Events

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:

Still trying to make plans for this year's Holiday Weekend? We took some time to gather up some of Long Island's best Fourth of July celebrations for you to choose from. Step back in time with period games and a traditional parade, learn about and see birds of prey, picnic and, of course, find out where to catch the fireworks. Happy 4th. Have a great weekend.  

Old Bethpage Village Restoration - If you haven't been to this spot yet, no time is better than over the 4th of July. Old Bethpage Village is an entire village which has been recreated with authentic buildings and accessories to replicate a mid-19th century town. It is literally like taking a walk back into history. On the 4th of July, the village celebrates with a traditional parade with a marching band, period appropriate children's games, and a circa 1880's baseball game with the players dressed in mid 19th century uniforms. Sounds like fun! You should pack a lunch and picnic on the lawn of the "Inn" and enjoy live music. Kids 5 and under are free, and the price of admission will pay for all events ($10 adults/$7 kids 5-12)

11am-4pm

1303 Round Swamp Road

516-572-8400

Sagamore Hill - Not only is the drive up to Teddy Roosevelt's former Summer home beautiful, the property is as well, and Sagamore Hill offers some of most unique and educational programs on Long Island. For the 4th of July, there is plenty going on to make a trip up here worth while; a Birds of Prey demonstration (my children were enthralled by the size of some of the birds and loved seeing the owl's fluffy fur), Old Fashioned Kids Games (like an egg and spoon race and a potato sack race) an equestrian demonstration, and a concert featuring, naturally, period music on the lawn. The best part about the events of this day may be the cost-it is all free! Check out their website for specific times and parking information.

11am-4pm

12 Sagamore Hill Road

516-922-4788

Fireworks Displays-

Jones Beach Fireworks-The biggest and most popular fireworks show is held annually down on the Atlantic South Shore at Jones beach. It looks like, as of now, the weather is going to cooperate, giving you a great excuse to bring everyone to the beach early enough to grab a great spot. The show starts at 9:30

Stars Over Montauk-If you are spending the weekend out East, on the beach just West of the Village the fireworks starts at 9:00pm. For this show, you have to get there early or you'll be watching it from the street. It is very crowded!

Brookhaven Ampitheater-If the thought of a sandy beach at 10:00pm with your kids in tow doesn't sound like fun, you can still enjoy great fireworks at the Brookhaven Amphitheater. There will be a Pops Concert and the fireworks demonstration. There is a minimal fee to attend of $2 per car. Doors open at 5:30 and the show starts at 7pm. 

Happy Birthday America!

With the sun scheduled to show it’s face again (finally!) this weekend, there are plenty of fun outdoor activities this weekend for kids in New Jersey from blueberry festivals to Civil War Battle Re-enactments! Check out the Touch-a-Truck event at Liberty Science Center, Kids Day at the Bamboo Brook Nature Center and more.

The kids may be too young to know Alice Cooper's famous "School's Out" anthem, but they sure know that feeling of freedom that takes over at the start of summer vacation. Public schools are finally out, plus all of NYC's Free Public Swimming Pools open this weekend. Celebrate the beginning of summer with activities in all five boroughs: shadow puppets, a little Swan Lake, fairs and fectivals, clothing sales and some Laurie Berkner.

Don't forget, starting this week, we will have weekly listings for Long Island events and New Jersey events on their respective pages (whether you live there or are looking for a day trip). And of course, our event calendar is jammed with even more things to do, as is our Summer Activity Guide.

It is the first official weekend of Summer Vacation for most Long Island and New York area schools and whether you are starting the Season off by hitting the beach or staying local in your very own ‘hood, there are plenty of activities to keep you and your kids happy this weekend from sandcastle contests to a cool kid music CD release party, an arts festival, and a family fun day.. Check out these cool events and more right here:

What's not to love about free outdoor movies in the the city? Enjoy a summer evening under the stars, just as the day is starting to cool off and chillax. There are a growing number of these outdoor film series and many of them show films your whole family can enjoy. Movies begin at dusk which is generally at around 8 or 8:30pm and many of these series include other entertainment that help you pass the time until the show begins.

Here's a rundown of the best free outdoor movies for kids in NYC this summer:

Experience random acts of fun at the Come Out and Play Festival, a free New York City street game festival running from June 12-14. This event turns the city into a giant playground, with everything from a photo hunt to a jump roping contest. It's not about winning, but about rediscovering the city through play and play through the city. Although Come Out and Play isn't just for kids, there's lots of fun family friendly games that kids will enjoy as much as you will.

Here are some games from the Come Out and Play Festival that are fun for kids: 

Summer in New York City means festivals and this summer the city isn't wasting any time jumping head-long right into the festivals. There are over 15 festivals for NYC families going on just this weekend. There are arts festivals, a fish parade, an Italian extravaganza, a pooch parade and bike parade and more than one Strawberry Festival. (So, if a big festival is a"palooza" does that make this weekend a "palooza-palooza"?) Of course, don't forget the summer music festival season has started too. So go get paloozapaloozing. 

It seems as if we have been in a rain spell for weeks. But this weekend it's going to be sunny and over 70, perfect weather to hop on a free, rented bike (or the one you own) and hit the ground spinning or, if you prefer two feet to two wheels, try some street fairs, family festivals, sushi and other Japanese cuisine samples (as well as concerts), burlesque shows for moms (what?, that's right) and the opening of Governor's Island. Memorial Day was last weekend--it's time to start celebrating summer! And NYC is full of activities to get you started.

The great thing about New York City's outdoor festivals is that everyone can enjoy them. At outdoor concerts, grown ups can enjoy being outdoors on a lovely day or evening, relaxing, even if the music is for kids. And, generally, kids will put up with an adult performance much better if they can run around, dance, play and picnic while you enjoy a little grown up entertainment for once. While you might not think of a classical music concert as a great kids event, it really can work. The people that are serious about listening to the music sit right up front, as you move toward the perimeter it's more about picnicking just with great music in the background.

This summer's line-up includes everything from a They Might Be Giants kids concert to the NY philharmonic to great reggae, folk and avant garde music. Seriously, something for everyone. We've rounded the free outdoor music festivals that, while not kids festivals, are the most family friendly with nice locations for picnicking and/or kid-friendly music. Also make sure to check our post on Children's Summer Music Concert Series for concerts just for kids.