Celebrate the 4th of July in NYC by enjoying one of these fun events!

Happy Fourth of July weekend! This weekend is packed with Independence Day-themed events ranging from learning about bald eagles in Central Park to watching the hot dog eating contest in Coney Island to taking a cruise around the Hudson to check out the fireworks. No 4th of July would be complete without the Macy’s Fireworks show but if you can’t swing it we also included a list of smaller shows like one in Coney Island, Orchard Beach and one on the Astoria Park Lawn. Check out some of our top picks and have a happy and safe fourth!

Friday, 1st through Labor Day at 9:30pm
Coney Island Fireworks
A great summer event for older kids. Throughout the summer, the Cyclone roller coaster and Deno’s Wonder Wheel is sponsoring a fantastic fireworks display that you and your family can admire while watching a game or enjoying a stroll on the boardwalk. Details: Coney Island Boardwalk at 10th St. For additional information, please visit: www.coneyisland.com/tourism.shtml

Thursday, June 30th at 6:30pm. Fireworks at 9pm
New York Celebrates America Fireworks Festival
Hosted by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. & NYS Senator Jeff Klein, the New York Celebrates America Fireworks Festival includes an evening of live music by Alive N Kickin’ followed by a spectacular fireworks show the whole family will love. Details: Orchard Beach, 1 Orchard Beach Road, Bronx, NY 10464. For additional information, please visit: http://www.ilovethebronx.com/?pg=home

Thursday June 30th, 7:30pm, Fireworks at 9pm
Central Astoria Independence Celebration
The Astoria waterfront makes for a beautiful place to check out fireworks. Starting at 7:30pm, you and your family can listen to the sounds of the Astoria Symphony Orchestra followed by the annual fireworks show by Grucci after sunset. Details: Astoria Park Lawn- Shore Blvd. between Hall Gate Bridge and the Pool. For additional information, please visit: http://centralastoria.org/events/waterfront-concert

Saturday, July 2nd – Monday, July 4^th from 1-3 pm
Eagle as Icon
Held at the Audubon Center, this free event will allow children to learn more about the bald eagle, our national bird. Children will be able to learn more about the role the eagle’s image has played in shaping our nation’s identity through a panel exhibit and fun nature craft. Details: Audubon Center, The Audubon Center at the Boathouse is located just inside the Lincoln Road/Ocean Ave. entrance to the park. For additional information, please visit: http://www.prospectpark.org/calendar/event/152133

Saturday, July 2^nd from 6:30 pm- 9:00 pm (Raindate Sunday, July 3rd)
Celebrate America Concert and Fireworks
Celebrate the fourth with a free concert and fireworks show on Wolfe’s Pond Park. Details: Wolfe’s Pond Park, (Hylan Boulevard and Cornelia Avenue in Prince’s Bay) Staten Island. For additional information, please visit: http://statenislandusa.com/

Sunday, July 3^rd from 1–4pm
Freedom Strut
After slavery was abolished in New York there were many celebrations, parades and dinners conducted throughout the city to celebrate. This event, held at the Lefferts Historic House, will allow children to understand this tradition by listening to stories of the struggle for African-American freedom. Additionally, museum educators will be on hand to help little your children decorate their clothing as former slaves once did on this occasion by inscribing inspiring messages on their sleeves and make Emancipation Day buttons. Details: Free. Lefferts Historic House, Flatbush Ave at Empire Blvd, Flatbush, Brooklyn. For additional information, please visit: http://www.prospectpark.org/calendar/event/677986

Sunday, July 3, 2011 from 1:00 pm –2:00 pm
Live Eagles for Independence Day
Kids will be able to see the Bald Eagle at Central Park and learn more about birds through a discussion led by wildlife educators from Hawk Creek Wildlife Center. Additionally, members of the Central Park Conservancy can enjoy a semi-private photo opportunity with the birds after the program (bring your own camera). Space is limited; online pre-registration required. Details: Peter Sharp Children’s Glade, Enter Central Park at West 106th Street. Central Park. In case of inclement weather, the program will take place indoors at the North Meadow Recreation Center (located mid-Park at 97th Street). For day-of weather-related changes and accessibility information, call 212-348-4867. For additional information, please visit: http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/centralpark/events/2011/07/03/live-eagles-for-independence-day

Sunday, July 3rd at 1:00 pm
Ft Greene Park – Revolutionary New York: Explore Life in the Colonies
Explore the past in Fort Greene Park as Urban Park Rangers discuss the park’s historic turning points, both natural and man-made. Details: Ft. Greene Park, 85 South Oxford Street Brooklyn, NY 11217. For additional information, please visit: http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/FortGreenePark/events/2011/07/03/revolutionary-new-york-explore-life-in-the-colonies

Monday, July 4^th at noon
Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest
An iconic event in Brooklyn, come celebrate the 4^th by watching the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. Held in Coney Island, this year’s event will include a group of 20 people in this world famous eating fest. This year also introduces a ladies-only competition. All ages. Details: Nathan’s Famous,1310 Surf Ave (at Stillwell Ave). For additional information, please visit: http://nathansfamous.com/PageFetch/getpage.php?pgid=38

Monday, July 4^th from 1-4 pm
Declare Independence
Children will be able to learn more about the fourth of July at this free event. They will also be able to sign their name on a reproduction of the Declaration of Independence and  create a festive hat. Details: Ages 5 and up. Prospect Park, Flatbush Ave (at Empire Blvd). For additional information, please visit: http://www.prospectpark.org/calendar/event/677971

Monday, July 4^th at 2pm
Revolutionary New York Walking Tour
Big Onion Walking Tours is hosting a holiday walking tour of Lower Manhattan. You and your family will visit sites related to the Revolutionary War and New York’s role in the early Republic. Stops could include: Fraunces Tavern, the graves of Alexander Hamilton and General Richard Montgomery, Federal Hall, and sites associated with George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Jay and Albert Gallatin. Details: Admission: Adults $15, Seniors & Students $12. Meet at the intersection of Broadway and Murray Street, at gated entrance to City Hall Park. For additional information, please visit: http://www.bigonion.com/description/index.html#25

Monday, July 4^th at 6:00 pm (boarding). The boat departs at 7:00 pm sharp
Celebrate The 4th of July with NY Waterway
Taking a trip on the NY Waterway is a great way to check out fireworks from the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular. All cruises feature live radio broadcast of the music score, which is synchronized to the fireworks. All cruises feature food for purchase and a cash bar offering wine, beer and soft drinks.  DJ will be on board for your entertainment. All seating on the boat is upper deck so that everyone gets a great view. Adults are $80 per person, seniors are $75 and children 3 to 12 are $70.00. For additional information, please visit: http://www.nywaterway.com/CelabratoryCruises4thofJuly.aspx

Monday, July 4th at 9pm
Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks
Macy’s will feature an explosive presentation with more than 40,000 bursts of fireworks. The colorful show will be released from six barges in the Hudson River between 20th Street and 55th Street. The Fireworks can be viewed from any area with an unobstructed view of the sky above the Hudson River. Macy’s notes that the best views, are on 12th Avenue below 59th Street at the following access points along 11th Avenue.

You can also access the fireworks at the following locations:

Details: Best viewing: Twelfth Ave between 23rd and 59th Streets. For additional information, please visit: http://social.macys.com/fireworks2011/?cm_mmc=VanityUrl-_-fireworks-_-n-_-n#/where_to_watch

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