Independence Day Events For Families In and Near NYC

Independence Day Events For Families In and Near NYC
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Independence Day Events For Families In and Near NYC

Independence Day is not too far away – which means time to plan how you and the family will be celebrating!

This is a busy time, our curated guide is here for you when you aren’t getting ready for a family BBQ, just head over to any of these fun Independence Day activities and events happening to celebrate July 4th.

Psst…Summer Break in NYC with Kids (The What to Do Now that School is Out Guide 2024)

Click on your region to jump to events near you!

Manhattan

Celebrate Independence Day at Castle Clinton

Castle Clinton National Monument, Battery Park City

Thursday, July 4, 10 am

All ages

Free

 

Join Park Rangers and the Veteran Corp of Artillery for a special flag-raising ceremony where the Star-Spangled Banner will be over Castle Clinton in full military regalia. After the program, Ranger-led tours of Castle Clinton will be offered throughout the day.

 

Fourth of July Celebration

Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street, Upper West Side

Thursday, July 4, 10 am – 5 pm

Ages 8 and under

$16.75

 

Celebrate Independence Day with a day filled with interactive and hands on art activities to honor this special day.

 

Independence Day Celebration

New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side

Thursday, July 4, 11 am – 5 pm

All Ages

Included with admission: $14-$24; free admission for ages 17 and younger.

Celebrate Independence Day at the New-York Historical Society with humble street food and posh ice cream flavors that would have been familiar to New Yorkers of 1776! Meet historical interpreters to learn the fascinating stories of vendors who sold their wares in the streets and chef Hercules Posey, an enslaved cook of George Washington who self-emancipated in 1796. After sampling foods of the Revolutionary Era, continue making family memories together with games, crafts, a dress-up photo booth, and more!

 

48th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, Along the East River, East Side

Thursday, July 4, 9 pm

All Ages

Free

This iconic fireworks display brings you unforgettable stars, larger-than-life pyrotechnics, and a salute to the American spirit! See the website for exact viewing areas.

 

Caregiver & Me Cooking Class: Star Spangled Cupcakes

Taste Buds Kitchen, 109 W 27th St 10th Floor, Chelsea

Saturday, July 6, 9 – 10 am

Ages 2-8

$59 per adult/child

Team up with your kiddo to make and decorate patriotic pastry!

Bronx

Independence Day Crafts

Baychester Library, 2049 Asch Loop, Coop City

Wednesday, July 3, 2:30 – 3:30 pm

Ages 5 – 12

Free

Celebrate the 4th of July holiday with a few patriotic crafts- USA shaped sand art bottles and Uncle Sam hats.

 

Fireworks Night with the Yankees

Yankee Stadium, 1 E 161 St., Mott Haven

Wednesday, July 3, 7:05 pm

All Ages

Ticket Prices start at $20

See the Yankees take on the Cincinnati Reds and enjoy a spectacular fireworks display.

Brooklyn

117th Annual Brooklyn Independence Day Parade

The parade begins at 59 Street between 5th Ave. and 6 Ave., Bay Ridge

Sunday, June 30, 11:30 am

All Ages

Free

Celebrate the diversity of the people of Brooklyn and that of the people of the United States of America by uniting as members of one extended family, under the flag, and in accordance with the virtues of patriotism. The day begins with mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Lower Church) with the presentation of honors to immediately follow. 

 

Fourth of July Craft: Create a Flag Puzzle

Kings Highway Library, 2115 Ocean Ave., Sheepshead Bay

Tuesday, July 2, 3:30 – 4:30 pm

Ages: 5 – 12

Free

Advanced registration required

Join the library for a fun and creative craft that will honor Independence Day. With a blank, pre-cut jigsaw puzzle, paint, and foil stars, kids can design their own unique puzzle of an American flag–or their personal interpretation of an American flag! 

 

Brooklyn Cyclones Fireworks

Maimonides Park, 1904 Surf Ave., Coney Island

Wednesday, July 3, 7 pm

All Ages

Ticket Prices start at $25

The Cyclones will take the field as the Coney Island Franks to get ready to celebrate Independence Day in the Hot Dog Capital of the World. The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive a Joey Chestnut – Hot Dog King of Coney Island Bobblehead.  Plus, post-game fireworks!

