Viewing Tips for the 4th of July Fireworks

June is almost over and you know what that means—Macy’s 38th Annual 4th of July Fireworks are just around the corner! Get ready for a spectacle of 40,000 fireworks, set to the sweet sounds of The DIVA Jazz Orchestra, The Charlie Daniels Band, Idina Menzel, and more. For the first time in five years, the show will take place over the East River by the Brooklyn Bridge, so we figured parents might need an update on the best when’s and where’s for enjoying the show. Check out our viewing tips below.

Don’t Be Late!

While the fireworks show officially starts at 9pm, you should keep in mind that the entire city and then some are coming out to see it. Plan to find a viewing spot at least a few hours ahead, if not earlier, and camp out until show time. The fireworks usually begin about a half hour late, in this case at 9:30pm, and last 25 minutes. To keep the kids entertained until then, there will be U.S. Navy jet planes and NYPD helicopters putting on a show at 7:30pm, then FDNY fire boats at 8pm.

Best Free Locations

Macy’s offers five official viewing locations, three accessible from Manhattan and two accessible from Brooklyn:

• Montgomery & South Streets: from the north (viewing along the FDR between Manhattan Bridge and Montgomery Street).
• Brooklyn Bridge entry from St. James Place (Pearl Street) & Wagner Place (viewing both north and south of the Brooklyn Bridge).
• Broad Street and/or Old Slip at Water Street (viewing between Heliport & south side of Brooklyn Bridge).
• Brooklyn Bridge (piers 1-6): enter on Old Fulton & Furman Street, Joralemon Street & Furman Street, or Atlantic Avenue & Furman Street.
• Brooklyn Bridge Promenade: enter on Columbia Heights & Pineapple Street, Montague Street & Pierrepont Street, or Pierrepont Street & Remsen Street.

Streets to Avoid

If you are planning on heading over to one of these viewing locations, driving may not be the best idea. A handful of streets will be closed to the public that night:

• Montague Street: from Court Street to Montague Terrace
• Remsen Street: from Court Street to Montague Terrace
• Old Fulton Street: from Hicks Street to Furman Street
• Furman Street: from Old Fulton Street to Atlantic Avenue
• Columbia Heights: from Montague Street to Old Fulton Street
• Hicks Street: from Atlantic Avenue to Old Fulton Street

Paid Cruises

For families who prefer a closer view of the fireworks, or simply want to avoid navigating the huge crowds, hopping on a cruise may be a better option. Be warned: it might get pricey, with tickets running anywhere from $100-300 per person. A few child-friendly viewing cruises to consider are New York Water Taxi, Circle Line Cruises, CitySightseeing Cruises, and Freedom Cruises.

Can’t Make It?

If your family simply can’t attend this year’s festivities, have no worries. The kids at home can still watch the colorful displays live on NBC, hosted by Nick Cannon. The telecast begins at 8pm and will feature popular performers like Enrique Iglesias, Ariana Grande, Lionel Richie, and more.