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4th of July Weekend in NYC: Macy's Fireworks, Festivals, and More Things To Do with Kids

Snag a perfect view of the Macy's fireworks at Skyline Cinema. Photo courtesy of Skyline Cinema
Snag a perfect view of the Macy's fireworks at Skyline Cinema. Photo courtesy of Skyline Cinema
6/28/23 - By Drew Kristofik

Looking for the best things to do in New York City this 4th of July weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this long holiday weekend.

We've got the 411 for the big Macy's 4th of July fireworks show, plus plenty of other fireworks displays from Staten Island to Coney Island.

When we're not oohing and ahhing at night sky spectacles, we're planning to dance under Lincoln Center's Big Umbrella, wiggle our way through Pop in the City, and explore CAMP's take on Encanto.

Did we mention we’re running weekly giveaways all summer long? This week we’re giving away a Mommy Poppins beach towel. Plus, each entry also counts as an extra entry into our Ultimate Summer Giveaway, an all-included trip to Nick Resort Punta Cana! Find out how to enter on our Facebook or Instagram pages!

More Things To Do in New York City this Week with Kids

Be sure to click through to each listing for all the details, including recommended ages and time.

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Celebrate Independence Day all weekend with old-fashioned family fun at Historic Richmond Town. Photo courtesy of Historic Richmond Town
Celebrate Independence Day all weekend with old-fashioned family fun at Historic Richmond Town. Photo courtesy of Historic Richmond Town

4th of July Fireworks & Festivals in NYC This Weekend

Richmond Town Independence Day Celebration

Richmond, Staten Island
Saturday, July 1-Sunday, July 2
Celebrate our nation’s independence with old-fashioned family fun! Visit Historic Richmond Town for home-churned ice cream, a patriotic pinwheel parade, and an inspirational reading of the Declaration of Independence. READ MORE

Nathan’s Famous 4th of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest 2023

Coney Island, Brooklyn–FREE
Tuesday, July 4
Yes, once again, you can watch people stuff hot dogs into their mouths with mind-boggling velocity. Hearty eaters compete to see who can chow down on the most franks at this classic NYC summer event. READ MORE

Travis Parade

Rossville, Staten Island–FREE
Tuesday, July 4
Travis hosts one of the oldest consecutive Independence Day celebrations in the United States. The festivities start at noon with a ceremony at Independence Park. READ MORE

4th of July Fireworks on Coney Island

Coney Island, Brooklyn–FREE
Tuesday, July 4
Coney Island's iconic 4th of July fireworks return for 2023! Bring the family, a blanket, and a picnic to watch the fireworks dazzle over the Atlantic. READ MORE

Empire Outlets' 4th of July Fireworks

St. George, Staten Island–FREE
Tuesday, July 4
Empire Outlets hosts a celebratory block party with face painting, balloon animals, popcorn, cotton candy, live music, and more. A fireworks show caps off the fun around 9pm. READ MORE

4th of July Fireworks

Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Tuesday, July 4
Snag a perfect view of the Macy's fireworks at Skyline Cinema. It's a seats-only evening (no cars), so there's nothing to block the view. Bring your own chair or blanket; snacks and beverages are available for purchase. A special kids' section is also available, for an additional $10/person. READ MORE

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks

East River–FREE
Tuesday, July 4
The 47th annual Macy's 4th of July fireworks sparkle over the East River, in a dazzling display featuring more than 60,000 shells lighting up the night sky and launched from five barges set out between East 23rd and East 42nd Streets. READ MORE

Fourth of July at the New-York Historical Society

Upper West Side
Tuesday, July 4
Celebrate Independence Day with crafts, stories, and history exploration at the New-York Historical Society. Admission is free for all visitors ages 17 and younger. READ MORE
Lincoln Center's Big Umbrella Festival blooms as a free one-day campus takeover with multi-sensory experiences for neurodivergent audiences and families. Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center
Lincoln Center's Big Umbrella Festival blooms as a free one-day campus takeover with multi-sensory experiences for neurodivergent audiences and families. Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center

More Fun Things To Do in NYC this Weekend

Asphalt Green Movie Night: Cruella (PG-13)

Upper East Side–FREE
Friday, June 30
Bring the whole family and spread a blanket on Litwin Field to enjoy an outdoor movie-going experience, featuring Cruella (PG-13). Plus, munch on free popcorn while you watch! READ MORE

Pop in the City

Herald Square
Friday, June 30-Sunday, September 3
Oversized ball pits, live DJs, cutting-edge effects and lighting, and 200 glittering disco balls are just some of the things to expect as you explore this walk, "swim," and slide-through experience. READ MORE

Big Umbrella Festival

Upper West Side–FREE
Saturday, July 1
The popular Big Umbrella Festival blooms as a free one-day campus takeover at Lincoln Center full of relaxed spaces with multi-sensory experiences, performances, installations, and workshops specifically welcoming neurodivergent audiences and their families. READ MORE

Meet the Dinosaurs!

Crown Heights, Brooklyn
Saturday, July 1
Stop by Brooklyn Children's Museum for a sneak peek at the larger-than-life animatronic dinosaur installation for Jurassic Mini-Golf, learn about paleontology (the study of fossils), meet animal friends that share common ancestors with dinosaurs, and practice dinosaur yoga! READ MORE

Rock and Roll Playhouse: The Music of The White Stripes For Kids

Sunset Park, Brooklyn–FREE
Saturday, July 1
The Rock and Roll Playhouse celebrates Independence Day with the music of the White Stripes. Expect dancing, interactive games, and loads of fun. READ MORE

Family Art Project: Such are Snakes

Riverdale, the Bronx
Saturday, July 1-Sunday, July 2
Learn about these limbless creatures, how they move, and which ones can be spotted at Wave Hill. Use recycled materials to make your own snake sculpture. READ MORE

Sea Chantey Sing-Along

South Street Seaport–FREE
Sunday, July 2
Cooped up in one place with the same people? That was the life of sailors on long voyages back in the day. And just like sailors of yore, you can break the monotony with a rousing sea chantey sing-along. READ MORE

Bryant Park Movie Nights

Midtown West–FREE
Monday, July 3
Classic films under the stars on the big screen are back in Bryant Park, and this summer the series celebrates its 30th anniversary. Bring a blanket and sit on the lawn to enjoy great food, friends, and entertainment.  READ MORE

Disney Encanto x CAMP

Greenwich Village
Daily, through September 6
CAMP and Disney are at it again, opening the Magic Door to the world of Encanto. Visit the Madrigal's casita, shop in La Placita, and step into the rooms of Isabella, Luisa, and that guy we don't talk about. All the while, be serenaded by a roving troupe of performers singing hits from the soundtrack. READ MORE

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