 

Fourth of July Fireworks

Coney Island beach at West 16th St., Coney Island

Thursday, July 4, 10 pm

All Ages

Free

Bring your family and friends down to the beach and watch a special 4th of July fireworks show along the beautiful sea horizon!

Queens

Independence Day Celebration 2024 at Fort Totten Park

Bayside Historical Society, 208 Totten Avenue, Fort Totten, Bayside

Wednesday, June 26, 6 – 9:30 pm

All Ages

Free

Bayside Historical Society is hosting the 7th Annual Independence Day Celebration with a free concert and fireworks display by Grucci in Fort Totten Park. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics for an evening of community fun! Vending trucks will be on site with a wide variety of delicious foods, snacks, and beverages. 

 

40th Annual Independence Day Celebration

Astoria Park Great Lawn, 19th street & 23rd Avenue, Astoria

Thursday, June 27, 7 – 9:30 pm

All ages

Free

Be there for the 40th Annual Independence Day Celebration at Astoria Park brought to you by Central Astoria LDC. Groove to the tunes of The Jazz and Swing Band Fleur Seule and be amazed by Grucci’s fireworks display.

 

Independence Day Craft

Mitchell-Linden Library, 31-32 Union Street, Flushing

Wednesday, July 3, 3 – 4 pm

Ages 6-11

Free

Kids and their caregivers are invited to enjoy working on an Independence Day-themed craft! 

 

Hands-on History: Powder Horn Project

King Manor Museum, 150-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica

Saturday, July 20, 1 – 4 pm

All ages

Free

On July 4th, 1776, the Continental Congress of the American colonies declared independence from Great Britain, signaling the beginning of the American Revolutionary War! Young men, along with Rufus King, joined the fight and became patriots! Rufus fought from 1777 to 1780 in Rhode Island. Soldiers like him would have carried their own powder horns and muskets for battle. They decorated their horns, made from ox or cow horns, with symbols and words of battle and freedom. Stop by and make your own paper powder horn and celebrate America’s independence!

 

Staten Island

4th of July Block Party at Empire Outlets
Thursday, July 4, 3 – 9 pm
Empire Outlets, 55 Richmond Terr., St. George
All ages

Free

Get ready for the annual 4th of July Block Party at Empire Outlets! Activities Include:
Fireworks after 9 pm, presented by Empire Outlets and the Staten Island Ferry Hawks, Live DJ, Cannoli Eating Contest, Family-friendly activities like Carnival Games, a Dunk Tank, Face Painting, and Balloon Animals, APhoto Booth, Giveaway opportunity to win a suite at the Staten Island Ferry Hawk’s July 4th game.

 

114th Travis 4th of July
Independence Park, Victory Blvd (Alberta Ave), Travis
Thursday, July 4,12pm
Free
All Ages
Red white and blue will flow through the streets of Travis as the annual Fourth of July Parade, one of the longest continuous parades in the nation, will take off for the 114th time. Before the 12:30 p.m. parade step-off from the Showplace Center, there will be a 12:00pm ceremony at Independence Park. 

 

Independence Day Celebration
Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave., Richmondtown
Thursday, July 4, 10 am – 4 pm

All ages
$16; free for children 5 and younger

Celebrate our nation’s independence with old-fashioned family fun! Visit Historic Richmond Town over Independence Day Weekend for a weekend of special programming and events. Meet costumed interpreters and founding fathers and mothers. Sign your name to a copy of the Declaration of Independence, and enjoy demonstrations of 19th-century fireworks, food, cold beer, patriotic music, Revolutionary-era muskets, and more. 

 

Staten Island FerryHawks Party in the USA & Fireworks!
Staten Island University Hospital Community Park, 75 Richmond Terrace, St. George
Thursday, July 4, 5:30 pm
All Ages
$18-$30

Get ready to party with the FerryHawks this 4th of July as they are set to host a 6:30 PM game followed by their BIGGEST fireworks extravaganza of the season! Gates open at 5:30 PM but the party will start at 5:00 PM outside the gates as Frankie the FerryHawk and the Hawk City Hype squad kick off this can’t-miss experience! 

Staten Island Philharmonic 4th of July Concert

South Meadow Lawn at Snug Harbor, Snug Harbor

Thursday, July 4, 5 -8 pm

All Ages

Free

The Staten Island Philharmonic will provide a FREE 4th of July concert on the South Meadow Lawn. Bring your own chair or blanket!

