Why not celebrate 4th of July in one of America’s most beloved states? There are plenty of unforgettable places and communities scattered throughout New York that offer fun activities and fireworks displays. Book your stay at one of numerous New York vacation rentals today. With that said, here are a few of the most exciting, family-friendly spots to check out in New York on Independence Day.
1. Manhattan
The Big Apple is amazing throughout the entire year, but the festivities during the Fourth make it worth the visit in hotter-than-ideal temperatures. Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular takes place every year over the East River and can be viewed from the Brooklyn Bridge. Spend your day exploring the beautiful metropolis that is NYC, and at sundown make your way out to the bridge (or to Brooklyn) to enjoy the firework show with the family.
2. Syracuse
The city of Syracuse comes alive during the weekend of the Fourth with fairs, festivals, fireworks and more. The Oswego County Fair will be taking place over the weekend and features fun activities like rides, games, magic shows and tractor pulls. The Landmark Theatre Summer Classic Film Series will be taking place throughout the weekend as well, so bring the family along to view a classic film like “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” or “Gone With the Wind.” On the day of the Fourth, wake the family up a little early and head over to the Homer Congregational Church to catch the live reading of the Declaration of Independence. At night, the city will put on a spectacular fireworks show, so whether you plan on checking out the local fair or grilling out at your vacation rental, the holiday is guaranteed to be a fun one in Syracuse.
3. Long Island
Long Island, specifically Jones Beach State Park, is a fun place to relax over the Fourth of July weekend. If you’re looking to take a nice relaxing holiday by the water, this is the place for you! Laze around along the 6 miles of sand while the kids go for a swim, or rent a boat and relax on the water throughout your vacation. You can even fish, bird watch, go putt-putting and surf as desired! On the evening of the Fourth, the beach will display a beautiful fireworks extravaganza over the water, so check out vacation rentals available near the beach to view this show from the comfort of your home.
4. Staten Island
Staten Island is the place to be for a more traditional Fourth of July celebration. The Travis Fourth of July Parade takes place on the afternoon of the Fourth, rain or shine. Get to know some locals while you enjoy the spectacular display of red, white and blue inflatable and floats. After the parade, take the kids to the Independence Day Celebration in Historic Richmond Town where they can enjoy things like hand-churned ice cream or a pie-baking demonstration. If fishing is your thing, wake up early and register for the Huck Finn Fishing Tournament. Art fans may want to check out the Fireworks art exhibit at the Staten Island Artists Building Corp. At the end of the day, you can bring out your lawn chairs and enjoy the beautiful sounds of the Staten Island Philharmonic Concert while you conclude the day with a family picnic. Staten Island is packed with fun activities for the holiday!
5. The Hudson Valley
The Hudson Valley hosts a week-long event the weekend leading up to the Fourth that will prepare you for all of the fun Independence Day activities going on nearby. A Night on Fire is a mix of amazing fire jugglers and hilarious comedy troupes in Sleepy Hollow that makes for a great family fun event. There will be a variety of different jaw-dropping performances from fire eating and sword fighting to stomach-clenching comedy, and at the end of the event, you can grab a scoop of homemade ice cream. Be sure to purchase tickets to this event in advance!
6. Ticonderoga
Why not celebrate Independence Day on the same ground where U.S. soldiers once fought for that independence? Ticonderoga offers a more historical adventure for the Fourth of July adventure, as you can check out musket and cannon demonstrations and other live events all throughout the week of the Fourth. There will be live music taking place every day, and on the Fourth, Adirondack fireworks will go off as we celebrate our independence! There is also an annual parade, with this year’s theme being “Set Sail.” Keep a tab open to the Ticonderoga homepage to find out more details about the festival when the full schedule of events comes out.
7. Fire Island
Fire Island is a great place for a more outdoorsy Fourth of July holiday. Spend the day exploring the forest or taking in the beautiful coastal life and history. Make the trip out to the Fire Island Lighthouse for a day, and then come back for the holiday and enjoy a small but wonderful firework show out over the water. This maritime county is filled with many different coastal adventures for you to explore, so if you’re up for a few hikes and nature trails, this is the place to be!
8. Germantown
For a very (very) old school Fourth of July celebration, head to Germantown to see it done correctly. With 18th century arts and crafts, reenactments, music, and foods, you’ll feel as if you were in the U.S.A. at the time the Declaration was signed! Germantown is also a great place to learn a little about the history of New York, so be sure to stop by the Clermont State Historic Site to learn and enjoy live music and delicious food. At night, a firework show will take place over the Hudson River, so set up a nice picnic outside your vacation rental or watch from town with other local residents.
9. Lake George
Looking to spend your Fourth of July holiday lakeside? Come relax out at Lake George. The perfect summer location, Lake George is filled with lots of fun both out in the water and on land. For the fourth, you can watch the local fireworks display all along the waterfront while you plan a barbecue from your lakefront rental, or while you enjoy a day out on the boat. Interested in sailing? Rent a sailboat for the weekend and enjoy the holiday festivities in a more relaxed manner.
10. East Meredith
Hanford Mills Museum in East Meredith has fun festivities for the kids over the Fourth of July weekend. The kids can participate in a wide range of activities from a fishing derby to a potato-sack race, and there are live music and delicious food for the rest of the family. You can also tour the Mill and woodworking shop and see live water and steam-power demonstrations. There will also be handmade ice cream available while supplies last!