4th of July Fireworks and Weekend Events for Kids in New Jersey

The July 4th fireworks are on the Hudson River this year, making New Jersey the place to be when the celebration begins at 9:20pm! After all, fireworks don't have a front side and it will be far less crowded on the NJ side of the river. We've also included some fun activities and events for kids happening in New Jersey for the rest of the 4th of July Weekend

Best places to see the 4th of July fireworks from New Jersey:

HOBOKEN
Pier A, closest to the Path Station, is the easiest place to get to from Manhattan. The big pier has benches, grass, gravel, a fountain that is kid-friendly for getting wet, and some fun climby structures.

Sinatra park, is on the waterfront about 5-6 blocks north of the Path Station. There is a restaurant on the waterfront and a boat launch. This is the location of the new Pier C in Hoboken (not yet open, but hopefully soon!) with a new huge slide similar to the one in Teardrop Park in Battery Park.

Stevens University has opened up their campus for fireworks viewing at Castle Point. Take the stairs across the street from Sinatra Park up to the Stevens University campus. The Stevens Campus has plenty of grassy lawns for picnics and since it is the highest point in Hoboken, it is a choice location for viewing the fireworks.  

Maxwell Park, is located on the waterfront at 11th Street to 14th street. Maxwell Park has a small sandy beach on the waterfront, playground and swings, and picnic tables with an awesome view of Midtown Manhattan. The promenade immediately north of the park is newly opened and easily accessible from Manhattan by ferry from 39th Street on the West Side. The ferry does not operate between 4:30 and 11:30pm due to the fireworks so plan accordingly.

Food: there will be street vendors along the waterfront from Pier A to Maxwell Park, but Washington Street, the main strip two blocks in, has tons of outdoor restaurants and take out places.  

JERSEY CITY HEIGHTS
Take the elevator off the 9th Street Light Rail Station in Hoboken (the light rail leaves from the Path Station) up to Jersey City Heights for a bird’s eye view of the fireworks! Riverview Park on Ogden Avenue just 3 blocks south of the elevator has a great playground to hang out at before the fireworks begin. Or anywhere along Palisades Avenue there is a great view of the city (don’t attempt to drive – streets will be blocked off!)

WEEHAWKEN
The finished waterfront is another great viewing area for fireworks. There is a small playground along the waterfront and some nice restaurants (Ruth Chris’ Steak House for example) but not much in the form of take out in case of crowds.

EDGEWATER
Anywhere along River Road would be a great location to see the fireworks, although the traffic in the region is horrendous. Instead, take the ferry from 39th street. The ferry does not operate between 4:30 and 11:30pm due to the fireworks so plan accordingly.

ROSS DOCK, PALISADES PARK, ENGLEWOOD
Just north of the George Washington Bridge, you may not be right under the fireworks, but this gem of a spot is a great place to spend the day. The park on the waterfront has grills, picnic tables, a playground and spectacular view of Manhattan. You need a car to get there, there is a nominal fee per car to enter the park, and make it early because if it is too full they will turn people away!

LIBERTY STATE PARK
Liberty State Park is still having their annual fireworks at the park. They generally recommend getting there around 2pm due to crowds. To pass the time with kids, camp out near the north part of the park where the huge playground is and bring your grill! There will be music in addition to fireworks.

OTHER THINGS TO DO 4th of JULY WEEKEND
State Fair Meadowlands One of the biggest fairs with entertainment, roller coasters and rides, petting zoo, racing pigs and live tiger show, food, and more. The fair is going on through July 12. Admission is $9 for adults on weekends and $6 for kids (kids under 34” are free).

Kayaking on the Hudson. The Hoboken Boathouse is sponsoring two great kayaking trips on July 5th. One is at 2pm leaving from Downtown Boathouse in NYC at Pier 96, 56th Street and West Side Highway and paddling to Hoboken Boathouse at the Maxwell Place Park. The other is at 6:30PM, leaving from the Hoboken Boathouse at the Maxwell Place Park and paddling to the Downtown Boathouse in NYC. Trips are about 1-2 hours long and participants must swim and be fit for medium aerobic activity. Suggested donation is $20 per person per trip. To reserve, email info@hobokencoveboathouse.org

Liberty Science Center has two great workshops on July 5. For kids 4-6 you can see One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Big Adventure in the center’s inflatable planetarium. For kids ages 6 and up, see Seeing by the Stars in the digital star lab.

Desiree also blogs at HobokenMetroMom

Photo credit: Barry Yanowitz