 

Long Island

15th Annual Heritage Day

Old Point School House Lawn, 1555 Village Lane, Orient

Sunday, June 30, 12 – 3 pm

All ages

Free

The 15th annual Heritage Day program will start with a parade down Orient’s Village Lane led by the Grand Marshal; followed by a welcome and invocation at the Old Point Schoolhouse; the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance; “God Bless America” sung by Franklin Mastrangelo; the reading of the Declaration of Independence by Oysterponds stalwarts; after which hot dogs, sweets, kids’ games, and a performance by local favorites The Mudflats will happen in Poquatuck Park.

 

Long Island Ducks Fireworks

Fairfield Properties Ballpark, 3 Court House Drive, Central Islip

July 2 – 4, Tuesday-Thursday, 6:35 pm.

All ages

$17-$19

Bring the family out to catch the Long Island Ducks and then stay for a postgame fireworks spectacular.

 

Empire State Fair

Nassau Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale

Thursday, July 4, 12 – 11 pm.

All ages

$10 admission; free admission for under 36″ tall; additional fee for rides

The Empire State Fair features amazing entertainment such as the Pirates of the Caribbean Thrill Show, an educational experience at the Sandlofer Family Petting Zoo and Cowtown USA, and brand-new amusement rides and attractions! New for 2024 is the Anastasini Circus, featuring juggling, comedy, and much more! PLUS, visit on July 4 for special hours and a spectacular fireworks display! 

 

July 4th Skate Party

United Skates of America, 1276 Hicksville Road, Seaford

Thursday, July 4, 12 – 3 pm

All ages

$15-$27; $6 non skating adult

Advanced purchase required

Enjoy a fun-filled day of skating, music, and celebration. Skate to your favorite tunes and make lasting memories. 

 

Celebrating The 4th of July at Sagamore Hill

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, 20 Sagamore Hill Road, Oyster Bay

Thursday, July 4, 12 – 4 pm

All ages

Free

Renowned Theodore Roosevelt and Quentin Roosevelt will be spending the afternoon at Sagamore Hill meeting visitors, reading the Declaration of Independence, walking the grounds, and posing for photos and selfies at the “Presidential Photo Booth”. The event also features free tours of the Roosevelt Home, the Calliope Brass Band, a Junior Ranger Program, assorted lawn games and crafts for kids, historical exhibits at the Old Orchard Museum, as well as a variety of walking and self-guided touring options throughout the park.

 

July 4 – Fireworks Spectacular 2024

Jones Beach State Park, 1 Ocean Pkwy., Wantagh

Thursday, July 4, 9:30 pm

All ages

$10 parking fee

Celebrate Independence Day at this beloved Long Island tradition that will light up the sky over Wantagh. 

Rockland/Bergen

Englewood’s Fireworks Celebration

Dwight Morrow High School, 271 Knickerbocker Road, Englewood, NJ

Monday, July 1, 7:30 pm

All ages

Free

Get a head start on celebrating Independence Day with a spectacular fireworks display ahead of the July 4th holiday.

 

Red, White & Blue Food Truck & Music Fest

Teaneck Armory, 1799 Teaneck Ave. Teaneck, NJ

Saturday, June 29, 11 am – 7 pm

All ages

$5 admission; free for children younger than 5.

Kick off July 4th week with 17 gourmet Food Trucks, Live Music, beer, sangria & margarita garden, Vendors, Pony rides, Petting Zoo, Knockerball, inflatables, mini golf, bungee trampoline, vendors, Face Painting, sand art & kids activities.

 

State Fair Meadowlands

Metlife Stadium, 1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford, NJ 

July 3, 6 pm – 1 am; July 4 – 6, 2 pm – 1 am

All ages

$39.99

The State Fair Meadowlands will have special hours for Independence Day and celebrate with dazzling fireworks displays!

 

Keansburg Firework Spectacular

Keansburg Amusement Park, 275 Beachway, Keansburg, NJ

Wednesday, July 3, 8 pm

All ages

Free with Admission

Join the park as dusk falls for an evening of enchantment and wonder. Bring your family and friends to witness the magic as the night sky comes alive with bursts of vibrant colors and dazzling displays.

 

Independence Day Celebration at New Windsor Cantonment

New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site, 374 Temple Hill Road, New Windsor

Thursday, July 4, 10 am – 5 pm

All ages

Free

Commemorate Independence Day with a military drill and cannon firing, followed by children’s musket drill along with a visitor assisted reading of the Declaration of Independence followed by another military demonstration.

