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.
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!
