Wow, it’s hard to believe that July begins this week! Celebrate our country’s 240th birthday with some of our festive event picks. We have pinpointed some scintillating, super-duper happenings for families, including an end-of-school bash, a super-cool, immersive “Ghostbusters” experience, and three truly Fourth-centric celebrations (heads up all you “Hamilton” fans!) Happy Independence Day!
Thursday, June 30
School’s Out Celebration
Luna Park Coney Island
12pm-11pm
Celebrate the end of the school year and the arrival of summer during the School’s Out Celebration at Luna Park on Coney Island! Students in Kindergarten through college can bring their report cards to the park and earn free ride credits for good grades. There will also be a free concert (2:30pm-5pm) with live music from Grace, AJR, and CNCO. Free with park admission.
Opening Friday, July 1
Ghostbusters Experience at Madame Tussaud’s
Madame Tussaud’s
9am-11pm
Celebrate this summer’s “Ghostbusters” movie reboot with Madame Tussaud’s immersive Ghostbusters Experience! Visitors will become spirit hunters as they navigate the eerie NYC subway tracks, a haunted mansion, Ghostbusters headquarters, and more. During the Dimension experience, which combines virtual reality with interactive effects, you can blast your way through a ghost-infested apartment complex with your own proton pack and gun. Experience is included with general admission ($29.75); Dimension tickets from $49.75
Sunday, July 3-Monday, July 4
Festival of Independence
South Street Seaport
1pm
Stop by the South Street Seaport for a fantastic two-day free event that parents and kids will love. There will be live music, featuring Wild Nothing and Porches on July 3, and Melo-X and Phony PPL on July 4. Also on July 4, there will be a ton of kids’ music, by bands such as Tim and the Space Cadets as well as a performance by Clifford the Big Red Dog and Friends, as well as the Marcus Monroe Juggling Show. Afterwards, watch the fireworks from the Seaport, which offers a great view of the river. This event is free.
Monday, July 4
Celebrate Fourth of July with Alexander Hamilton
New-York Historical Society
10am-6pm
If you and your kids have been rocking to “My Shot” and “The Battle of Yorktown,” from the hit Broadway musical “Hamilton,” then check out this all-day event at the New-York Historical Society. A full day of activities will be dedicated to the life of the first Secretary of the Treasury, from his experience as an aide to George Washington during the Revolutionary War, to the fatal duel with Aaron Burr. There will be arts and crafts, family tours, an “Alexander Hamilton” meet & greet, songs and stories with the Hudson River Ramblers, and much more. The day will conclude with a giant Hamilton quiz so bring your thinking caps to win some prizes! Free with museum admission.
Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks
The Hudson River (from Midtown to Lower Manhattan)
8pm
Independence Day wouldn’t be complete without a fireworks show, and Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks is arguably one of the best in the nation. This year for its 40th anniversary, more than 40,000 fireworks will be synchronized to a score of classic and new patriotic songs. This year’s performers include Meghan Trainor, Kenny Chesney, 5 Seconds of Summer and others. Please arrive early to ensure a good view. Younger children may benefit from earplugs due to the noise level. For the best places to view the fireworks, please click here. This event is free.
