5 Free Family Events to Celebrate this 4th of July

School’s out and it’s time for summer celebrations to begin! July 4th, officially known as Independence Day, commemorates the United States independence from British rule and the signing of the Declaration of Independence in the summer of 1776.

Check out these family-friendly ideas for celebrating across Brooklyn and Staten Island, and visit NYC Parks for even more ideas for 4th of July fun near you.

Brooklyn

1. Start Your Celebration on Friday at Fort Hamilton Army Base

July 2nd | 4:00 to 9:30 PM | Fort Hamilton Parkway and 101st Street

Can’t wait to start celebrating? Get the party started on Friday afternoon at historic Fort Hamilton Army Base. The celebrations at Fort Hamilton will include a live concert and fireworks on the base’s lawn. Tickets are $5, advance registration required. Click here to get your tickets.

2. Fun & Fireworks at Coney Island

July 4th | Fireworks begin at 10:00PM | Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk

Enjoy an afternoon at the Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk, and if you are feeling daringly patriotic, take a ride on the Cyclone—one of America’s oldest and most famous roller coasters! If the 60mph hairpin turns are too much for you, go for a gentler, but equally breathtaking spin on the 100 year-old Wonder Wheel. Soak up the sun, play in the sand, or check out Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog-Eating Contest. There’s no shortage of things to do! The annual Steeplechase Spectacular Fourth of July Fireworks Show has returned this year and will start at 10:00PM. Viewers can stand on the boardwalk between West 10th and West 23rd Street.

Plus, after the holiday, every Friday from July 9 to Sept. 3, a fireworks show will take place at 9:45PM!

3. Splash & Celebrate at Brooklyn Bridge Park

July 4th and 5th | Park opens at 10:00 AM

Take advantage of all the family fun Brooklyn Bridge Park has to offer during the day. From “Swing Valley” and the amazing Water Lab at Pier 6 to Jane’s Carousel near Pier 1, there are endless activities for kids to enjoy. From ice cream by the waterfront to ferry boat rides, the park offers amazing views of Manhattan even if the fireworks won’t be visible there this year.

Update 6/1/2021: Macy’s Fireworks will not be visible from the Brooklyn Bridge this year.

4. Picnic by the River at Domino Park

July 4th | Park opens at 6:00 AM | Macy’s Fireworks begin at 9:25PM | Domino Park, 15 River Street

For an amazing view of the sunset over Manhattan and Macy’s spectacular fireworks display, check out Domino Park along the river in Williamsburg. Built on the site of the former Domino Sugar refinery, Domino Park offers 5 acres of waterfront fun with an elevated walkway, fountain, food vendors, and a unique playground. Bring a blanket to put on the lawn or grab a seat on the pyramid of seating steps to enjoy the view.

Staten Island

5. Enjoy a Historical Parade

July 4th | 12:00 PM Kick-off Ceremony | Showplace Center, 141 East Service Road

A tradition for over 100 years, the Travis Parade is one of the oldest Independence Day celebrations in the city. The parade includes bands, colorful floats, street performers, classic cars and more. The kick-off ceremony for the parade takes place at Independence Park at noon, but plan to go early because roads (including Victory Blvd.) around the parade area will be closed off to cars beginning at 11:30am. Parking for all will be available at the Showplace Center, located at 141 East Service Road.

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