 

Independence Day

Fort Montgomery State Historic Site, 690 Route 9W, Fort Montgomery

Thursday, July 4, 11 am – 3 pm

All ages

Free

Come out for a special Independence Day celebration at Fort Montgomery! Witness the ROAR and THUNDER at the Grand Battery when the fort’s 6-pounder cannon “Ana” is fired at 12pm! 18th century medical demonstrations, military drills, and site tours will take place throughout the day.

 

New York Boulders Independence Day Celebration

Clover Stadium, 1 Palisades Credit Union Park Dr. Pomona

Thursday, July 4, 6 pm

All ages

Tickets start at $14.

Catch the Boulders take on the Trois Rivieres Aigles and enjoy a spectacular postgame fireworks and a Symphony Performance.

 

Independence Day Celebration

West Point Trophy Point Amphitheater, 117-119 Washington Road, West Point

Saturday, July 6, 7:30 pm

All ages

Free

Celebrate America’s independence with the Army’s oldest band! Grab a blanket, bring a picnic, and enjoy a wide variety of music ranging from Americana and Broadway to today’s popular hits, and everything in between, performed by the world-class Soldier-musicians of the West Point Band. The performance concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over the Hudson River.

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BAMkids

<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">BAMkids presents adventurous art and ideas for young audiences, igniting the imaginations of creative kids ages 3—11 with a fun and engaging lineup of workshops, movie matinees, and live performances from around the world.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{"><span style="background-color: #ffffff;">BAM Education connects learning with creativity, engaging imagination by encouraging self-expression through programs for students, teachers, and audiences of all ages. Explore the programs on their website to learn more about their opportunities for creative online engagement!</span></span></p>

New York Society of Play Summer Camp and Classes

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Summer Game Camp</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">There are many who do not feel safe sending their children back out into the world with summer camp, this year. To serve those parents and keep the children connected and stimulated during this challenging time, we are offering NYSP Digital Summer Camp. The name of the game with NYSP Summer Camp is community. We have made a large effort to make our camp feel like a living space, with features including –</p> <p dir="ltr">- Role-Playing games familiar and new, led by our master storytellers!</p> <p dir="ltr">- Enriching electives such as Chess, World Building, Character Acting, Crafts, Drawing, and more!</p> <p dir="ltr">- Discussion and media screening rooms during lunch!</p> <p dir="ltr">- A digital campus!</p> <p dir="ltr">- Moderated chat hours!</p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr">Join us for a summer of games, friends, and more!</p> <p dir="ltr">Mon - Fri 10am - 2:30pm</p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Roleplay Expeditions: Dungeons & Dragons</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">No experience is required to join one of our Dungeons & Dragons games. Our game masters have pre-made character sheets, so you'll be able to start playing the game right away! We adapt the rules of traditional Dungeons & Dragons to make them more approachable to children of various ages. Battle in dungeons, search for relics, and make new friends in our one-of-a-kind Dungeons & Dragons workshop! </p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr">Public games meet once per week, with different groups every time. Private games meet 1 to 2 times per week with the same group of kids. Since the players and the storyteller in the group are consistent, this enables us to tell epic tales of adventure together!</p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Dungeons & Dragons Junior</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">No experience is required to join one of our drop-in Dungeons & Dragons games. Our Dungeons & Dragons Jr. game provides a D&D storytelling experience without character sheets. Battle in dungeons, search for relics, and make new friends in our one-of-a-kind Dungeons & Dragons workshop! A great way to introduce young children to D&D so they can eventually move onto the main game.</p>

Broadway Dance Center Children and Teens

<p dir="ltr">With more than 35 years of experience, Broadway Dance Center Children & Teens provides young movers ages 3-18 with exceptional training. BDC delivers the finest all-around dance experience for students by offering a wide variety of styles and levels, performance opportunities, and the highest caliber dance instruction that only New York City and BDC Children & Teens can provide.</p> <p dir="ltr">This studio is so much more than a training course for young dancers; it is a diverse, family-friendly community for budding creatives. It has an exemplary faculty who follow the vision to not only develop a dancer’s love and ability in dance, but to do so in a nurturing and supportive way.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-16583089-7fff-d8a9-61c2-8f689f7348b2"></span></p>