9:30pm
Free
All ages
After watching the hot dog eating contest, enjoy a multitude of other activities on Coney Island. Make a splash at the beach or ride some some rollercoasters at Lunar Park before the annual firework show begins at 9:30pm. coneyisland.com

For a list of more fireworks displays around the city, check out nyc.gov!

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Young Actors at Strasberg

<p>Young Actors at Strasberg offers a comprehensive array of acting programs for students in grades 2 – 12. Classes provide kids and teens with a foundation in Lee Strasberg's Method Acting and the tools to succeed in the professional industry – all while maintaining a fun and playful environment. Programs are tailored to encompass students at all levels, from those just beginning their acting journey to Broadway veterans and professional child actors. Young Actors at Strasberg alumni include Lady Gaga, Sophia Lillis, Angelina Jolie, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Rosario Dawson!</p> <p>Young Actors Programs are available online and in-person at our New York Campus, located in Union Square. Saturday, After-School and Online classes are offered during the traditional school year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and Monday through Friday day camps and intensives are held in July and August.</p> <p><strong>About The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute:</strong></p> <p>Founded in 1969 by Lee and Anna Strasberg, The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute is the only school that teaches Lee Strasberg's work in its complete and authentic form. The Institute's goal is to provide students with a craft that will help them create a reality and respond truthfully in imaginary circumstances, regardless of the style or form of material being used. LSTFI is proud to have award-winning alumni from around the world working as writers, directors, and actors in all mediums.</p>

Color Me Mine

<p>Color Me Mine Upper West Side proudly stands as a minority woman-owned studio, and we've been an integral part of the Color Me Mine franchise system since 2018! Pottery painting isn't just an activity; it's a captivating and inclusive experience that transcends age and skill levels.</p> <p>At Color Me Mine Upper West Side, we extend a warm invitation to dive into a realm of creativity, self-expression, and connection. Families, friends and teams grow stronger bonds when they create memories together, and at Color Me Mine, we're here to help facilitate those moments.</p> <p>Whether you're seeking a delightful family outing, a unique date night, or a solo adventure, our paint-your-own-pottery studio offers boundless possibilities. Step into our welcoming space in the heart of Lincoln Center and unleash your inner artist. Create unforgettable memories as you craft beautiful ceramic masterpieces to cherish for many years to come.</p> <p>Color Me Mine Upper West Side is also the preferred venue for celebrations of all kinds. Whether you're planning a birthday party, a baby or bridal shower, a team-building event, a gathering for college groups, an enriching field trip, or an adventure with scouts, we've got you covered. Our versatile space and passionate team provides the perfect setting for creating unforgettable memories and fostering creativity in every guest.</p> <p>Join us at Color Me Mine Upper West Side, at 177 Amsterdam Avenue in New York City where every visit promises a fun journey of color, joy, and artistic exploration!</p>

Speakitaly NYC

<p>SPEAKITALY NYC offers stimulating and entertaining lessons for children 0 to 16 years through a wide combination of activities based on the communicative approach anchored in the Common European Framework of Reference: active learning (group work, role plays, etc.) and practice exercises aimed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Kids will start speaking and using Italian in a very natural way.  Small classes capped at 6 students to make sure each one gets the needed attention and facilitate learners' progress. </p> <p>Our method is driven by a didactic method that is the result of constant updates, professional certifications and more than 10 years of experience in working with non-native speakers from different native languages and levels of knowledge.</p> <p>Our aim is to develop a range of Italian language skills while improving accuracy that will enable the students and participants to interact without stress or feeling rushed. We want to help those in the community really embrace not only the true culture in Italy but the Italian culture within New York City… Who doesn’t love what Italy represents in the kitchen, in history & in the arts?</p> <p>Speakitaly wants to support multilingual families who want to learn a new language or pass along their ancestor’s heritage and culture. Raffaella, the founder said: "We see language awareness and intercultural sensitivity as the milestones for an inclusive society. Italian, like all other languages, is an enrichment and a growth in every way. Vi aspettiamo!"</p>